Truck accidents can be more complicated than car accidents because factors can contribute to these crashes that are not present in other types of collisions. For example, a load may not have been placed in the semi-truck or trailer correctly, resulting in an overloaded accident.
If you were injured in an accident of this nature, an experienced Oklahoma City overloaded truck accident attorney from Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can meet with you to discuss the collision and how we can help. Call our OKC trucking accident lawyers today for your free consultation.
Commercial Trucks and Cargo Regulations
Commercial trucks that operate in interstate commerce must comply with various federal regulations, including:
- Weight and size limits: A fully loaded truck cannot generally weigh more than 80,000 pounds. If it exceeds this weight or has freight that extends beyond the truck’s structure, special permits are required.
- Securement devices: All systems, structures, and parts that keep cargo in place must function correctly and not contain any defects or damage. Companies that produce tie-downs and similar items must also meet manufacturing standards.
- Loading regulations: Parties responsible for loading cargo are required to follow specific rules about which type of securement devices to use, how many to use, and how to use them. These tiedowns should not release, open, loosen, or unfasten while the cargo is being transported. Cargo should also not shift or be able to fall off the truck during transport.
Who Is Legally Responsible for an Overloaded Truck Accident?
Various parties can be held responsible for overloaded truck accidents, such as:
- The truck driver: The truck driver could be held liable for exceeding the maximize weight or size limits permitted, failing to check the load periodically during the trip, driving dangerously in such a way that the cargo dislodged, or failing to use adequate securement systems.
- The trucking company: Trucking companies are responsible for the negligence of their drivers. Additionally, they can be held liable for overloaded truck accidents that result because they instructed or encouraged drivers to exceed weight limits, used outdated or defective tiedowns, failed to maintain or repair securement devices with issues, or failed to provide proper training to their drivers on relevant regulations.
- The cargo loading company: Sometimes, trucking companies outsource loading to a third-party loading company. If the cargo loading company did not perform the work correctly,
Financial Compensation You Can Recover After a Truck Accident
Oklahoma law allows you to recover economic and non-economic damages after an accident. Economic damages include direct financial losses, such as payment for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include intangible losses, such as physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, disability, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Overloaded Truck Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you suspect the accident that injured you was due to an overloaded truck, Oklahoma Injury Law Firm can help. We can investigate your case, identify all responsible parties, and fight for maximum compensation. Call (405) 310-8800Â for a free consultation.