Truck accidents can significantly threaten public safety, especially when involving overloaded vehicles. These incidents often result in devastating consequences, leaving individuals faced with severe injuries, financial burdens, and emotional trauma. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, a Myrtle Beach overloaded truck accident lawyer can help you understand the complexities you may face with your case.
Our dedicated team of legal professionals has secured $1,011,747 in damages for an auto accident victim, demonstrating our commitment to achieving potential justice for our clients. We recognize the unique challenges of overloaded truck accidents and possess the expertise to help you through difficulties. A Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining the first step you should take.
Why Overloading a Truck Causes Crashes
Overloading a truck significantly compromises its safety and performance, increasing the likelihood of accidents on the road. A truck carrying more weight than it is designed to handle places excessive strain on critical components such as brakes, tires, and suspension systems. This added stress can lead to premature wear and tear, potentially causing catastrophic failures while the vehicle is in motion.
The increased weight also affects the truck’s stability and maneuverability, making it more susceptible to rollovers, especially when going around curves or responding to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Overloaded trucks require longer stopping distances, which can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations or when encountering unexpected obstacles on the road. The excess weight can cause tire blowouts, further compromising the driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
Overloading affects the truck’s center of gravity, making it more prone to tipping or jackknifing during sudden maneuvers or adverse weather conditions. The altered weight distribution can cause uneven wear on tires and suspension components, leading to unpredictable handling characteristics and increasing the risk of accidents. Drivers of overloaded trucks may also struggle to maintain proper speed and control, particularly when descending steep grades or navigating congested areas. A Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer from our firm has the experience and the knowledge to fight for your rights after a life-altering accident.
Damages in an Overloaded Truck Accident
Overloaded truck accidents can have long-lasting impacts on various aspects of a person’s life, including physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. The severity of damages typically depends on factors such as the speed of impact, the size of the overloaded truck, and the specific circumstances surrounding the accident. Common damages resulting from overloaded truck accidents include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement)
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (in fatal accidents)
You should seek comprehensive legal representation to ensure all potential damages are properly evaluated and pursued. An overloaded truck accident attorney in Myrtle Beach can help quantify economic and non-economic damages, working with medical experts, economists, and other professionals to build a strong case for maximum compensation. By thoroughly documenting all damages incurred and figuring out who can be sued in a truck accident case, you can increase the chances of a potentially positive outcome.
Establishing Fault for an Interstate Overweight Truck Crash
Establishing fault requires thoroughly examining evidence, including police reports, witness statements, driver logs, and maintenance records. Identifying all potentially liable parties is helpful, as multiple entities may share responsibility for the accident. Potentially liable parties in an overloaded truck accident may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck manufacturer (if a defect contributed to the accident)
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
To establish fault, you should demonstrate that the responsible party (or parties) breached their duty of care, directly leading to the accident and resulting damages you can collect after a truck accident. This may involve proving that the truck was knowingly overloaded, that proper weight checks were not conducted, or that the driver operated the vehicle negligently, given its overloaded condition. A Myrtle Beach overloaded truck accident lawyer can navigate the complexities of fault determination, gathering necessary evidence and expert testimony to build a compelling case for their client.
What Are the Legal Axle Weight Limits?
It is important to know the legal axle weight limits for commercial trucks and how they vary from state to state, with each jurisdiction setting its own regulations to ensure road safety and prevent infrastructure damage. In South Carolina, the gross weight limit for trucks is 73,280 pounds, with a single axle limit of 10,000 pounds per wheel and a double axle limit of 35,200 pounds. These limits are designed to balance the needs of the trucking industry with the safety concerns and infrastructure preservation requirements of the state.
Weight limits can differ significantly between states, creating challenges for truckers operating across multiple jurisdictions. For instance, neighboring states may have different gross weight limits or axle configurations, requiring drivers and trucking companies to carefully plan routes and adjust loads accordingly. Some states also offer special permits for overweight loads, allowing trucks to exceed standard limits under specific conditions and with additional safety precautions.
Understanding and adhering to these weight limits is crucial for trucking companies and drivers to maintain compliance and ensure road safety. Violations of weight limits not only pose significant safety risks but can also result in hefty fines, penalties, and potential legal consequences in the event of an accident. Trucking companies must implement rigorous weight management systems and properly train their drivers to ensure compliance with varying state regulations.
Reach Out to a Myrtle Beach Overloaded Truck Accident Attorney
A Myrtle Beach overloaded truck accident attorney operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose when you work with our team. We cannot guarantee the outcome, but we promise we will do our best to get the most out of your case.
Let an overloaded truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach put their expertise to work for you. We will fight for justice and potential fair compensation while you focus on your recovery and healing. Contact Shelly Leeke Law today to start with a free consultation, and we will see how and if we can help you based on your circumstances.
