Large trucks are dangerous on Atlanta loads. If a driver or trucking company is negligent, it may lead to a severe accident. The risk is even greater if the truck has too-heavy cargo. If you’ve suffered injuries in a truck accident, our Atlanta oversized loads accident lawyers can help.
Large loads present many risks to other drivers in Atlanta. Often, the injuries and damage are catastrophic. At John Foy & Associates, we help accident victims pursue the financial recovery they deserve.
Contact us today for a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. To get your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Oversized Loads Are Dangerous in Atlanta
Semi-trucks and tractor-trailers have weight limits for a reason. When a truck’s load is too great, it leads to issues like:
- Shifting cargo during transit
- Top-heaviness of the truck
- Loss of driver control
- Slower stop and braking times
- Wearing down the truck’s brakes
Any of the above can cause a terrible truck accident. Plus, more weight increases the impact of a crash. The damage is often much worse when the involved vehicles are overloaded.
If you were the victim of an oversized load accident, you might wonder where to turn first. You have painful injuries and costs to handle. However, you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence.
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows what to do. At John Foy & Associates, we’ll help you recover your costs. To learn more, call us for a FREE consultation at (404) 400-4000.
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What an Oversized Truck Load Means
Georgia Code §32-6-20 covers vehicle weight and load restrictions in the state.
The law sets limits with both companies’ and the public’s needs in mind. Trucking companies and manufacturers want to push products as quickly as possible. At the same time, commercial trucks must be safe enough to travel on Atlanta roads.
Georgia vehicle loads must not exceed:
- Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): 80,000 pounds
- Width: eight feet, six inches
- Height: 13 feet, six inches
- Length: 100 feet
According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), the truck’s manufacturer provides the GVWR. This rating shows the truck, people, cargo, fuel, and other fluids’ total weight.
If a truck has loads above the legal limit, the driver must obtain a permit. However, there are still limits, even with a permit. The driver must also ensure they load all cargo safely. Otherwise, it can lead to an accident.
Why Oversized Loads Accidents Happen in Atlanta
Truck accidents occur for several reasons. When the crash involves an oversized load, it could be because of shifting cargo. Or, the driver might lose control of the truck because it’s too heavy.
Heavy trucks are more top-heavy than other vehicles. The top-heaviness makes a car more prone to rollover accidents.
Unfortunately, the fines for oversized loads are relatively small. Trucking companies might push the limits to move more cargo faster. They know that the repercussions are little. As a result, they put the public at risk.
The Consequences of Overloading Trucks
When a truck has an oversized load, it can lead to:
- Crashes with the underside of a bridge or overpass
- Rollover accidents
- Accidents from cargo falling into the roadway
- Collisions with other vehicles on the road
The size and weight of a large truck make a crash especially dangerous. Victims of oversized load accidents tend to suffer catastrophic injuries. They can also suffer thousands of dollars in other damages.
Oversized Load Accident Damages
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Disfigurement
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Internal organ damage
- Coma
- Amputations
- Injuries that lead to death
Victims should not bear the financial costs of an accident they did not cause. Plus, severe crashes often lead victims unable to work and earn income. If you were the victim of this type of accident, you have rights.
You can pursue compensation for your accident damages. Your damages likely include:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you could have a wrongful death case. An Atlanta oversized loads accident lawyer will help you seek compensation on behalf of your loved one.
It’s best to start building a case as soon as possible. Contact an experienced lawyer today who will help you get started. Our truck accident lawyers do not charge you unless we win your case.
How to Build an Oversized Load Accident Claim
After your accident, you’ll have to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. In most cases, the responsible party is the truck driver or their employer. However, you and your lawyer will need to investigate to know for sure.
After the accident, be sure to contact the police. When officers arrive, tell them that you suspect an oversized load led to the accident. Law enforcement might not always check the truck contents.
Preserve the accident and your damages as much possible by:
- Taking pictures of your injuries and the scene;
- Exchanging names, contact information, and insurance information with the driver;
- Getting the names and contact information of witnesses;
- Saving all bills and receipts from the accident; and
- Contacting an experienced accident lawyer.
Your lawyer will know what to do to build a strong case. Attorneys know how to gather strong evidence and fight for your rights. Your lawyer will also help negotiate if the insurance company offers less than you deserve.
Talk to an Atlanta Oversized Loads Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Oversized load accidents often cause severe injuries and damages. In many cases, people lose their lives. If you or a loved one were victims, call John Foy & Associates.
Our experienced and compassionate lawyers are here to help. We’ll build a strong injury claim for the recovery you deserve. Plus, we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
To get a FREE consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
