Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Denver

The Department of Transportation states that the gross vehicle weight of trucks should not exceed 80,000 lbs or 40 tons. Colorado’s Freight Mobility & Safety Branch may issue special permits for overload or overweight freight within the state for cargo weighing more than 500,000 tons. Before they grant these permits, commercial truckers must meet specific, strict conditions.

Attempting to sidestep these conditions or transport excess cargo may lead to overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Denver, causing victims life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered devastating injuries or significant property loss due to an accident involving an obviously oversized cargo on an 18-wheeler, our truck accident attorney could help you explore your legal options and navigate the claims process.

Understanding the Legal Meaning of a Truck Overload

When a trucker moves cargo that weighs more than the acceptable maximum freight limit for personal benefit or following their employer’s instructions, it puts everyone on the road in danger. During design and manufacture, specifications ensure that trucks can withstand a certain tonnage. Therefore, if the cargo exceeds the acceptable limits, parts begin to break.

Brakes may stop working as they should, meaning stopping distances increase, and the truck may start to buckle or strain under the excess cargo. In essence, the driver or their company puts every other road user in danger just to make a few extra dollars.

This is why federal agencies penalize overload transport violations with citations, fines exceeding $10,000, or CDL suspensions for repeat offenders. Additionally, people adversely impacted by an accident caused by a Denver truck driver transporting overweight cargo may bring civil lawsuits against the errant driver and/or their employer.

Why Are Overloaded 18-Wheelers Dangerous?

Overloaded/overweight trucks in Denver pose serious hazards to other road users and can lead to devastating accidents.

The primary reason is the need for additional stopping distances. Trucks typically require the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop when traveling at highway speeds. With overweight cargo, they will need a longer stopping distance.

However, a trucker unfamiliar with the longer stopping requirements for their cargo may miscalculate and crash into other road users. Tire blowouts due to cargo overloads could also lead to loss of vehicle control and subsequent collisions.

Establishing Liability in an Overloaded Truck Crash Injury Claim

Although Denver truck drivers carrying excess cargo are directly liable for an accident if they agreed to transport it, others may also have some responsibility. This includes the trucking company, if it approved the trip, as well as the logistics company, cargo loaders, maintenance personnel, or other road users whose actions may have contributed to the crash. Once the at-fault party’s negligence is proven to have led to the accident that caused your injuries, you could bring legal action against them and pursue compensation.

Injured victims could receive compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Reduced earning capacity due to the injuries
• Rehabilitation costs

Your compensation may also cover pain and suffering, disfigurement, permanent disability, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.

Contact a Denver Lawyer Today About Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents

If people did the right thing, instances of overloaded/overweight truck accidents in Denver would be nonexistent. Therefore, when someone’s decision to carry excess cargo leads to your suffering and injuries, you have a right to hold them accountable and make them pay for their carelessness.

At Rosenthal Injury Law, our lawyer understands the nuances of overloaded 18-wheeler accidents and could fight to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to discuss your case.