Truck Accidents Caused by Oversized Loads
Truck accidents are often severe leaving victims with serious injuries they may have to deal with for years to come. Unfortunately, when accidents occur with trucks hauling oversized loads, injuries can be more severe or even fatal.
At Foley Law Firm, our attorneys represent those who have been injured in truck accidents caused by oversized loads in Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and neighboring areas.
Potential Hazards of Trucks Hauling Oversized Loads
Trucks hauling oversized loads have unique characteristics that can increase the risk of serious accidents. For example, trucks transporting oversized loads require a larger turning radius than other vehicles. They also require greater braking distance and oversized loads can affect center of gravity.
In addition to the nature of large trucks and oversized loads, trucking companies can contribute to hazardous conditions. Trucking companies or drivers may fail to follow federal and state regulations regarding the transportation of oversized loads. They may cut corners to meet a deadline or save on expenses, all of which can increase the risk of accidents.
Types of Accidents Caused by Oversized Loads
There are several different types of accidents caused by oversized loads. Some of the most common include:
- Rollovers: It’s important that oversized loads are properly balanced and secured. If the load isn’t balanced or secured, a rollover accident may occur.
- Tire blowouts or damage: An oversized load can place excessive weight on a truck’s tires. If the load is too heavy or the tires are damaged, old, or otherwise defective, they may lead to an accident.
- Failure to break in time: Large trucks need plenty of time to come to a stop. Adding an oversized load can make stopping times take longer. When truckers underestimate the amount of time and distance they need to stop, they may fail to break in time and cause an accident.
- Bridge and tunnel collisions: When truck drivers carrying oversized loads are unsure of the size of their load, they may try to drive under a bridge or through a tunnel that they won’t be able to clear, resulting in an accident.
- Jackknife accidents: A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a large truck is moving at a different speed than the truck’s cab. When this happens, the trailer may swing into another vehicle or object and cause an accident.
Seeking Compensation after an Accident
When a truck accident is caused by an oversized load, it’s important that injured parties are compensated for their injuries and other damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Determining fault is key when seeking damages. In an oversized load truck accident, it may be possible to recover damages from:
- The truck driver: The truck driver may be held responsible if their actions or negligence was the primary cause of the accident.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies have a responsibility to repair and maintain their trucks. If faulty brakes or other maintenance issue was the source of the accident, it may be possible to hold the trucking company at fault.
- The party who loaded or secured the oversized load: Oversized loads must be properly balanced and secured. If an oversized load was improperly loaded or secured, damages may be sought from the party responsible for loading the cargo.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by an oversized load, it’s important to speak with an attorney to get a fair settlement for your injuries. Call Foley Law Firm at (570) 342-8194 or contact us online.
