June 1, 2023
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State and federal regulations set standards for the maximum weight, length, and height of cargo transported on the nation’s roads. While plenty of items can be hauled according to these standards, some can’t. Those oversize loads must be handled according to special rules because they tend to present some unique risks.
When big rigs hauling oversize loads are involved in crashes, victims can turn to the 5-star truck accident lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers for help investigating their crash and recovery. We have helped victims and families just like you stand up to the toughest opponents and win when it matters most. No matter how complex a case may be, our truck accident attorneys will provide relentless advocacy while fighting for the best possible resolutions.
When you need help and legal advice after an 18-wheeler crash involving an oversize load, simply contact Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers.
We’re here for you, ready to help 27/4.
Any load that is larger or heavier than the maximum size and weight limits for a given road will be considered an “oversize load.” For weight, an oversize load refers to the total weight of the vehicle, rather than per-axle limits (when per axle limits are exceeded, it’s considered to be an “overweight load”).
Generally, oversize loads are items that cannot be broken down into smaller components. Some common examples of oversize loads include:
Tires, engines, brakes, and hitches are just some of the equipment that take a beating while hauling oversize loads. If that equipment isn’t properly maintained, it can fail on the roads under the stress of an oversize load. Similarly, equipment failures can occur due to design defects or manufacturing errors. Either way, truckers can lose control of big rigs, and horrific crashes can happen.
With oversize loads, more weight can rest on the rear axle, making 18-wheelers more difficult to steer. Around corners and curves, that can end up meaning a greater risk of rollovers, especially if the roads are slick, drivers are speeding, or the road slopes downward.
If truckers hauling oversize loads have to stop suddenly or swerve sharply, jackknife accidents can happen. This occurs when the trailer swings out from behind the cab, closing in towards it in the same way a jackknife closes. These crashes often end up resulting in underride accidents, multiple-vehicle wrecks, and death.
These can occur when oversize cargo falls off a trailer because it’s not properly secured or it’s sheered off as a truck travels under an overpass with low clearance. In either case, loads can fall off of tractor trailers, crashing into the vehicles behind the truck.
This and other evidence can begin to shed light on whether load-related issues — like load securement problems or overloaded trucks — may have played a role in your tractor-trailer crash. These items can also highlight when other forms of negligence may have contributed to an 18-wheeler accident.
The point here is that:
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a big rig wreck involving an oversize load, a truck accident lawyer at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can help you determine the causes and your legal options. We can also help you take the right steps to recover and protect your rights when it matters most.
Effective at identifying truck accident causes and proving liability, we know how to secure the maximum available compensation in the toughest cases, and we’re proud to provide the advocacy we would expect in your shoes.
Discover the difference our team can make in your case and recovery by contacting us today.