Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Sacramento

Whether they are plying the I-5, I-80, HWY 50, or any other road in Sacramento, trucks that exceed federally mandated weight limits of 80,000 lbs pose a major hazard to other road users. While there is no specific data on overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Sacramento, statewide reports indicate that trucks with overweight violations contribute to crashes. Due to the sheer size and weight of these semi-trailers, victims often suffer catastrophic injuries and loss of life.

If you or a loved one was hurt by an 18-wheeler that was transporting way more cargo than it should have, our skilled truck accident lawyer at the Law Office of Brian H. Turner can help you explore viable ways to pursue justice. With over 50 years of experience, our attorneys will listen, meet you wherever you want, communicate with you, and prepare meticulously to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Why are Overloaded Trucks Dangerous?

When a semi-trailer transports excessive cargo volumes, it not only takes a significant toll on the vehicle via rapid wear and tear, but it also increases the risk of a truck crash in Sacramento. The following risks and hazards are more likely in big rigs with excess cargo:

• Trucks requiring longer stopping distances
• Increased chances of tire blowouts due to the additional pressure
• Brake fading or failure due to the extra load: trucks’ brakes stop functioning optimally when they have to stop way more than they were meant for
• Increased risks of rollovers often due to the top-heavy cargo loading and higher center of gravity
• Cargo can shift or fall off, causing loss of steering control, jackknifing, or rollovers
• Loss of vehicular control due to the mechanical components giving way under the excess weight

Additionally, due to the excess weight and huge moving force, collisions with smaller-sized or even vehicles of matching size can lead to more severe property damage, catastrophic injuries, and loss of life.

Liability in an Overweight Truck Accident Case

Identifying the parties responsible for overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Sacramento is no small feat. Liability may be shared among several entities, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loaders
• Maintenance personnel

However, other parties such as the truck part manufacturers can be liable if their components or parts failed prematurely, even with the extra load that was being conveyed. Figuring out who to hold accountable requires the expertise of an attorney, who can navigate the complexities to find who is at fault.

Filing an Injury Claim and Building a Case

Evidence is a crucial part of the case-building and injury claims process for people injured in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Sacramento. Examples of those you might require include weighing station data, loading dock footage, history of weight violations, electronic logging device data, bills of lading, truck maintenance records, and trucker logs.

Once you have all these, in addition to police reports, CCTV footage, witness statements, and other vital evidence, your attorney can build the case and file your injury claim.

Speak With a Sacramento Attorney About Your Truck Accident Claim

In pursuing compensation claims for overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Sacramento, you need a competent personal injury law firm that cares, listens to you, and is capable of fighting to the very end. You need a lawyer who can take the case to trial if the insurance companies do not make you a reasonable offer.

At the Law Office of Brian H. Turner, our attorneys can come to you wherever you are, and you will be in direct contact with our team. With us, you are a human being, not a case file. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact us to discuss your case today.