Accidents involving overloaded or overweight trucks can have devastating consequences for the victims. Unfortunately, determining liability in these cases can be extremely complicated, as there are often multiple parties who are legally responsible when this type of accident occurs.
Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Goodlettsville are often entirely preventable incidents, typically caused by a negligent individual or company. An experienced truck crash attorney can build a case against the liable parties and navigate the complex legal process on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
As the dominant personal injury firm in Nashville, our team at Ponce Law will work on your behalf to aggressively pursue justice and full financial compensation from all liable parties.
Excess weight on a commercial truck can significantly diminish elements such as braking ability or lead to a blown tire, increasing the risk of a serious accident. If the driver loses control, an overloaded or overweight truck could easily jackknife, rear-end, or T-bone another vehicle. To help prevent such accidents, the gross weight of a commercial truck should not exceed 80,000 pounds.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles comply with these limitations, and failure to do so can constitute negligence. Weight-related truck accidents in Goodlettsville can almost always be avoided when drivers and companies follow proper safety standards and federal regulations.
Truck companies must maintain and inspect their vehicles, ensure that they adhere to proper hiring and training procedures, and take steps to manage their fleet— including the weight of their trucks. Truck drivers can also be held liable for negligence in road accidents, such as when they knowingly overload the vehicle or otherwise violate regulations.
The truck driver may also be liable in an overloaded or overweight collision if they failed to operate the commercial vehicle with reasonable care to avoid an accident. Reckless driving behaviors—such as speeding, overly fast turns, improper lane changes, or failing to stop at an intersection—can increase the chances of the overloaded truck being involved in an accident.
Any individual or company responsible for physically loading the truck can also be deemed liable for injuries caused by an overweight truck crash. An experienced truck accident attorney can determine who might be at fault and build a strong case for compensation.
Overweight truck accidents in Goodlettsville are among the most catastrophic roadway collisions. Victims and their families can face serious financial fallout stemming from their injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be particularly severe and even fatal. The most common of these catastrophic injuries include:
After any accident involving a large truck, it is critical that victims seek immediate medical care for their injuries. It is also advisable to consult with an attorney at the earliest opportunity. A lawyer can navigate the complex claims process and negotiate with the insurance company while also determining the value of the claim and liability for the accident.
The final value of a personal injury claim can include compensation for the following costs:
Depending on the circumstances, you can also be entitled to compensation for loss of income, loss of future earnings, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
In the aftermath of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Goodlettsville, trucking firms and their insurance companies typically try to minimize their liability or even deny liability altogether. The insurance company may try to settle your case at an early stage—before you have finished treatment or understand the full scope of your injuries.
If you have been injured in a collision with a semi-truck, it is important that you avoid speaking with the insurance company until you have received legal guidance. A lawyer with a proven record of securing maximum compensation for these types of claims can work on your behalf—dealing with the insurance company, calculating your damages, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Call our team at Ponce Law today to learn more about your legal rights and options.
