Can The Weight of a Large Truck Cause an Accident?
Large commercial truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. One is how heavy they are. While large trucks that are properly loaded can still cause catastrophic damage to other vehicles in a crash, overloaded trucks can both cause cataclysmic harm as well as be the reason that a truck accident takes place.
Trucks are ever-present, driving in and through the state of New Jersey. Some of the most notable New Jersey truck routes include the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 78, and Interstate 80, to name a few. So, if you are driving in New Jersey, there is a good likelihood that you will be traveling near large commercial trucks.
If you are in a truck accident in New Jersey, then it is likely the extent of your damages is considerable. Ensuring you are treated fairly and get the highest possible amount from your truck accident injury claim is imperative. To do so, you will have to not only prove the damages you suffered but also show that there was negligence. An improperly loaded or overweight truck can be the negligent action that led to your accident.
For assistance with a truck accident injury claim, the South Jersey truck accident attorney at Monaco Law, PC, is prepared to help you obtain the full amount of compensation you are owed for all of the damages you sustained.
How The Weight of a Truck Can Cause an Accident
A typical passenger car can weigh approximately 3,000-4,000 pounds. By contrast, a truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. When a much smaller passenger vehicle and a massive commercial truck collide, the force and size of the truck can inflict considerable destruction and harm to the smaller vehicle and the passengers inside.
Both federal and state laws restrict the weight of large trucks for safety reasons. To ensure that trucks comply with regulations and laws, weighing stations are used on highways.
Still, even with these rules in place, companies that load commercial trucks could unwittingly or intentionally overload and improperly load cargo. As a result, the truck becomes even more dangerous for others when it hits the road.
The reason why the loading of a truck matters is because too much weight or weight that is not distributed correctly in the truck makes it more difficult for a truck driver to control. Not to mention the additional stress and wear and tear on the vehicle, which can lead to malfunctioning components and breakdowns while driving.
Consider:
- Excess weight makes it harder to make stops.
- Excess weight wears a truck’s brakes out faster.
- Excess weight can deteriorate tires and cause blowouts.
- Excess weight puts more strain on a truck’s engine.
- Excess weight makes it more difficult to make turns and drive on curved roads.
- Excess weight can brake the trailer hitch.
Speak to a New Jersey and Pennsylvania Truck Accident Attorney Today
After a truck accident, please call our personal injury lawyer at Monaco Law PC at (609) 277-3166 for our New Jersey office and (215) 546-3166 for our office in Pennsylvania.
We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania personal injury law firm serving Atlantic County, Bucks County, Burlington County, Cape May County, Camden County, Chester County, Cumberland County, Delaware County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Ocean County, Salem County, and all of South Jersey.
Source:
nj.gov/transportation/freight/trucking/pdf/largetruckmap2023.pdf
