Paul Catania | April 8, 2022 | Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are obligated to drive as safely as possible. Because a loaded truck weighs as much as 80,000 pounds, these vehicles are incredibly dangerous when they are not operated safely. As you might imagine, an overloaded truck is even more dangerous.
Overloaded trucks can create dangerous conditions for both drivers and fellow travelers. If you ever find yourself the victim of a truck accident — especially if negligence was involved — you should immediately call an attorney.
Overloaded Axles
Large trucks are already dangerous enough. When they don’t follow the rules set by national organizations, they become even more so. For a large truck, stopping, slowing, and turning are more difficult than for traditional vehicles.
When a truck is overloaded, it puts more stress on the axles, making conditions even more dangerous. In fact, even if the truck isn’t overloaded, the situation can become dangerous if the load is unevenly distributed.
A good rule of thumb is for the operator to place less than 90% of the total weight on the back axle. That way, no premature wear and tear or uneven handling occurs.
Increased Need for Maintenance
Frequent and proper maintenance helps a truck driver cut back on costs. But proper maintenance can also serve to keep the driver and his fellow travelers safe. Something as simple as a missed oil change can lead to engine damage and dangerous conditions.
An overloaded truck only amplifies these dangerous circumstances. Frequent, increased weight can cause the truck’s systems to wear down faster. In other words, it becomes even easier to miss maintenance and repair needs. And the safety of everyone on the road suffers as a result.
Higher Risk of Accidents
In summary, overloaded trucks are more dangerous and can cause devastating accidents. Increased loads mean increased braking time, increased weight on the axles, and increased need for maintenance.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict guidelines about how much a truck can carry.
Here are just a few of the other dangerous conditions that result from an overloaded truck:
- Reduced stopping power
- Less control in inclement weather
- Increased damage to tires
- Increased risk of rolling over in an accident
- Increased risk of the load becoming unsecured
- Increased risk of a jackknife accident
Now you know that overloaded trucks are more dangerous. And the truth is, most experienced truck drivers know this as well. Unfortunately, truck drivers are known to break these rules from time to time, especially during seasons of high shipping demand.
When to Call an Attorney After an Accident
Not every accident requires the oversight of an attorney. But if you are the victim of a trucking accident, an attorney can be a valuable asset. You should seek immediate legal guidance in any of these scenarios:
- Someone was seriously injured or died in the accident
- It’s clear that the fault lies with the truck driver
- You disagree with the police report
- Anyone involved was uninsured or unlicensed
- Your insurance company is sending mixed messages or denying your claim
An attorney can be a valuable resource as you struggle to deal with your legal, medical, and financial concerns. Even a seemingly minor collision can have devastating lifelong consequences. An experienced truck attorney can help you navigate this difficult situation and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Tampa, FL
If you’ve been injured anywhere in the Tampa Bay area and need legal help, please contact Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers. We have five convenient locations across Florida, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and Sarasota, serving clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay region.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, and surrounding areas across Florida:
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
Bank of America Plaza, 101 E Kennedy Blvd Suite 2400, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Phone: (813) 222-8545
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
146 2nd St N Suite 310-R, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
Phone: (813) 536-3527
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Cleveland St Ste. 329, Clearwater, FL 33755, United States
Phone: (813) 773-8254
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Bradenton Office
1215 Manatee Ave., Ste. 106, Bradenton, FL 34205
Phone: (813) 896-4192
Hours: 24/7
Catania & Catania Injury Lawyers – Sarasota Office
2033 Main St Ste. 514, Sarasota, FL 34237, United States
Phone: (941) 401-0141
Hours: 24/7
With more than 30 years of experience, Paul specializes in personal injury cases, auto accidents, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. As a co-founder of Catania & Catania, alongside his brother, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida and his Juris Doctor from Stetson University.
Licensed to practice in all Florida courts, including the Florida Supreme Court and federal courts, this Tampa attorney is committed to advocating for justice in the community. As seen in the AV Preeminent award.
