Overloaded Trucks and the Accident Risk

An overloaded truck is especially prone to accidents. If you are involved in an accident where a trucker was driving an overloaded vehicle, seek legal help. The sooner you contact a Tulsa truck accident lawyer the higher the likelihood they will be able to gather the facts and evidence that will ultimately allow you to hold the truck driver, or another liable party, responsible for your crash-related losses.

How common are overloaded truck accidents?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the number of fatal large-truck accidents reported in the United States rose 49% in a recent 10-year period. Thousands of truck accidents are reported across the country annually. Many of these occur due to preventable issues, including improper vehicle loading.

What are the dangers of overloaded trucks on the road?

There are countless ways a trucking accident can occur, and many of the most obvious center around the driver failing to do something he should do, or doing something he shouldn’t do, while behind the wheel. Some common examples are improper lane changes, distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding. Some wrecks stem from activities that take place long before a tractor-trailer is ever put into motion, including improper maintenance and improperly loaded trucks. An experienced truck accident attorney knows that if a truck is loaded above its capacity, many problems can arise that put you and other motorists in danger. Problems associated with overloaded trucks include:

Greater stopping distance

Consider this: you’re driving your car on the highway when a vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. This prompts you to pump your brakes and, hopefully, stop in enough time to prevent your vehicle from slamming into the one directly in front of you. When it comes to large trucks, the stopping distance is far greater than for cars.

If a tractor-trailer is overloaded, the driver will need even more time to bring their vehicle to a complete stop. In many instances, the increased weight is not accounted for by the driver by increasing their following distance, resulting in a lack of time to stop before rear-ending a vehicle in front of them.

Limited maneuverability

It is more difficult to maneuver an overloaded truck than a properly loaded one. This often becomes apparent when a trucker is turning or needs to make a sudden maneuver.

With limited mobility, an overloaded truck may be susceptible to rollovers and tipovers. If such an accident occurs, the results can be fatal.

Higher center of gravity

The vehicle’s center of gravity rises when weight is added to a truck. Thus, the vehicle could roll or tip over if a trucker makes a sharp maneuver.

Increased wear and tear on the tires

Extra weight puts additional pressure on a truck’s tires. As an overloaded truck travels at a high speed for an extended period, its tires will experience increased wear than if the vehicle was properly weighted and loaded. Increased wear and tear can cause tires to blow out, oftentimes leading the truck driver to lose control of a multi-ton vehicle traveling at highway speeds.

Elevated risk of brake failure

There is a direct correlation between a truck’s weight and the performance of the vehicle’s brakes. If a truck is overloaded, the vehicle’s weight puts additional strain on the brakes. In what is likely one of the worst-case scenarios, a truck’s brakes can overheat and stop working altogether.

If a truck crash occurs as a result of any of these reasons, you should consult with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Even if you act within a few days you may already be at a disadvantage as many trucking companies and their insurers have emergency response teams made up of their defense lawyers who will arrive at the scene within hours of a collision taking place.

What are the load regulations for trucks in Tulsa?

The City of Tulsa requires an oversize/overweight load permit for certain vehicles to travel on city streets. This permit is required for vehicles that are:

• At least 16 feet high;
• Over 110 feet long; or
• Over 90,000 lbs.

Per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Oklahoma also has the following truck weight restrictions:

• Single-Axle: 20,000 lbs.
• Tandem-Axle: 34,000 lbs.
• Gross Weight: 80,000 lbs.

It is the responsibility of a truck driver and their employer to verify a vehicle’s weight. As such, either party can be liable if an overloaded truck accident occurs. Along with a trucker and their employer, other parties can also be responsible for an overloaded vehicle collision.

Who is liable if a truck is improperly loaded?

One or more parties can be liable if a truck is not loaded correctly. In addition to a trucker or their employer, liable parties can include:

• Cargo loader
• Truck manufacturer
• Mechanic
• Government entity

Get started with your truck accident case

Biby Law Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers is a Tulsa personal injury law firm that values honesty, integrity and hard work. Trust our Tulsa truck accident lawyers to assist you with your case. For more information, contact our Oklahoma offices today to schedule a free, confidential consultation.