Tampa Overloaded Truck Accidents

Of all the causes for commercial truck accidents, overloading is one of the simplest to avoid. By law, there are specific regulations regarding the total weight and placement of cargo within the trailer. When a semi trailer is overloaded with cargo, it can cause problems like brake failure or a blown tire and result in devastating accidents and rollovers. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Tampa caused by an overloaded semi truck, contact a truck accident lawyer at the Capaz Law Firm to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries including lost wages, medical expenses, and damages for pain and suffering.

Why Overloading Causes Accidents

Semi trucks are large and move at high speeds over long distances. The more cargo a tractor trailer truck carries, the harder it is to stop and maneuver, and the more deadly it can become in an accident. That is why federal regulations set maximum amounts of cargo a truck can transport in a single load. Cargo limit regulations are intended to keep people safe by helping drivers avoid unnecessary accidents. When truck drivers do not follow those regulations, it can result in accidents and innocent victims can be killed or seriously injured.

Federal Load Limits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets safe load limits for commercial trucks. Currently, the FMCSA limits commercial semi trucks to a total weight of 80,000 pounds, with a maximum of 20,000 pounds per axle. The FMCSA’s primary mission is to prevent commercial motor vehicle and semi truck-related fatalities and injuries. Truck drivers that fail to follow these limits not only break the law, they also put everyone around them in danger.

Why Drivers Overload Trucks

It is tempting for truck drivers and trucking companies to overload their vehicles to make each trip more efficient and therefore earn more money. Overloading the trailer might not seem like a bad idea at the time; however, it can increase the likelihood of deadly accidents like rollovers and jackknife accidents.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Tampa

If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident in Tampa that was caused by an overloaded tractor trailer or commercial truck, contact the Capaz Law Firm to speak with a truck accident lawyer today. We have the experience to thoroughly investigate these types of accidents to determine who’s at fault. We will fight aggressively to hold the at-fault party accountable and get you the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. Call (813) 440-2700 for your free consultation.