Tampa Overloaded Truck Accidents

Of all the causes for semi truck accidents, overloading is one of the easiest to avoid. By law, cargo must be loaded following specific regulations regarding its total weight and placement within the trailer. When a semi tractor trailer is overloaded with cargo, it can cause serious problems like brake failure or a blown tire and result in devastating accidents like rollovers, runaways and jackknife accidents.

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Tampa caused by an overloaded truck, contact a truck accident lawyer at the Capaz Law Firm to discuss your case immediately. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries including medical expenses, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering.

Why Overloading Causes Accidents

Simply put, semi trucks are massive and move at high speeds over long distances. And the more cargo a truck carries, the harder it is to stop, the harder it is to maneuver, and the deadlier it becomes in an accident. That’s why federal regulations limit the amount of cargo a truck can carry in a single load. Cargo limits are intended to keep drivers safe by helping drivers avoid unnecessary accidents. When those regulations aren’t followed, accidents can occur and innocent victims can be seriously injured or killed.

Federal Load Limits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) determines safe load limits for semi trucks. Currently, the FMCSA limits 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–related fatalities and injuries. Truck drivers that fail to follow these limits not only violate the law, they also put everyone around them in danger. And those who are aware of the overload can be held liable for an accident. This includes the truck driver, the truck company or an inspector.

Why Drivers Overload Trucks

It is tempting for truck drivers and truck companies to overload their vehicles to make each trip more efficient and therefore save money. Adding extra weight to the semi might not seem like a bad idea at the time but the fact is that overloading increases the likelihood of deadly accidents like rollovers, runaways 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 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.

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