On the roadways, commercial trucks can cause disastrous damage in the event they collide with or have cargo collide with passenger vehicles due to overloading. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we are ready to help if you or a loved one have been injured due to the negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company. Our Philadelphia truck accident attorneys are prepared to work on your case in order to hold the negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Are There Regulations for Overloading?
Due to regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the maximum capacity for large commercial trucks before being overloaded would be at most 80,000 pounds. A greater weight for these vehicles would create numerous hazards, such as shifting or falling cargo.
Overloading a semi-truck can also place far too much stress on a truck’s tires and brakes, leading to deadly accidents. Drivers in overloaded trucks will have less vehicle control in severe weather, and they will be much more prone to rollovers and jackknifing accidents.
Common Injuries of Overloading Accidents
Large truck accidents have a significant impact on the citizens of the Commonwealth, according to the data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. With the latest reporting year of data, there can be seen to be:
- 7,336 total heavy truck accidents
- 118 fatal heavy truck accidents
The families of those killed from an overloading truck accident deserve to receive compensation for the incident involving their loved one. For those who are injured and survive a Philadelphia overloading truck accident commonly have various injuries, such as:
- Spinal cord injuries or Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Open head injuries
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Lacerations or Amputations
Any of these injuries can lead to extensive medical expenses sand leave victims in serious medical care. Expenses in these situations involve not only medical bills, but also vehicle repair and modifications, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and more.
In the aftermath of many Philadelphia overloading truck accidents, victims sustain intense emotional and physical pain and suffering from no longer being able to work or not being able to participate in the same activities after the accident.
Who is at fault in a Philadelphia overloading accident
In Pennsylvania, the party at fault for a commercial truck accident (or the insurance carrier), is usually responsible for compensation related to the incidents. In these cases, an overloading accident is often caused by:
- Increased braking distances
- Cargo being improperly secured
- Tires being blown out
- Equipment or structural failure
- Curvatures in the road
When these accidents occur, the trucking company or truck driver will likely be liable for any injuries and property damage that victims incur.
Pennsylvania operates under a comparative negligence system, which means that even those partially at-fault for the crash can still recover compensation for their losses. However, the total amount they receive will be reduced based on their percentage of fault.
Let us secure the compensation you deserve
If an overloading accident caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver or trucking company has resulted in injury for you or someone you care about, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we will thoroughly investigate the accident and work on your behalf in order to secure the compensation you are entitled to, including:
- Coverage of medical expenses due to the accident
- Recovery of lost wages from being unable to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against the company or negligent driver
When you need a Philadelphia injury lawyer , you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling 215-228-0100.