Trucking companies in Roswell must be careful to avoid overloading their trucks. If an oversized load exists, it can lead to serious accidents and injuries. After an accident caused by an oversized load on a truck, our Roswell lawyers can help.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping accident victims. We know how to “Strong Arm” the insurance companies for what you deserve. We also don’t collect a fee unless we win you compensation.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation. We are available 24/7 to take your call and help you get started.
What an Oversized Load Means
Oversized loads happen when someone adds too much to a commercial truck. A load might be too heavy or too long or wide to fit on the vehicle correctly. Either way, an oversized load can be hazardous to everyone on the road.
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Regulations for Truck Loads
All trucking companies must pay attention to their vehicles’ Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS), the GVWR is defined as the total vehicle of a truck, including the weights of:
- The vehicle
- Occupants
- Cargo
- Fluids
- Fuel
The vehicle manufacturer sets the GVWR, and trucking companies shouldn’t ignore it. Commercial vehicles (used for business) have a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more. If a vehicle goes over that amount, it can be very dangerous. That includes the following vehicles:
- Passenger vehicles that carry over 15 people
- Trucks and vans
- Trucks pulling trailers or other equipment
- Vehicles that carry hazardous items for business reasons
How Oversized Loads Lead to Accidents
It’s difficult for truckers to drive safely when they have a too-big load. Common problems related to large loads include:
- Larger stopping distance: A truck with a large load takes much longer to fully stop. If a driver isn’t prepared for this, they can rear-end other vehicles or cause a pile-up. A driver also cannot quickly respond to hazards that come out of nowhere.
- Bigger heights: Some oversized loads are too tall for safe travel. Commercial trucks are already much taller than the average vehicle. If a truck goes under a bridge, it can cause an accident by hitting the structure.
- Loss of vehicle control: Oversized loads make it very hard for drivers to keep control of their vehicles. A trucker might lose control of their truck, causing a rollover or other accident.
Some oversized loads contain hazardous materials. If the cargo falls onto the road, it can cause additional injuries to everyone nearby. The cargo might fall onto other drivers or cause a roadblock with multiple vehicles.
If you or a loved one were victims of this type of accident, get help today. These accident cases are complicated, and you’ll probably need a professional opinion. An experienced Roswell oversized loads accident lawyer can help.
Call John Foy & Associates to get a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss the details of your accident and your legal options. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
What to Do After an Oversized Load Accident
After an accident involving an oversized load, you have rights. You can probably file an insurance claim or lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages. To do that, you’ll need to gather evidence of your accident.
Here are some steps you can take to begin building your case.
Report the Accident
Always report an accident with injuries or at least $500 in property damage. An accident involving an overloaded truck nearly always fits these criteria.
Call 9-1-1 to report your accident to the police. When officers respond, they’ll create an accident report on the details. This is vital because it creates the first official record of your accident.
Gather Evidence
Get what proof you can from the scene. For example, take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the entire accident scene.
Look around for any eyewitnesses. Talk to those people, and ask for their contact information. Also, note any nearby traffic cameras. Your lawyer might be able to help you get video evidence of the accident.
Talk to a Lawyer
Call an oversized loads accident lawyer for a free consultation. Your attorney can examine what you’ve gathered to understand your situation. From there, they can help you start building a strong claim.
A lawyer can also help protect your rights. After the accident, the insurance company might offer a settlement. But this will always be a lowball amount. Your lawyer can start to negotiate and make sure the insurer doesn’t use anything against you.
Knowing Who’s Liable for an Oversized Loads Accident
When a too-large load leads to an accident, the trucker or trucking company is usually liable. That means those parties are legally responsible for your accident costs.
If the driver is self-employed, they might personally at-fault. But if the trucker is an employee, the trucking company is typically liable.
Trucking companies must also make sure their vehicles are safe for use. If there are faulty parts or poor maintenance, the company plus a manufacturer or maintenance company could be at fault. You’ll need to investigate the details to see where the fault lies.
Partial Fault in Oversized Load Accidents
In Georgia, more than one party can be at fault for an accident. If that’s the case for your accident, you might have multiple injury claims. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible about the details so you can get started today.
Talk to a Roswell Oversized Loads Accident Lawyer Today
Oversized loads can be incredibly dangerous to everyone on Roswell roads. When a load leads to an accident, the results are often catastrophic. After this type of accident, contact a lawyer to discuss the details.
At John Foy & Associates, we know what it takes to build cases. With over 20 years of experience, we have helped many clients obtain compensation for serious truck accidents. Plus, we will not collect a fee unless we win you a financial recovery.
Call our team at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a free consultation today.
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