Semi trucks play an important role in our economy. Companies rely heavily on these large vehicles to ship and receive goods. Very few people will argue the significance of large trucks, but what they will argue is the amount of loads they should be allowed to carry. The current weight limit allowed for big rigs is 80,000 pounds. As if this weight limit wasn’t high enough, many trucking companies are breaking the rules and it has been estimated that 30 percent of trucks in the United States are overloaded.
Why are Semi Trucks Overloaded?
Many trucking companies overload their trailers in an attempt to save money on fuel charges and to make up for any shortage in manpower. Even though there are state inspections, many of these trucking companies are making the conscious decision to run the risk of being caught rather than pay the extra costs to employ more truckers and purchase additional trucks. Trucking companies believe that by increasing the loads on trucks, they are increasing productivity.
The Problem with Heavy Trucks
Trucks carrying heavy loads have been linked to road and structural damage. For example, in Minneapolis, a bridge collapsed and many experts believe that heavy trucks could have been a factor. However, overloaded trucks cause more problems than just damage to roads and highways. These vehicles have been known to contribute to serious truck accidents across the state of California. A semi that is overloaded will have a more difficult time stopping or slowing down to avoid a serious Riverside truck accident. When a large truck with an excessive load slams into the back of a smaller vehicle, the outcome is usually catastrophic.
Rights of Truck Accident Victims
If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident in Riverside, Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino or other area in California, you have legal rights and should hold the trucker and trucking company accountable. You should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Steinberg Injury Lawyers at (800) 350-8888 for more information. We handle truck accident cases throughout California.
