Philadelphia Overloaded Truck Accidents Lawyer
Semi-trucks are massive vehicles capable of carrying tens of thousands of pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Given the enormous payload these trucks have, they must be safely loaded. If a truck is overloaded or improperly loaded, it can significantly impact the driver’s ability to control the rig, increasing the chances of a Philadelphia truck wreck.
At MyPhillyLawyer, we represent truck accident victims, helping them recover full and fair compensation for their injuries. Our dedicated team of Philly personal injury lawyers has the dedication, experience, and tenacity required to succeed in these complex, challenging cases.
The Dangers of Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks
Semi-trucks are challenging to drive when well-maintained and appropriately loaded. They are massive, have large blind spots, make wide turns and take a long distance to stop. A fully loaded truck traveling at 64 miles per hour can take more than 600 feet to come to a safe, complete stop. This is twice the distance it would take a car going that same speed to come to a halt.
If a truck is overloaded or the load’s weight is not evenly distributed across the truck’s axels, the truck will be much harder to control. This can lead to a rear-end accident if a truck driver cannot stop in time for slowing traffic, or potentially a head-on collision if a driver loses control.
Philadelphia truck accident victims can pursue a claim for compensation based on a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence. This includes the negligent loading of the truck.
Pennsylvania Trucking Weight Restrictions
When it comes to the amount of weight that a truck is legally permitted to carry, both state and federal laws apply. Under federal law, semi-trucks are limited to 80,000 in total weight when fully loaded. In addition, there is a 20,000-pound limit per axle for a single-axle and a 34,000-pound limit on a tandem axle. Pennsylvania provides for the same total weight limit but allows for a slightly higher weight limit of 22,400 per single axle, provided the axles are spaced more than six feet apart and carrying a gross weight of 73,280 pounds or less.
How a load is distributed is also of critical importance. While no state or federal laws address the balancing of a truckload, an improperly loaded truck is just as dangerous as an overloaded truck.
Have You Been Injured in a Philadelphia Truck Crash Caused by an Overloaded Truck?
If you have recently been injured in a Philly truck crash, contact MyPhillyLawyer to speak with one of our dedicated accident lawyers today. At MyPhillyLawyer, we represent clients who have been seriously injured in all types of truck crashes, including accidents caused by overloaded trucks. Our skilled team of Philadelphia trial attorneys is comfortable both at the negotiation table and in the courtroom. We work diligently to secure a favorable settlement offers when possible but will not hesitate to take a case to trial if the insurance company is not willing to engage in fair negotiations. To learn more about how we can help you recover compensation for the injuries you have sustained, call 215-227-2727 or toll-free at (866) 352-4572.
