Commercial trucks carry heavy cargo loads across city and state lines, including through Johns Creek. If a truck is improperly-loaded or something goes wrong, it can lead to an oversized loads accident.
Truck drivers and loading companies must be careful while packing up cargo. If a load is too heavy, the consequences can be severe. Other drivers, pedestrians, and anyone else can suffer serious injuries or death.
If you or a family member were injured, talk to a Johns Creek oversized loads accident lawyer. Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates can help you seek compensation for what was lost. To get a free consultation and learn more, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Oversized Loads Are Very Risky
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has regulations in place for commercial vehicles like:
- Large trucks
- Logging trucks
- School buses
- Vans
- Construction trucks
- Garbage trucks
Regulations include the maximum weight for vehicle loads. If a driver or company goes over the limit, they can face fines and other penalties. Plus, overweight loads can lead to serious or life-threatening accidents.
Oversized loads can lead to shifting cargo. When the truck travels, moving loads can cause rollover accidents or other issues. The driver might lose control of the vehicle, especially if they make a sharp turn.
Heavy loads can also wear down a vehicle more quickly. For example, oversized cargo can take a toll on the braking system. And if an accident does happen, a heavy load can increase the damage and injury risk. These are just a few ways that overweight cargo is really risky.
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Fines for Oversized Loads
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §32-6-27 covers the penalties for load limitations. But the fines are not very high, which can lead companies to overload vehicles anyway.
A company might decide the risk is worth the potential consequences. But putting everyone in danger is never a good idea.
If a driver, trucking company, or loading company overloads a vehicle, they are liable. You might be entitled to compensation if you were injured because of an oversized load accident.
Liability in an Oversized Load Accident
If you were hurt in this type of accident, you’ll need to know who’s at fault. In Georgia, the at-fault party in an accident is responsible for the damages. You, as the injured party, can seek compensation for losses like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Before you can seek compensation, you’ll need to identify who was responsible. When a crash involves a commercial vehicle, the at-fault party isn’t always obvious. Unlike many passenger vehicle accidents, it’s rarely as simple as one driver being at fault for everything.
The responsible party could be:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A loading company
- A government agency
Sometimes, more than one party is partially at fault. For example, maybe a company overloaded the vehicle’s cargo. But the truck driver failed to check for issues before taking off. Then, poor road conditions caused the truck’s load to shift while traveling.
You could have an injury claim against several parties. It’s best to contact a lawyer who can help you investigate who was at fault.
John Foy & Associates has been helping accident victims for over 20 years. We’re not intimidated by complicated oversized loads accidents. If you or a loved one were injured, contact us for a free consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Documenting and Investigating the Accident
After a commercial vehicle accident, an investigation is crucial. You will need to show that:
- There was a duty of care
- Someone breached their duty of care
- Someone’s negligence led to the oversized load accident
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident
There are ways to start documenting your accident right after it happens. Here are some actions you and family members can take to build your case.
Call the Police
Always call the police to report an accident with physical injuries, at least $500 in property damage, or both.
When an accident involves oversized loads, there are usually serious injuries and vehicle damage. Call 9-1-1 to report the accident as soon as possible.
When the police arrive, make sure they create an accident report. You will need a copy of this report for your records. An oversized loads accident lawyer can help you obtain it.
Take Pictures
Use your phone or a camera to take pictures and videos of the scene. If you can tell the truck was overloaded, snap photos as proof. Picture evidence can be really helpful for preserving the scene.
Talk to Witnesses
Did anyone else see your accident happen? If so, talk to them. Ask for their names and contact information. Your lawyer can contact these people later for supportive statements.
Save Evidence of Your Damages
Keep track of all costs you have from the accident. Save every medical bill, medication receipt, and other evidence of what you’ve paid. You will need this documentation as proof for your claim.
Call a Johns Creek Oversized Loads Accident Lawyer
Truck accident claims are complicated. Often, they require experts to show what happened and who was at fault. It’s best to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
At the very least, schedule a free consultation to discuss the details. A lawyer can determine what you need to do to move forward. They can also help you set a timeline so that you don’t miss the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is two years in most cases, but it can be shorter in some situations.
Talk to a Johns Creek Oversized Loads Accident Lawyer Today
Oversized load accidents often create serious injuries and other damages. If you or a loved one were a victim, don’t wait to seek legal help. You could be entitled to full compensation, but you don’t have unlimited time.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help you stay on track. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to build strong injury claims. Plus, our lawyers don’t collect a fee unless we win you money.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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