Required

Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Red Bank

Trucks that carry hefty loads wear out truck parts more quickly making the rig difficult to stop because of the extra velocity from additional cargo weight. Overweight trucks cause accidents with worse consequences because more weight slams into the vehicles involved in the collision.

You may wonder if it is legal for trucks to exceed the maximum 80,000 pounds, fully loaded, that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) permits. It is legal if the trucker or trucking company has secured a permit from the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Permit Office. But a permit does not improve your plight if you are involved in overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Red Bank. For that, you need a tenacious truck crash attorney.

Truck Weight Limits Tennessee Will Allow by Special Permit

Tennessee officials realize some long-distance trucks traveling through the state will exceed the 80,000-pound maximum loaded weight. Permits to exceed maximum weight are not granted lightly because overweight trucks are more dangerous to everyone sharing the road. The maximum axle weights in Tennessee are:

  • Single axle with a trailer 10 feet or less, 23,000 pounds
  • Tandem axle with a trailer 10 feet or less, 46,000 pounds
  • Triple axle group with a trailer 10 feet or less, 60,000 pounds
  • Single axle with a trailer width greater than 10 feet, 20,000 pounds
  • Tandem axle with a trailer width greater than 10 feet, 40,000 pounds

Trucks that exceed 165,000 pounds require approval by the Structures Division before TDOT will issue a permit. Once this incredible amount of weight barrels down on a smaller vehicle, catastrophic injuries are likely. Motorists injured in overweight or overloaded semi-truck collisions should contact a seasoned Red Bank lawyer to discuss seeking compensation from the trucker, trucking company, and possibly other liable parties.

Accidents Caused by Overloaded/Overweight Trucks

The danger posed by overloaded trucks is if improperly loaded, the center of gravity shifts, increasing the chances of a rollover accident. Braking is more difficult, increasing the chances of rear-end crashes. Cargo shifting in the trailer because normal restraints are inadequate for overloads can break loose and spill onto the road in the path of others.

Overweight cargo is a greater strain on a truck and its parts, such as tires. And maneuvering an overweight truck downhill is more challenging because added cargo adds to the truck’s velocity.

Any of these mistakes could mean the truck driver—and vicariously the trucking company—are negligent and responsible for compensating those injured because of an accident. Contact an aggressive attorney after an overloaded rig causes an accident with injuries in Red Bank.

Compensation After a Truck Accident in Red Bank

TDOT requires trucking companies to carry liability insurance before receiving an overweight truck permit. Tennessee also requires the trucking companies to hold the state and its employees harmless if an accident related to the overweight truck occurs. The TDOT Permit Office must be presented with an insurance certificate proving liability insurance of at least $300,000 for each claimant injured and $1,000,000 per accident. Federal insurance requirements also may apply.

Because truck accidents cause devastating injuries, recovery will be slow and expensive. Medical care often entails an initial hospital stay, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation services. Most injured parties will also have to deal with emotional distress and may be unable to work or enjoy family outings, all of which should be compensated.

A dedicated legal professional will negotiate with the trucking company for adequate compensation from the insurance company. If insurance fails to cover what the injured person lost, a lawsuit based on negligence could result in a jury awarding a comprehensive damages award.

Seek Legal Help After Overloaded/Overweight Truck Crashes in Red Bank

If your life changed in the instant it took for an overweight truck to smash into your vehicle, a capable attorney could help with the legal challenges you face. If the trucker or employer acted irresponsibly by failing to contain overloaded cargo, neglecting to secure a Tennessee permit, or skimping on truck maintenance challenged by overloads, give an experienced Red Bank lawyer a call.

Local legal professionals are adept at proving fault when you are injured in an accident. You deserve compensation from those at-fault parties. While you recuperate, diligent attorneys go to work to get justice for you and your family after overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Red Bank.

Get Help From Our Experienced Attorneys