Dangers of an Overloaded or Overweight Truck
Nashville Truck Accident Attorney on Violations of Semi Weight Restrictions
Semi trucks, 18 wheelers and tractor trailers can present a great danger to everyone on Tennessee roads and highways. Due to their sheer size, trucking companies and their drivers must follow all trucking regulations to help minimize accident and injury risks to the public. However, when these regulations and other trucking laws are violated, our law firm has seen how an overweight truck can cause devastating injuries and death to those in nearby vehicles.
Immediately after an overweight or overloaded truck accident, and after receiving any necessary medical attention, truck accident victims need to contact an attorney. The truck company will already be sending its legal representation and insurance agents to the scene of the accident. Victims must act quickly to have their own attorney to ensure all evidence is preserved.
Nashville truck accident attorney Stanley A. Davis has been handling these cases for over 15 years, and he knows exactly what to do to demand evidence be saved and begin an investigation into the causes of the accident to uphold your legal rights.
What are the Laws About Overweight Trucks?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, imposes rules and regulations for the trucking industry. Commercial trucks cannot carry loads exceeding 80,000 pounds. However, truck companies and truckers may push these limits or violate loading truck safety rules to cut costs and avoid having to drive a second truck to make a delivery.
When a truck is overweight, braking is more difficult, the risk of rollover increases and tire blowouts are more common. Truck accidents caused by overweight or overloaded cargo are preventable and should never occur. The weight limit trucking laws are in place for a reason: overweight trucks tipping over or otherwise causing collisions to present a real danger to all motorists on the road.
What to Do If You Have Been Hit by an Overweight Truck
After a truck crash, make sure emergency services are called and medical attention is given to anyone in need. As soon as you are able, contact a local truck accident attorney. If you are unable to do so yourself, have a close relative or friend call a lawyer on your behalf.
The truck company and its insurance carrier will be on the scene of the accident right away. It is important to have your own attorney who can demand all evidence be preserved and conduct an independent investigation.
Possible evidence you may need to preserve in a truck accidents includes the:
- Semi truck itself
- Tires
- Skid marks on the road
- Log books
- Electronic databases
- Tractor-trailer cargo
Without an attorney contacting the truck company to make this legal demand, essential evidence may be destroyed or go missing.
Your truck accident attorney will have an independent investigator to examine the scene, help reconstruct the accident and determine fault. This includes, but is not limited to, investigating the weight of the truck at the time of impact and whether this was a cause or contributing factor in the truck accident.
Nashville Truck Accident Attorney Representing Residents and Out-of-State Visitors
If you or someone you care about has been in a Nashville truck accident or any accident throughout Tennessee, call our office at (615) 866-3938 today to schedule a free consultation. Nashville truck accident attorney Stan Davis represents residents of Tennessee, including clients hurt in or from Goodlettsville, Madison and Mursfreesboro, as well as out-of-state visitors injured while traveling.
We take most injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you only pay attorney fees if you receive a settlement or verdict for your case. You do not need any money up front for us to investigate your truck accident.
Find out the truth of what happened and get the money you deserve for any hospital bills, property damage, lost wages or other damages the truck accident has caused. Call us now.
Your Success Is Our Success
Real Injuries. Real Recoveries.
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$300,000 Recovered Dog Bite
This 25-year-old young woman was a guest at the home of Defendants who owned a Lab/Corgi mix dog. Unknown to Plaintiff, the Defendants had previously admitted that the dog did not like people and they had to muzzle him when he goes out.
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$170,000 Settlement Truck Accident
This truck accident occurred when another truck driver hit a parked trucker who was sleeping in his sleeper cab. The trucker incurred injuries that required extensive pain management and physical therapy.
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$339,163 Verdict Rear-End Collision
A 33-year-old man was traveling on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee, on April 14, 2010. While stopped in traffic, he was rear-ended by the defendant. It was a moderate impact, and his vehicle sustained a significant amount of bumper damage.
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$240,228 Verdict Soft-Tissue Injuries
Our Nashville truck accident lawyer gained a jury verdict for a truck accident that caused soft tissue injuries. The amount was reduced by 27 percent, which accounts for the victim’s comparative fault.
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$425,000 Recovered Premises Liability
A middle-aged man sustained injuries on the premises of a retail store in Tennessee due to the defendant’s negligence. This injured man was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his neck and suffered headaches.
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$300,000 Settlement Work Injury
A middle-aged man was injured by repetitive trauma during the course and scope of his employment. A trial was held in Davidson County. The insurance company doctor testified that Plaintiff’s injuries were not causally related to his work and, therefore, were not compensable.