Federal and state law generally set the maximum gross vehicle weight for commercial trucks at no more than 80,000 pounds on highways. Truck companies can operate heavier vehicles by obtaining special permits for loads above these limits, although this does not negate liability if the excess load contributes to a crash.
Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Houston can happen when trucks dangerously exceed legal weight limits, which can lead to severe accidents and injuries. If you have been injured in this type of collision, a skilled commercial truck accident attorney could secure comprehensive compensation for your current and future losses from the responsible parties.
Heavier trucks require a significantly longer distance to stop, which makes it harder to avoid collisions. Excessive weight can put a dangerous amount of stress on a truck’s brakes, tires, and suspension, causing tire blowouts or brake failure.
The added weight can also make the vehicle more difficult to steer, increasing the risk of the truck rolling over or jackknifing. If the cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and veer out of control.
For an overloaded or overweight truck accident, liability is often shared among multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and sometimes even maintenance providers. Determining fault is crucial for securing compensation for Houston victims of overloaded or overweight truck wrecks.
A lawsuit involving an overloaded truck will often require a thorough investigation. An attorney could gather important evidence, including data from the truck’s black box, loading manifests, maintenance records, and expert analysis from accident reconstructionists, to build a thorough case for compensation.
Following a truck accident, victims can seek compensation for various losses. Recoverable economic damages can include medical bills and lost wages, while you could also claim non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future and may be awarded in rare cases involving extreme recklessness or misconduct.
This and other compensation is often pursued through an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their employer. To prove negligence and hold the truck driver or other parties responsible for compensation, the injured party must demonstrate the following:
A Houston attorney from our firm could help maximize compensation by investigating the overloaded or overweight truck crash, accurately valuing all your damages, identifying all liable parties, and aggressively negotiating with the insurance company. Our lawyers have an extensive understanding of complex trucking laws and legal procedures and could prevent you from settling for less than you deserve.
Our team could take over all communication with trucking and insurance companies in the aftermath of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Houston. Mostyn Law could negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company, ensure that all legal deadlines are met, and contest any lowball offers.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our lawyers may be prepared to litigate your case in court. Contact us today to request your free case review.
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