Even if you drive carefully, the careless actions of other road users can cause you harm. When truck drivers transport cargo that exceeds weight restrictions or limits, their negligence can result in accidents that leave unsuspecting victims with serious injuries.
If you or a loved one is facing the aftermath of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Fresno, a truck accident attorney from Dunnion Law can file an insurance claim to help you recover your losses and hold the negligent parties responsible.
Large commercial trucks are integral to California’s supply chain and are a common sight on local roads, including Highway 99 and State Routes 41, 168, and 180. All semi-trailers traveling these routes are required to adhere to state and federal load limit requirements, which allow a maximum of 80,000 lbs of cargo. The load weight must be distributed across the truck’s axles to maintain balance, ensuring that the vehicle will be safe on the roads.
State and federal authorities often perform routine inspections on 18-wheelers carrying cargo. However, not all tractor-trailers can be monitored for weight compliance, which is why some truckers may exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 80,000 lbs and overload their trailers.
Failure to comply with these weight limit requirements can result in penalties. If a truck causes an accident in Fresno because of the excess weight, that violation can be used to help assign liability.
While fault often defaults to the truck driver, there may be other parties that can be held responsible for a Fresno overloaded or overweight truck accident. Examples may include the trucking company, cargo-loading personnel, other road users, commercial vehicle part manufacturers, and maintenance workers.
The trucking company’s management may be held liable for encouraging the driver to carry excess weight, failing to provide adequate training, poor supervision, or encouraging the driver to work f beyond the federally mandated hours of service.
A seasoned lawyer can investigate the cause of the crash to identify liable parties and help you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries or losses.
Depending on the circumstances of the overloaded/overweight truck wreck in Fresno and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to recover the following:
If the court finds that the driver committed egregious actions, such as tailgating or engaging in road rage, punitive damages may also be available.
Another vehicle can collide with you even when you are adhering to safe driving practices and following the rules of the road. When that vehicle is an overloaded or overweight truck, the impact can be especially damaging.
At Dunnion Law, we understand that overweight/overloaded truck accidents in Fresno can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. We can draw on our more than 50 years of experience to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your case today.
