The trucking industry, like every other business, is focused on profit. To a certain extent, an emphasis on profit is okay, however dangerous problems arise when companies decide to place profit over safety. Trucking companies often do this by disregarding trucking regulations, thus, endangering the lives of others on the road.
The most commonly overlooked and violated trucking regulation is weight limits. Trucking companies and drivers purposely ignore weight limits and overload their trucks in order to increase profit. Doing so exponentially increases the likelihood and severity of truck accidents.
Overloaded tractor-trailers are dangerous for the following reasons:
- Loss of steering control because of too much weight in the rear axle
- Mechanical parts on the truck are taxed and damaged by too much weight.
- Increased weight yields a greater chance of a tractor-trailer roll over or jack knifed truck.
- Tires can blow out due to too much weight.
- Longer stopping distance; the heavier a truck, the longer it takes for a truck to come to a stop.
Highway weigh stations are designed to monitor truck weight and fine any trucking company in violation of the regulations. The problem is too many weigh stations are closed. Furthermore, when trucking companies are found to be in violation of weight limits, they are often just fined as opposed to being required to comply. This allows trucking companies to essentially factor this fines into the cost of doing business, making the requirements meaningless.
Tractor trailers are made to haul a certain amount of weight. The Federal limit, set by law, is 80,000 pounds. When a trucker or trucking company ignores this law, they are liable for any and all harm caused by their negligence. Therefore, if you or your loved one was involved in a trucking accident, call me immediately at 1 (800) 556-4769. I will protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
As your Ohio truck accident lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.