Houston Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney
Semi trucks are extremely heavy vehicles that can be dangerous, especially in certain situations. These trucks can weigh as much as 40 tons and if they are overloaded, they can be very difficult to operate. As a result, they can cause a significant amount of damage in an accident. We have a Houston overloaded truck accident attorney who can help you with the complexities involved in these types of accidents.
Why Do Overloaded Trucks Increase Accident Risk?
Vehicles of this size and weight are harder to operate. That’s why there are federal regulations in place. Cargo needs to be properly distributed on the truck. It must also be secured so that it doesn’t fall off while the truck is in motion. Overloading also increases the risk of the truck jackknifing, rolling over, or suffering from tire failure. There is also the possibility that the truck driver could lose control of the truck while performing basic driving maneuvers such as braking or changing lanes.
Who is Liable in These Crashes?
When an overloaded truck causes an accident, who can be held liable? There are several possibilities:
- Truck driver. Truck drivers have a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is inspecting the truck before taking off to ensure that the cargo was properly loaded. If the cargo shifts or falls off the truck, and this contributes to an accident, then the trucker could be partially liable for the crash.
- Trucking company. While a truck driver may be somewhat responsible for an overloaded truck, trucking companies are ultimately responsible for the drivers they hire. They are also liable for overloaded trucks, since that is something they should be inspected before allowing truck drivers to start their routes.
- Cargo loader. The cargo loader may be an employee for the trucking company or they may be a contractor. In any case, they need to be aware of state and federal regulations when it comes to loading cargo. They must be aware of proper loading techniques and ensure that cargo is not overloaded. Otherwise, if an accident occurs, they can be held liable for any damages.
Regardless of liability, if you have been involved in a truck accident, you need to act quickly. Spoliation of evidence is a common problem in truck crash cases. Trucking companies will often hide or even destroy evidence to avoid being held liable. Hire a lawyer immediately after the accident so that they can send the trucking company a letter to keep it from tampering with evidence.
Contact a Houston Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney Today
Overloaded trucks are extremely dangerous. They can cause serious accidents and handling the aftermath can be highly complex.
The West Law Office can help you with your truck accident. If you suffered damages due to an overloaded truck, contact us as soon as possible so we can assess your case and hold the liable parties responsible. Schedule a free consultation with a Houston overloaded truck accident attorney by calling 281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.
