Ocala Overloaded Trailer Attorney
Semi trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause a significant amount of damage in a crash. When passenger vehicles are involved in a crash with a semi truck, the results are often catastrophic or even deadly. Many of these crashes are caused by overloading or improperly loading the truck. There are strict laws in place regarding load sizes, so if an overloaded trailer causes an accident, the trucking company and other parties can be held liable. Contact an Ocala overloaded trailer attorney to file a claim.
Florida Load Sizes and Limitations
Each state has laws in place regarding load sizes for semi trucks and trailers. For Florida, the limitations are as follows:
- Weight. The gross vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds. The limits are: 22,000 pounds on a single axle, 44,000 pounds on tandem axles, and 66,000 pounds on tridem axles. The gross weight upon any wheel supporting one end of an axle is limited to 10,500 pounds.
- Length. The length is limited to a total of 75 feet, with a 48-foot-long semi-trailer. A 53-foot-long semi-trailer is allowed, but the length from the kingpin to the rear axle must be 41 feet.
- Width: The width limit is 8 feet 6 inches, although there is a limit of 8 feet on some highways.
- Height: The height limit is 13 feet 6 inches, and only 13 feet on some highways.
An accident caused by overloading or improperly loading a truck can involve the liability of multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, loading company, and anyone else who allowed the truck to carry such a heavy load.
Consequences of Overloaded and Improperly Loaded Trucks
An overloaded or improperly loaded truck can be very dangerous and lead to the following:
- Jackknives. If there is a road hazard and the truck driver is unable to stop in time, the trailer could cause a jackknife motion. This can lead to accidents or huge obstacles in the road.
- Overturns and rollovers. The extra weight can cause the trailer to become heavy and imbalance, causing a semi truck and its cargo to tip over when turning.
- Lost loads. If improperly secured, cargo can come loose or fall off. The falling debris causes obstacles that can affect other motorists.
- Tire blowouts. Heavy cargo causes increased pressure on the truck’s tires. This can cause the tires to blow out, which means the truck driver can lose control and cause an accident.
Contact an Ocala Overloaded Trailer Attorney Today
Semi truck accidents can be catastrophic or deadly in nature. When a truck is overloaded, it becomes even more dangerous to other vehicles.
Truck accident cases are complex. There can be multiple parties involved. The personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law will aggressively pursue your case. We will look for documentation regarding the truck’s cargo and weight and hold the responsible parties liable. Call our Ocala overloaded or improperly loaded trailers attorney at (800) 373-3000 for a free consultation.
