The Dangers Of An Overloaded 18 Wheeler

For those who frequent I-10, I-12 and other highways throughout Louisiana, 18 wheelers are a normal part of life. These massive trucks can weigh an astonishing 80,000 pounds and transport goods all across the country. However, their size and weight make them particularly dangerous to other drivers. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes thousands of deaths and injuries to 18 wheeler accidents each year, with 3,964 deaths and 95,000 injuries occurring in 2013 alone.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration strictly regulates how much weight can be inside the trailer of an 18 wheeler. This is because overloading the trailer with payload can have deadly consequences for other drivers. Overloading increases the risk of a blow-out, roll-over, or break failure because an undue burden is placed on the 18 wheeler’s suspension, tires, and breaks.

An attorney handling a trucking accident will need to investigate service records, log books, police reports, and weigh station records for pertinent evidence of overloading or improper loading. As with any automobile accident, no stone should be left unturned. If evidence of overloading exists, a thorough investigation will produce it and this will help to establish liability on the part of the trucking company.