Over-weighted trucks pose a safety hazard to all drivers on the road. Each year thousands of motorists are severely injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks. Many of those truck accidents involved a truck that was carrying a load that was dangerously too heavy. If you were injured in an accident involving a truck in the Denver area or anywhere in Colorado, retaining a Denver personal injury attorney is in your best interest.
Why Over-Weighted Trucks Are Dangerous
Driving an over-weighted truck is a bad move not only for the driver, but for the trucking company, who can be held liable should an accident occur. The potential dangers of driving an over-weighted truck include:
- Tires bursting under the excess weight;
- Increased likelihood or rolling over;
- The increased weight can cause bridge or overpass collapse;
- Steering difficulties caused by a shift in the weight;
- Added stress on the brakes, which could cause brake failure;
- Longer stopping distance required, which could present a danger to other motorists should the driver need to stop suddenly;
- Over-weighted trucks travel dangerously fast when going downhill and may become difficult to control.
Trucking Laws
Federal and state trucking laws regulate the weight that commercial trucks may safely carry, the weight of the load, the combined weight of the truck and load, the maximum weight to be on each axle and the maximum weight to be on the truck’s tires. The distribution of the weight is also to be taken into consideration when loading a truck. The truck industry is bound by these rules and regulations. Those within the industry who fail to comply can face serious consequences. When you’re injured in a truck accident, your Denver personal injury attorney will examine all of the events pertaining to your accident to see if there was any negligence on the part of the driver and the trucking company, as well as any equipment defects that could make the truck manufacturer liable as well.
How Can an Attorney Help?
The attorneys at Denver-based O’Connell Law Firm, P.C. bring 40 years of experience handling cases involving large trucks. Getting you the maximum compensation possible for your injuries as the result of an accident is a priority for these qualified Denver personal injury attorneys. If you want an attorney with a strong understanding of the unique legal strategies involved in all types of motor vehicle accident cases and extensive knowledge of truck company regulations, truck safety requirements and truck driver training, requirements and regulations, you can’t go wrong with the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C.
Time is always of the essence in any type of accident situation. Truck accidents are no exception. You should contact the law offices O’Connell Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation as soon after your accident as possible so one of their attorneys can begin working to build a solid case. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, loss of wages, future medical treatment, treatment for emotional and mental distress and any other economic hardships resulting from your injuries.
