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Accidents involving large commercial trucks can cause catastrophic and even fatal injuries for passenger car occupants. One of the most significant factors that make truck accidents more likely is when the truck is carrying too much cargo. Overloaded trucks pose significant risks to road users, and victims of resulting accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and other losses.
If you have suffered injuries in an accident with an overloaded truck, understanding the risk factors and liability issues can help you recognize your rights when seeking compensation. Working with an experienced Michigan truck accident attorney can give you the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
Risks Associated with Overloaded Trucks
Overloaded trucks pose significant risks to other road users. When a truck is carrying too much cargo, it requires a longer distance to come to a complete stop, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. The extra weight also reduces the truck’s maneuverability, making it more difficult for the driver to navigate turns, curves, and sudden hazards.
Overloaded trucks are also more prone to tire blowouts and mechanical failures due to the increased stress on the vehicle’s components. Additionally, the excess weight causes changes in the truck’s center of gravity that make it more susceptible to rollover accidents during sharp turns or while driving on uneven surfaces.
Liability Issues in Overloaded Truck Accidents
Determining liability in overloaded truck accidents can be challenging. The following parties may be at fault:
- The truck driver has a duty to ensure that the cargo is loaded safely and does not exceed the truck’s weight limits.
- The trucking company is responsible for monitoring and enforcing proper loading practices, as well as maintaining the vehicle to ensure it can safely handle the cargo.
- The cargo loading company may bear responsibility for negligent loading practices.
- The shipper also plays a role in providing accurate weight information to the trucking company and driver.
In some cases, liability may be shared among these parties, depending on the circumstances of the accident. An experienced truck accident attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties.
Compensation for Losses in Overloaded Truck Accidents
Victims of overloaded truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for injury-related losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other associated costs. However, to recover this money, they need to prove that the at-fault party’s negligence caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the payout or deny the claim altogether. Working with a skilled personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to support your claim and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Laws and Regulations on Truck Loading
In Michigan, specific laws and regulations govern weight limits and loading practices. These rules are designed to ensure the safety of all road users and prevent accidents caused by overloaded trucks. The maximum allowable weight for a truck depends on factors such as the number of axles and the distance between them.
Trucks that exceed these limits may be subject to fines and other penalties. In the event of an accident involving an overloaded truck, a violation of these laws can be used as evidence to establish liability on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or other negligent parties. An attorney familiar with Michigan’s truck loading regulations can help an accident victim understand how these laws may apply to their case.
Injured Due to an Overloaded Truck? Contact Davis Law Center Today
Suffering injuries in an accident with an overloaded truck can alter your life in an instant. A skilled Michigan truck accident attorney can investigate the crash to determine who was liable, calculate the total value of your losses, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The team at Davis Law Center has 30 years of experience standing up for victims’ rights after truck accidents, and we are ready to help you hold any at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Michigan.
Davis Law Center: your trusted partner for personal injury accident cases. Serving Detroit, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Macon County, Wayne County, Oakland County, and all of Michigan.