Overloaded Trucks Jeopardize Safety of Georgians

By Grant Law Office on July 19, 2011

Georgia large truck accidents can be devastating, but even more so when a truck’s weight exceeds legal limits. Overloaded and overweight tractor trailers are a danger to all other motorists on the road. When a truck is burdened with more weight than it can safely carry, common actions, such as turning, changing lanes, and braking, can be adversely affected. Furthermore, increased weight increases the force of any accident, making an overloaded truck accident especially destructive. Overloading a semi-truck, big rig, tractor-trailer, or 18-wheeler is common practice for trucking companies attempting to make extra profit, though it is both dangerous and illegal.

To prevent overloading, the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Freight Management and Operations department has established weight limits that apply to all commercial vehicles traveling on the Interstate Highway System. Intrastate trucks may have other weight restrictions as those are determined by the state, though most state trucking regulations coincide with federal ones. The legal weight limit of a commercial truck is 80,000 pounds, with a maximum of 20,000 pounds on a single axle. The distribution of weight, on axles and wheels, is just as important as the total weight of the truck.

Commercial truck weight limits, and speed limits, are established so that a truck driver can transport his or her cargo safely. Overloading a truck defeats the purpose of these limits and affects the truck’s and the driver’s performance, which, in turn, threatens the safety of every other motorist on the road. An overloaded truck accident may result from a number of situations, including:

• Brake failure;
• Out of control downhill speeds;
• Tire blowouts;
• Bridge or overpass collapse;
• Longer stopping distance; and
• Rollovers, due to higher center of gravity.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Georgia large truck accident as the result of an overloaded big rig, the skilled Atlanta overloaded truck accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C. can help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Truck drivers, trucking companies and/or truck loading companies can be held liable for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call us today at 404-995-3955.