The geographical location of Houston contributes to a bustling transportation industry that feeds the economy and contributes to a significant volume of commercial truck traffic on the roads. However, commercial trucks pose a significant risk to public safety when overloaded or overweight. In addition, overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Houston may lead to catastrophic injuries, emotional trauma, and costly medical bills for an injured person.
You should speak to a skilled attorney when you or a loved one suffers an injury in a truck crash. Truck wrecks fundamentally differ from typical car accidents due to the potential for more devastating injuries, other liable parties, increased insurance available, and additional evidence due to more stringent restrictions. You do not have to face tragedy or the insurance companies alone.
Understanding Overloaded Truck Crashes
An overloaded truck refers to a commercial vehicle carrying goods that exceeds the recommended weight limits set by regulatory authorities. Overweight trucks can adversely affect braking, handling, and stability, increasing the likelihood of accidents. These accidents can result in severe property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Several factors contribute to collisions from overweight trucks in Houston. Some common causes include the following:
Violation of Weight Restrictions
Truck drivers and trucking companies may intentionally exceed weight limits to transport larger loads, disregarding safety regulations.
Inadequate Cargo Distribution
Poorly distributed or improperly secured cargo can cause imbalance and compromise the stability of a truck, leading to accidents.
Negligent Cargo Loading
A failure to properly weigh and distribute cargo can result in overloading, endangering road users.
Lack of Oversight and Maintenance
Trucking companies may neglect routine inspections and maintenance, leading to heavy vehicles with faulty braking systems or worn-out tires.
Overloaded truck crashes can have devastating consequences. The excessive weight increases the impact force, magnifying the severity of accidents. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and even fatalities. An injured person may face long-term medical treatments, rehabilitation, and emotional trauma. Additionally, property damage can be extensive, impacting other vehicles, structures, and infrastructure.
Legal Options After Commercial Vehicle Wrecks
The victims of a crash involving an overweight truck in Houston need to understand their legal options to fully protect themselves from the extreme physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents incur. Seeking the assistance of a seasoned law firm specializing in truck accident cases is crucial for protecting your rights and seeking fair compensation.
An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. This may involve examining weight tickets, cargo loading records, maintenance logs, and interviewing witnesses. They will also identify liable parties. Although responsibility extends to the driver in most vehicle accidents, in commercial truck accidents, the responsible parties may also include the trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Therefore, proving negligence and liability is essential for building a solid case.
A legal representative may also need to gather and assemble additional evidence, including accident reconstruction reports, expert testimony, medical records, and financial documentation, to support the claim for compensation. This comprehensive evidence collection allows a person and their counsel to negotiate for fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In cases where the parties fail to negotiate a fair settlement, our legal team is ready to litigate the case in court and advocate for the victim’s rights before a judge and jury.
Reach Out to an Attorney for Help After Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Houston
Overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Houston present severe risks to public safety. Understanding the causes and pursuing legal recourse is crucial for seeking justice and fair compensation. By partnering with a knowledgeable law firm specializing in truck accident cases, you can receive the guidance, support, and representation needed to navigate the legal process effectively. When you suffer an injury from an overweight truck accident, do not hesitate to contact us today.