When a tractor-trailer is carrying too much cargo weight or is loaded improperly, the truck is at an increased risk of flipping over when turning or losing control. If you got injured in a crash with a big rig, a Chicago truck accident attorney could help you pursue compensation for your wounds and other losses.
Overloaded and improperly loaded truck accidents are more common than you might realize. With their great size and weight, a collision with a tractor-trailer can cause devastating injuries.
Federal Law Places Weight Limits on Commercial Trucks
Trucking companies used to be able to pile as much cargo as they wanted onto big rigs and drive cross-country. After many horrific crashes, Congress created the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which administers the regulations set forth in the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. The goal of the FMCSA is to prevent fatalities and injuries related to commercial motor vehicles.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), the federal weight limit is 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Violating weight limit regulations is negligence, just like speeding or reckless driving, because exceeding the weight limits is unsafe. An overweight truck exposes the truck driver and people in nearby vehicles to an unacceptable risk of harm.
What Can Happen When a Tractor-Trailer Is Over the Weight Limit or Loaded Improperly
When a tractor-trailer is over the weight limit, there are multiple safety issues. First, the heavier a vehicle is, the longer the distance it needs to slow down or stop. An excessively heavy big rig might plow into the back of cars in front of it that are slowed or stopped because of traffic or road construction. Second, an overweight truck is harder for the truck driver to control. The semi-truck could fishtail or lose control in some other manner.
If the cargo gets loaded improperly, there is an increased risk of a crash. An unbalanced load or an unsecured load could cause the tractor-trailer to fall over on its side when driving on a bend in the road or when turning. If an unsecured load shifts during transit, the commercial truck could flip over or fishtail, causing an accident that could involve nearby vehicles.
Recoverable Damages for a Truck Accident Injury Claim
If you got hurt in a truck accident that was not your fault, you might be able to seek monetary damages from the at-fault party who caused the collision. Some of the common categories of money damages in these cases include the following:
- Medical expenses to treat your wounds.
- Rehabilitation facility for specialized therapy.
- Long-term care center if you need daily assistance with medical treatments or personal care.
- Lost wages if you did not get paid when you could not work because of your injuries.
- Pain and suffering for your physical discomfort and emotional distress.
If your close relative died because of a commercial truck collision, you might be able to pursue additional compensation for the family.
Contact Our Chicago Truck Accident Attorneys
We are happy to offer a free initial consultation at no cost to you. A Chicago personal injury attorney could help you hold the at-fault party accountable for your injuries and other losses. Contact our office for help with your case.