Overloading Trucks

Orlando, Florida

Sharing the road with large 18-wheelers, cruising at top speed down the Interstate can be a scary occurrence. Trying to pass or being passed by one that is obviously overloaded can be downright terrifying. Truck loads are carefully governed by state and federal regulations, but all to often are skirted by truck drivers trying to deliver more goods more quickly in order to make greater profits. Overloading a truck puts all the other drivers on the road at greater risk of being involved in a trucking accident. These drivers need to be held responsible for their actions against other innocent victims.

Truck Cargo

A large truck is defined as a vehicle of 10,000 pounds when empty. When loaded, 18-wheelers can carry 80,000 lbs without needing an oversize or overweight permit. The average passenger car is usually less than 5,000 lbs.

Loads exceeding set limits must obtain a permit and may be required to travel with a trailing vehicle when driving on the highway. Load limits are distributed by axle as follows:

• Steer axle, 12,000 lbs
• Drive axles, 34,000 lbs
• Trailer axles, 34,000 lbs

Overloading Effects

Most truck cargo loads are within the legal limits, but it is impossible to tell which vehicle might be over loaded if not properly marked. Extra weight will decrease stopping ability and may change the center of gravity, making the truck more susceptible to rollover accidents.

Over time, overloaded trucks can cause undue stress on the vehicle itself, wearing it out and making it unsafe to driver. Tires pressures may be adversely affected with the additional weight, causing greater friction on the tires, making them prone to blowouts.

Exposed cargo on overloaded trucks decreases visibility for other vehicles sharing the road. Oversize vehicles tend to travel slower, affecting the speed of traffic, forcing vehicles to go around them.

Truck Accident Litigation

Most accidents are due to a series of complex factors that are often difficult to decipher. In many cases, other parties than driver of the vehicle may bear some responsibility for any trucking accident that occurs. Some of the other responsible parties include:

• Trucking company
• Vehicle manufacturer
• Loading crew

An experienced truck accident lawyer is capable of untangling all the evidence in order to determine the responsible parties and hold them accountable in the event of an accident. If you were involved in a truck accident involving an overloaded vehicle near Orlando, please contact an attorney experienced with Florida truck accidents at Colling Gilbert Wright & Carter. We will examine every angle of your accident and work to get you the compensation you deserve.