Sharing the highway with large trucks can be intimidating. Tractor-trailers create barriers to visibility and have substantial blind spots. Motorists might not feel safe when a speeding 18-wheeler drives next to them.
An overweight or overloaded truck presents additional hazards. Manufacturers only design trucks to haul weights up to a specific limit. Exceeding these regulations invites mechanical failures - a tractor-trailer might handle erratically when overloaded.
Overweight or overloaded truck accidents in Roswell are serious and might cause severe injuries for the drivers of other vehicles. If you or a loved one was harmed in one of these collisions, you deserve someone to protect your rights. In most cases, a trucker, their employer, or another third party could be responsible for paying your damages. Therefore, a seasoned truck collision lawyer could be a valuable asset.
Why is Overloading a Truck Dangerous?
Big rigs are challenging to drive even when loaded properly. Their steering is sluggish, they are slow to accelerate and stop, and changing lanes or merging is hazardous because of the blind spots on all four sides. Furthermore, trucks are top-heavy and prone to rollovers. Therefore, overloading a tractor-trailer could create additional complications.
If a commercial vehicle company overloads its vehicle, a variety of issues might arise. Examples of dangerous side effects associated with overweight trucks include:
- Sluggish acceleration or ascent
- Steering distortions
- Tire blowouts
- Brake failure
- Fishtails
- Broken axels
- Rollovers
- Jackknifes
Any of these hazardous situations might cause wrecks or endanger other drivers. An experienced attorney in Roswell could investigate all the circumstances surrounding a truck accident to determine whether the vehicle was overweight or overloaded.
Establishing Liability in an Overweight Truck Collision Case
Identifying a negligent party is a critical step of any overloaded truck accident case because it could help a plaintiff maximize the damages they collect from another driver’s insurance provider. For instance, if multiple sources contributed to the collision, various parties might owe the claimant reimbursement.
In most overweight truck collision cases, the trucker will likely face responsibility, especially if they are an independent contractor. However, state laws might also hold the trucking company or the person who overloaded the commercial vehicle responsible for the crash.
An inquisitive attorney could work tirelessly to determine exactly who caused the overweight truck accident and hold them accountable for their carelessness.
How do Trucking Companies Fight Back Against Overweight Vehicle Claims?
Since trucking is such a big business, tractor-trailer companies generally fight to contain their losses. If an overloaded truck crashes, investigators and insurers hired by the commercial vehicle organization usually reach the accident scene within hours.
Insurance adjusters also get to work quickly. Sometimes representatives from a coverage provider push an injured person to settle before being released from the hospital. These quick resolutions require the injured person to sign away their right to sue and rarely offer enough reimbursement to cover the full extent of the plaintiff’s suffering.
Therefore, anyone involved in an overloaded truck accident should secure legal representation in Roswell right away. A proactive lawyer could handle communications with insurance companies or commercial vehicle corporations to negotiate a reasonable offer.
Contact an Attorney after an Overweight or Overloaded Truck Accident in Roswell
Recovering from severe injuries after suffering in a vehicle collision is an exhausting and financially taxing process. Your setbacks might require an extended hospital visit, you might miss time at work, or you could face significant expenses.
If an overloaded or overweight truck accident in Roswell caused your injuries, you should fight to hold the guilty parties responsible for their carelessness. A tenacious lawyer could help you file a lawsuit and collect the compensation you deserve. Call us today to schedule a consultation.