Big rig collisions are some of the most terrifying accidents on the road today. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds can demolish a smaller passenger car and leave the occupants with serious or life-threatening injuries. It can be worse if the commercial truck is violating state laws on loading and weight requirements. Overloading is illegal under state and federal law, yet trucking companies continue to do it every day.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we have experience with overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Little Rock. We understand how trucking companies may skirt the regulations and what can happen if their drivers push the limits of their trucks and their driving ability. If you were in a commercial truck wreck, our semi-truck crash attorneys could help you get the compensation you need.
According to Arkansas Code § 27-35-203, the average big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, depending on its load. Some types of vehicles can carry less or slightly more, depending on their axle configurations. The intent of the regulations is to keep wear and tear on the roads to a minimum and provide the easiest handling for the truck.
When a truck carries a load beyond its capacity, it affects the entire vehicle. Just as when you carry too much cargo in your own pickup, an overloaded semi is hard to handle. It takes longer to stop, the center of gravity shifts, and drivers unfamiliar with the awkward load are more likely to have accidents.
In bad weather (ice, snow, or rain) in Little Rock, overloaded/overweight trucks are more likely to slip or jackknife, leading to collisions and multi-car pileups. Overloading increases the risk of accidents and injuries for everyone on the road.
In addition to the common parties potentially liable in an overweight tractor-trailer wreck, such as the driver and the driver’s employer, you may have a legal claim against other entities. These may include:
After a Little Rock overloaded/overweight semi-truck crash, it is essential that you collect as much evidence at the scene as possible. Your attorney will need the driver’s name, employer, and insurance company. You should also note the name on the trailer, in case a third party contracted the trucking company to haul freight.
After the wreck, your attorney could subpoena the trucking company for the truck’s logbook and electronic logging device. These items will provide valuable information about what the truck was carrying and whether it was overloaded at the time of the accident.
After a truck collision, you need experienced legal advice from attorneys who understand the details of truck law. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, we have experience handling overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Little Rock and could help you get the compensation you deserve after a serious accident.
If you have suffered injuries in an overweight truck crash, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We are here when you need us.
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