Any time two vehicles are involved in an accident, it can result in devastating injuries. While this holds true when the vehicles involved are passenger vehicles, it is even more true when one of the vehicles is a heavy truck. Heavy trucks are just that, and they can weigh as much as 40 tons, or more if they are overloaded or oversized. Heavy trucks are unique types of vehicles, and the challenges you will face when filing a claim for compensation are also distinctive. A Fort Lauderdale heavy truck accident lawyer can help you through the process so you claim the fair settlement you deserve.
Our Fort Lauderdale Heavy Truck Accident Lawyer Handles Claims Involving All Types of Vehicles
Many people first often think of tractor-trailers when they think of heavy vehicles, but there are many others, as well. Most commercial trucks are considered heavy trucks and some of the most common that are involved in accident claims include:
- Big rigs
- Semi-trucks
- 18-wheelers
- Flatbed trucks
- Mack trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Dump truck
- Rental and moving trucks
- Courier trucks
The type of heavy truck that caused your accident is important. Each type of vehicle will raise its own issues about the laws that govern that vehicle and those that drive it. These laws are important to know when you are holding a truck driver or company liable and need to prove the negligent action or inaction that caused the crash.
Our Fort Lauderdale Heavy Truck Accident Lawyer Explains Weight
Just as their name suggests, heavy trucks weigh a lot. It is also important to identify the type of truck that caused your crash because most trucks are subject to weight limits outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A number of factors are considered when these weight limits are determined including the body style of the vehicle, the number of axles, and how the truck is driven.
It is not uncommon for the weight limit of a truck to be as much as 80,000 pounds. To put that into perspective, the average passenger vehicle only weighs a few thousand pounds. It is easy to see how such a massive truck could cause catastrophic injuries to the occupants of smaller vehicles.
When truck drivers, trucking companies, or loading companies do not properly load a truck, the cargo may be too heavy, resulting in a truck that is over the weight limit. If a truck is too heavy, it can become particularly challenging to slow down the vehicle, or bring it to a complete stop. Drivers are not always aware their truck is overloaded and so, they do not understand they need additional time and distance, making the situation even more dangerous.
Our Heavy Truck Accident Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help After Injury
Heavy trucks cause some of the worst crashes on the road. If you have been hurt, or have lost a loved one, our Fort Lauderdale heavy truck accident lawyer at Rosen Injury Law, P.A. can provide the sound legal advice you need. We are passionate about helping accident victims, and will work tirelessly on your case so you obtain the full compensation you need. Call us today at 954-787-1500 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
