When a truck operator or truck company acts negligently by overloading their vehicle and an accident occurs, the result can be devastating. To counter the potential for severe accidents due to overloaded trucks, the government has placed strict regulations for Lafayette overweight trucks. If you or a loved one suffered a severe injury because a truck driver or trucking company acted carelessly, consider reaching out to a dedicated overweight truck accident attorney. They could review the factors surrounding the accident and work to demonstrate how the truck driver operated in a negligent manner.
Defining an Overweight Truck
The state laws regulating trucks are found in the regulations outlined by the Louisiana Department of Transportation. These stipulations generally apply to all trucks, vehicles, and loads on the state’s roadway. Typically, the permissible weight of a truck depends upon the number of axles and wheels the vehicle is equipped with. 50,000 pounds is the general maximum weight of a truck in Lafayette. However, through the Department of Transportation, a person can get overweight truck permits for particular jobs. The department of transportation has also placed safety requirements and other qualifications on those permits. In terms of federal limits, the maximum weight of a truck involved in interstate commerce is 80,000 pounds.
Some overweight truck cases can become complicated when a vehicle is carrying too much cargo but technically meets the acceptable standards of weight. In other words, a trailer might not be designed to carry the maximum weight allowed by law, so while the truck may be under the maximum weight, the truck driver could still encounter problems on the road. For example, an excessive trailer weight could result in issues navigating the trailer or may cause tires to burst.
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Maintaining Compliance
Truck drivers and the company should be able to assure that their vehicle is at adequate weight by knowing the base weight of the truck as well as the weight of the cargo. That should be easily determined. There are weigh stations on roads, so trucking companies should be alerted relatively quickly if their truck is overweight. Pre-trip inspections are required under the Federal Motor Carrier Act, and truck drivers are supposed to test the tires and other mechanical parts before the truck takes off. If they see that their tires are not able to handle the load, that may be a tip-off that the truck is overweight.
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Other Dangers of Operating an Overweight Truck
Driving a truck that is overweight can easily cause an accident. The vehicle could experience unexpected mechanical errors or failures due to the weight exceeding its safety standards. Furthermore, it could take the truck longer to execute a complete stop with an increased weight. This could prove significantly dangerous when a truck driver needs to slow down quickly and avoid a collision, which is why it is important to observe regulations for Lafayette overweight trucks.
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Learning More About Regulations on Overweight Trucks in Lafayette
A reckless truck driver may be at fault following a collision with an overweight truck. Depending upon the circumstances of your case, a knowledgeable attorney who understands the regulations for Lafayette overweight trucks could help file a claim for damages. Call and schedule an appointment today.
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