Commercial transportation vehicles haul tons of cargo across the country while running for hours on end. Trucks have limitations, particularly regarding the amount of cargo they can carry without compromising the safety of their operators and other drivers on the road. If there is too much, it becomes easier to tip over and takes longer to stop before colliding with something or someone.
While overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Athens are completely preventable, some companies try to squeeze more out of their fleet. If you have been in a crash like this, the lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, could help you file a claim seeking financial compensation for your injuries. A truck crash attorney could provide guidance through the process from start to finish.
While designed for the same purpose, every make and model of commercial semi-trailer differs in how much it can carry. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) indicates the total weight a vehicle can safely handle, including the truck’s body, engine, and other components, plus the driver and other passengers, and of course, the cargo load.
The GVWR is usually calculated based on the number of axles on a truck or the shafts connecting the wheels underneath each type of motor vehicle. These are critical components for the truck’s performance because they serve several functions. They transfer power from the engine to the wheels, allowing the wheels to rotate and move the vehicle. More importantly, they distribute the weight evenly over a large area to balance it while in transit.
While having more axles allows a truck to carry more weight, the United States Department of Transportation sets the maximum GVWR at 80,000 pounds, a limit that many states, including Georgia, also use. This weight limit protects highways and bridges in Athens from the wear and tear caused by heavy trucks and prevents potentially disastrous accidents.
Truckers and transportation companies should know the exact GVWR of their vehicles. Loading an 18-wheeler beyond its limits greatly increases the risk of a crash on Athens’ roads. Too much weight puts a strain on the axles, making them more susceptible to breaking while in motion. It also makes the entire vehicle more likely to tip over when making a turn.
Either of these could result in severe damage and injuries to everyone involved. A lawyer experienced in these situations could help determine who was ultimately responsible for exceeding the vehicle’s GVWR.
Oftentimes, it is the cargo loader at the company who tries to add a little extra to a delivery. In that case, injured victims may be able to file a claim under the company’s carrier insurance policy to seek compensation. This could cover costs, including medical expenses, lost income from not working, and the mental trauma from experiencing such an event.
Federal and state weight limits, along with the vehicle’s own GVWR, are there for everyone’s safety. Exceeding these limits could lead to catastrophe.
The lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, know how to handle overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Athens and help with the legal process. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and start on your claim.
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