Every day, thousands of truck drivers fill the roads across Florida. They carry thousands of pounds of cargo to their destinations. While these large vehicles serve an incredibly valuable purpose, they can also pose a danger to others who share the road with them. The danger rises when the truck is overloaded, carrying too much weight for its rating.
If you suffered injuries in an overloaded or overweight truck accident in Miramar Beach, the experienced semi-truck collision lawyers at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon can help you move forward with a legal claim.
The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks
According to the Florida Department of Transportation guidelines, big rigs and their cargo should weigh a maximum of 80,000 pounds. These weight requirements not only help prevent damage to Florida’s roads but also significantly lower the risk of accidents. Overloaded trucks:
- Prove more difficult to handle
- Have a higher risk of tire blowouts
- Require more time to brake or turn
- May roll over more easily than properly loaded trucks, especially if weight is not distributed properly
As a result of the increased difficulty in handling overloaded vehicles, they have a greater likelihood of involvement in an accident. Overloaded trucks can also cause increased injuries to both the truck driver and other individuals involved in the crash.
Who Is Legally Responsible for Overloaded Semi-Trucks?
Often, a Miramar Beach overloaded tractor-trailer wreck claim will proceed like any other truck accident claim. At Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, we will look at several factors to determine liability, including who chose to overload the truck and who made the decision to drive it despite the excess weight. That can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The company that loaded the truck
- The company that hired the truck to move its cargo
Often, overloading a truck involves multiple parties, all of whom can bear liability for a collision that results from that lack of caution and care.
Compensation for Overweight Truck Crashes
An overweight tractor-trailer accident can involve substantial injuries, which, in addition to physical pain and suffering, can cause significant financial difficulties for the victim. In Florida, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim that will allow you to pursue compensation for those damages.
At Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon, we cannot guarantee the compensation you will recover for those damages. However, we can put together a comprehensive claim that includes compensation for all the losses you sustained due to the wreck, including your medical costs, income losses, and any pain and suffering related to the collision.
Choosing a Lawyer for Your Overloaded/Overweight Tractor-Trailer Collision Claim
When you suffer injuries in a crash with an overloaded or overweight 18-wheeler, you need a lawyer on your side who can help guide your claim and provide you with vital insight about your rights. Most insurance companies have extensive legal teams that will fight aggressively to reduce the compensation they have to pay in an accident.
Having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side increases the odds that you will recover fair compensation for your losses. Seek a lawyer who has handled heavy truck accident claims in the past, who knows the Miramar Beach court system, and who feels confident that they can help you recover fair damages and receive justice for your losses.
Contact a Miramar Beach Attorney Today to File an Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accident Claim
If you suffered injuries in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Miramar Beach, do not try to handle your claim alone. Reach out to the seasoned lawyers at Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon to learn more about your rights. We have a proven track record of success in helping injured individuals navigate the complex legal system and recover compensation. Call now for a consultation.
