Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in New Orleans

Overloaded and overweight commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, pose a substantial danger to roadways. The additional weight makes it harder to operate the vehicle safely and significantly increases the risk of catastrophic collisions. They also put excess strain on roadway infrastructure, causing road damage, which can also cause overloaded/overweight truck accidents in New Orleans.

This is why federal and state laws strictly regulate the maximum weight limits for trucks, depending on their size. For more information, contact an accomplished truck accident attorney at Smiley Injury Law.

The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks

Overloaded trucks create several safety risks. Some specific risks include:

They are more likely to experience tire blowouts and brake system failure
They require more time and distance to stop, increasing the risk of crashes
The extra weight can shift the vehicle’s center of gravity, reducing its stability
Trucks already have four large blind spots, and overloaded cargo can further limit visibility
They are more challenging to control and maneuver, which makes it harder to avoid wrecks
They are more likely to damage roadways, overpasses, and bridges, leading to costly repairs

When a truck accident leads to severe injuries due to a negligent truck driver or trucking company, injured individuals have the right to pursue legal action to hold them legally accountable. An attorney knowledgeable about overloaded/overweight truck collisions in New Orleans could gather and analyze evidence to determine the cause of the accident and who may be liable.

Determining Liability

Severe traffic accidents involving trucking companies are more complex than other types of personal injury lawsuits. For example, it is often more difficult to determine liability in overloaded/overweight semi-truck accidents in New Orleans because multiple parties may be liable.

Commercial Truck Operators

The commercial truck operator could be at fault for failing to ensure the vehicle’s weight was below the maximum weight limit. A person must prove that the driver knowingly operated the overloaded vehicle and did not complete a pre-trip inspection.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies may be liable if they fail to adequately train their drivers. These companies have a legal obligation to ensure that each vehicle receives necessary maintenance and is loaded according to federal and state laws.

Cargo Shippers or Loading Companies

Third-party companies, such as cargo shippers or loading companies, may be responsible for an accident if they overload a truck or ship it. The party responsible for loading must also follow safety protocols to avoid civil liability.

Truck Manufacturers and Maintenance Companies

If a truck collision occurs due to defective parts or poor maintenance, truck manufacturers and maintenance companies may share liability. While they may not be the only defendant listed on a claim since they are not responsible for the cargo, a vehicle could contribute to the collision.

An attorney could help an individual determine who was liable for their crash and collect supporting evidence to prove liability.

Commercial Truck Cargo Loads

According to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety (LADPS), tractor-trailer owners or operators must obtain state permits if they are transporting freight or cargo that exceeds the state’s maximum weight limits.

However, even with a state-issued permit, if the additional weight causes a collision or infrastructure damage, the trucking company is still liable for any damages or losses. A New Orleans lawyer experienced in overloaded/overweight truck crashes could explain these regulations and help a person hold the responsible parties financially accountable.

Consult an Attorney About Overloaded/Overweight Truck Wrecks in New Orleans

Overloaded and overweight trucks pose significant risks to drivers and others on the road, increasing the risk of accidents that often lead to severe injuries and losses.

If you were injured in an accident due to an overloaded or overweight truck, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer skilled in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in New Orleans to discuss your case.