The federal government regulates the maximum weight of commercial trucks and other types of tractor-trailers. The amount of cargo a truck driver is permitted to carry depends on the number of axles on the vehicle.
When a semi-truck exceeds the maximum weight, the driver may have difficulty operating the vehicle and cause a collision. Overweight and overloaded truck accidents in Omaha can cause devastating injuries. If you were injured in a truck collision, reach out to one of our Omaha Truck Accident Lawyers at Berry Law.
Calculating the Weight of a Truck Before Driving on the Road
Before a driver gets on the road with a commercial truck, he or she should know the overall weight of that vehicle. Additionally, the owners, managers, and loading dock workers should also be aware of how much each truck weighs.
To calculate the total weight of a tractor-trailer, one must know how much it weighs when empty. After determining that value, the trucker can add the weight of the cargo. Truckers can also weigh their vehicles on a scale. If a truck driver notices that the vehicle is overweight, he or she should stop to unload some cargo to decrease the chances of getting into an accident.
Common Causes and Consequences of Overloaded Tractor-Trailer Wrecks
Most trucks become overweight because the loading dock workers do not pay attention to the amount of cargo they are putting in the vehicle. In other situations, the company owners or managers may force their workers to overload the trucks to reduce costs. Whether the workers overload the vehicle inadvertently or deliberately, any overweight truck can cause a large-scale accident.
When a tractor-trailer is overweight, it takes longer for the vehicle to come to a stop. If the driver does not take that into account, he or she might rear-end another driver. The overloaded vehicle might also become unbalanced and tip over when the driver makes a turn. Additionally, the extra cargo can also put a strain on the 18-wheeler, causing a mechanical failure.
Potential Injuries Following a Collision in Omaha
Any truck accident can result in severe harm, but an overweight tractor-trailer can cause life-altering injuries and damages. Due to the weight of the vehicle, the person driving the smaller car would experience a considerable amount of force. Potential injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord damage
- Severe head trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Loss of cognitive function
These types of accidents also have the potential to cause fatal injuries. Whether you are pursuing a case on behalf of yourself or a loved one, our skilled trial lawyers can help you identify the liable party and recover compensation.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Who Can be Liable for an Overweight Truck Accident?
Many people could bear liability for an overloaded semi-truck collision. The at-fault commercial vehicle driver can be liable for your injures and losses. Additionally, you could hold the person responsible for loading the vehicle and the company owner accountable for the accident. The legal team at Berry Law has experience handling these types of cases, and we are prepared to help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Ask an Attorney About Overweight/Overloaded Truck Accidents in Omaha
Although it is illegal to drive an overweight vehicle, overloaded truck accidents in Omaha continue to occur. At Berry Law, we are determined to help you get your life back on track. You’re injured, not broken. Contact our firm today to set up a free case evaluation.
