Savannah Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer
There are important state and federal regulations that aim to keep trucks from putting other drivers in too much danger. One of those regulations sets a limit on how heavy tractor-trailers can be when they are on the road.
Nevertheless, trucking companies looking to maximize their profits may try to overload trucks in an attempt to cut down on operating costs. When these reckless tactics end up causing a crash or making one worse, a Savannah overweight truck accident lawyer can help. You may be entitled to recover compensation for the injuries you suffered, and a dedicated truck accident attorney can work with you to get it.
Regulations Regarding Truck Weight in Savannah
As stated above, laws were created to avoid accidents caused by overweight trucks. The federal regulation that limits a truck’s gross vehicle weight is found at 23 C.F.R. § 658.17. These regulations limit truck weights to:
- 20,000 pounds for anyone axle;
- 34,000 pounds for tandem axles; and
- 80,000 pounds for all vehicles.
However, states can issue permits to trucks that allow them to exceed these limits. Even with these permits available, many trucking companies still overload trucks illegally. A Savannah overweight truck accident lawyer can further explain the laws and how they apply to trucking companies in the state.
How Overloaded Trucks Can Impact Crashes
Federal regulations exist to keep drivers safe. Overloaded tractor trailers endanger other drivers on the road in two different ways – by increasing the odds of an accident and by making any accident that does happen more severe than it would have been otherwise.
Overweight trucks increase the chances of an accident by reducing the control that a trucker has over their vehicle. Heavier trucks require much more room to bring to a full stop than lighter ones. Therefore, when a trucker is driving an overweight vehicle and must hit the brakes, the truck is going to travel further than they might expect.
Overweight trucks also make any accident they are involved in significantly more severe than they would have been had the truck not been overloaded. The additional weight in the truck adds even more force to the crash. This can increase the property damage and injuries that result.
Following a crash, a Savannah overweight truck accident attorney can help victims determine what compensation they may be entitled to. They can thoroughly examine the cause of the accident to determine whether the truck was overweight due to a driver or trucking company’s negligence.
A Savannah Overweight Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one were severely hurt in an overweight truck accident seeking legal representation from a Savannah overweight truck accident lawyer can be an essential step in recovering the compensation you need and deserve. An attorney with experience handling these claims knows the regulations and can use their knowledge to help you.
Reach out to a Savannah overweight truck accident lawyer for the legal help you need. Call today to schedule the consultation to learn more about your rights and options.
