Large commercial vehicles are specially designed to carry tons of cargo over long distances. These are a vital part of our economy because they are how products move from manufacturers to our stores. It is unfortunate that some trucking companies try to push their vehicles beyond acceptable capacity limits, increasing the risk of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Port Orange.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a large semi-truck, a dedicated truck accident attorney from Rue & Ziffra could help you recover financial compensation from the company to take care of yourself and your family. Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience dealing with big corporations and working to achieve a fair outcome for accident victims.
While big rigs can carry heavy loads, there are limitations depending on the vehicle’s size and specific configuration. In general, the maximum weight is measured by the number, type, and spacing of the truck’s axles, the shaft underneath the vehicle that transmits power from the engine to make the wheels turn. Each axle has a weight limit it can safely handle on its own; exceeding this limit puts stress on the mechanism and can lead to damage. The maximum weight a truck can carry, including the vehicle itself, cargo, operator, and fuel, is called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Every truck has its own GVWR, but the federal Department of Transportation sets the maximum weight at 80,000 pounds, and Florida law follows this same guideline. Regardless of the GVWR, exceeding the weight limit increases the risk of a truck collision in Port Orange because a heavier vehicle is harder to control when something goes wrong. If an axle buckles and the wheels come off, the heavy load increases the risk of jackknifing or rollover, leaving devastating damage in its wake. Victims who are hurt in these types of accidents may be able to file a claim against the company for exceeding their vehicle’s GVWR and putting everyone in danger.
Unlike other trucking crashes in Port Orange that can be attributed to driver error, the responsibility for overloading a semi-trailer could be pinned on the company. It should understand its fleet’s limitations and take appropriate steps to ensure the cargo is loaded safely. Drivers who have been injured because the company failed to take these precautions could recover compensation for their medical treatment, lost wages if they are unable to work, and the emotional distress from experiencing such a traumatic event.
Transportation companies are required to carry insurance policies for just such an occurrence, but insurers are more concerned with their bottom line than with caring for victims. The insurance adjuster may try to resolve the matter as quickly as possible by offering a settlement well below the amount a victim needs for basic medical bills.
This is where having skilled legal representation to handle the insurance company’s tactics could make the difference. Whether that is negotiating a better settlement or taking the claim to court, an attorney could work towards a fair resolution.
Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Port Orange can be avoided by following the vehicle’s specific GVWR. Still, trucking companies may try to push these limits and put you in danger.
If you have been hurt, our lawyers could represent your interests in seeking the compensation you need. Call Rue & Ziffra to set up a free consultation with a member of our team.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
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