Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Springfield

Large trucks require specially trained and licensed drivers because, even when operated correctly, these vehicles are dangerous. Unfortunately, you cannot assume that any trucker you encounter is driving responsibly. Truck drivers and trucking companies frequently violate safety laws to maximize profits, and that greatly increases the risk of truck crashes.

Many trucks on the road are loaded too heavily, making the vehicles harder to control and stop. At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, our knowledgeable attorneys represent injured victims of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Springfield and the surrounding areas. We will take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your rights and legal options.

Why Are Overweight Trucks So Dangerous?

If you drive along any major highway, you will observe weigh stations and posted weight limits for large commercial trucks. These weight limits do not exist solely to reduce road wear and tear. Ensuring a proper vehicle weight is a critical safety issue.

Overloaded or overweight trucks increase the risks of Springfield accidents in numerous ways. When a truck is too heavy or the cargo load is not distributed properly, the following problems can occur:

• The truck’s stopping time and distance increase, which can lead to rear-end collisions
• The likelihood of rollover accidents increases as trucks make turns or use cloverleaf exits
• The risk of jackknife accidents is greater when road conditions are slippery
• The excess weight can cause tire blowouts
• There is a greater risk of bridge and overpass accidents

Even when a truck’s excess weight does not cause a crash directly, a heavier vehicle can increase the severity of injuries and the likelihood of fatalities among occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Determining Liability in an Overweight Truck Accident

There are many reasons to work with a Springfield attorney after an overloaded or overweight truck crash, including the complexity of determining liability. Truck accident lawsuits often have numerous named defendants. Attorneys may take action against any or all of the following parties:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The warehouse or distributor responsible for loading the truck
• Third-party contractors with access to the cargo

During the investigation and discovery phases, a truck accident lawyer will carefully examine who had access to the truck when it was loaded and who was tasked with ensuring the truck complied with weight limits and other safety regulations. Because the interstate transportation of cargo involves many different parties, it is common for truck accident claims to have numerous defendants.

Thankfully, you do not need to manage the specifics of your claim. Our skilled legal team will handle these difficult legal questions on your behalf, leaving you free to focus on your recovery.

Call a Springfield Lawyer To Discuss Your Overloaded Truck Accident Claim

At Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC, our team is dedicated to helping clients investigate and litigate truck crash claims, including overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Springfield. We understand how devastating a truck accident can be, and we are tireless advocates for injured clients and their families.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by truck driver or trucking company negligence, it is important to understand your rights and legal options. Contact our office today to request a free consultation with one of our experienced and caring attorneys.