South Carolina Trucking Accidents Caused by Overloaded Trucks

Under the most perfect of circumstances when a large, commercial truck is in top mechanical working order, the driver is properly trained, sober, fresh and well rested, and the weather is clear they still pose a tremendous hazard to the smaller, passenger vehicles on the road. Imagine then, what happens when these already massive trucks are overweight or overloaded. While large commercial trucks are designed to haul heavy loads, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has instituted rules to limit the weight of commercial trucks on our roadways. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the weight limit for a commercial truck based on the size, the number of axles, the frame brakes and suspension of a truck. Truck drivers and commercial trucking companies are obliged to comply with the GVWR, but many simply ignore the rules because they ultimately limit the profit potential of every run. But when trucks ride overweight, overloaded or improperly loaded, an accident is almost inevitable.

How overweight or overloaded trucks cause accidents

There are many ways in which an overloaded truck can cause accidents both on the highway and local roads:

• The heavy weight causes the truck to travel too fast down steep inclines
• An overweight truck travels up a hill very slowly causing a hazard on the roadway for other vehicles
• Overloaded trucks cause tremendous wear and tear to roads, bridges and overpasses
• Overweight trucks are in greater danger of rollover
• Excess weight can cause tires to blowout
• Excess weight can wear down brakes

When truck fleet operators and truck drivers ignore federal and South Carolina weight regulations, and they make the choice to drive a truck that they know is overweight this can be seen as negligent behavior. Yes, there are weigh stations along the highway to make sure that trucks are compliant with weight limits, but if a truck weighs in overweight, the driver will receive a fine and be sent on their way.

If an overweight truck causes an accident with property damage, injuries or fatalities, the driver, the trucking company and any others responsible can be held liable. Those who are injured may be able to file a lawsuit to recover financial damages, and family members who have lost loved ones in a truck accident may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for their losses.

Large, commercial trucks play a vital role in the economy of the United States. Large trucks carry a large majority of the goods that we as Americans purchase and consume on a daily basis. When trucking companies and truck drivers follow the law with regard to weight limits for trucks, speed maintenance and hours of service it will increase safety in the road for all drivers.

Accidents caused by overloaded trucks can do significant damage to your vehicle, and cause significant injuries. If you have suffered an injury in a truck crash, you may contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, and schedule a free case evaluation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can help you get your life back on track. Please fill out our contact form today or call 888.302. 7546 to find out more from an experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney.