Dangers of Overloaded Trucks
October 29, 2024 | Truck Accidents
Large commercial vehicles can pose great danger to other drivers. Commercial trucks, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, can be dangerous even under the best conditions.
When these trucks are overloaded, the hazards increase significantly. Overloaded trucks may violate federal and state regulations. When trucking or cargo companies ignore these limits, the consequences can be devastating.
Why Are Overloaded Trucks So Dangerous?
Large trucks are hazardous even when they follow safety regulations. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, in 2021, there were 5,904 large trucks involved in fatal accidents on roadways throughout the country. This represents an 18-percent increase in fatal crashes from the previous year.
The sheer size and weight of these trucks make them difficult to maneuver. Large trucks present danger because they have difficulty making wide turns. These trucks are also subject to blind spots and have increased stopping distance. When a truck is overloaded, it becomes even more of a threat.
An overloaded truck can cause or contribute to an accident in several ways:
- Strained axles: Too much weight can make the truck harder to control.
- Poor weather conditions: Excess weight reduces control in rain or wind.
- Reduced stopping power: A heavier truck takes longer to stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Tire blowouts: Overloaded trucks put excessive pressure on tires, leading to blowouts.
- Imbalanced loads: Poor weight distribution increased the risk of rollover accidents.
- Jackknife accidents: An overloaded trailer is more likely to swing outward, causing the truck to jackknife.
- Lost cargo: Improperly secured cargo can fall off, leading to road hazards or accidents.
Managing an overloaded truck is very difficult. The extra weight increases the risk of catastrophic accidents. When a truck flips over, or the driver is unable to stop in time, nearby vehicles and pedestrians are vulnerable.
Large commercial trucks are a common sight on highways in Phoenix. This can be a serious safety concern. When a trucking company or other responsible party overloads a truck, the risk of disaster grows exponentially.
Arizona’s Legal Load Limits for Trucks
In Arizona, trucking companies must follow both federal and state regulations for truck weight and cargo loads. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict limits for commercial trucks. These limits are designed to protect public safety.
According to FMCSA regulations:
- Single-axle trucks are limited to 20,000 pounds
- Tandem-axle trucks cannot exceed 34,000 pounds
- The maximum gross vehicle weight, including the load, is 80,000 pounds
The FMCSA also enforces cargo securement rules to prevent accidents caused by shifting or falling cargo.
There may be exceptions for certain vehicles like fire trucks, buses, and motor homes. These vehicles may be allowed to carry more weight under special circumstances.
When trucking companies violate these regulations, they can face legal penalties. More importantly, if an overloaded truck causes an accident, the company can be held liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
Filing a Claim After an Overloaded Truck Accident in Phoenix
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an overloaded truck in Phoenix, you may have legal grounds for a claim. Overloading a truck is a serious breach of the company’s duty to operate safely. A Phoenix truck accident attorney can help you investigate the cause of your accident. We can help determine if overloading was a factor.
When a truck exceeds its legal load limit, the truck company, cargo company, or loaders could be held responsible. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and even your pain and suffering.
Contact the Arizona Truck Accident Lawyers at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix truck accident attorneys at Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
3200 N Central Ave Suite 1100, Phoenix, AZ 85012
(602) 600-9000