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Columbia Overloaded Truck Accident

Columbia Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyers

Being in an accident with a large truck is a traumatic experience that can result in life-threatening or life-altering injuries. Truck companies need to make sure they’re putting safe vehicles on the road. Sometimes, truck companies may not safely secure the cargo on the truck or could put too much cargo in the trailer. With high demands and quick delivery schedules, truck companies may not exercise caution. Overloaded trucks have a higher chance of causing an accident and can potentially cause significant harm to those involved in the crash. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash, Solomon Law Group may be able to help you get justice. Our Columbia overloaded truck accident lawyers are here for you.

When you’re dealing with injuries, a legal claim may seem overwhelming. You don’t have to go through this process alone. Solomon Law Group is a premier law firm dedicated to helping people fight for their rights. Our skilled lawyers will assist you in building a strong truck accident claim so you can fight for full and fair compensation.

South Carolina Truck Size and Weight Limit Laws

Different sized trucks have various weight limit laws that they must abide by. When truck companies overload their vehicles and put them on the road, they’re putting everyone in danger. Here is the summary of weight limits for South Carolina trucks for vehicles in regular operations:

  • Single Axle: The limit is 10,000 lbs. per wheel and 20,000 lbs. on interstate highways.
  • Tandem Axle: If the gross vehicle weight is 75,185 lbs. or less, the limit is 35,200 lbs. For non-interstate highways, the limit is 36,000 lbs.
  • Gross Weight: The gross weight for non-interstate highways is 73,280 lbs. and 80,000 lbs. on interstate highways.
  • Other: According to S.C. Code Ann. 56-5-4160[A], there is a 10% tolerance on non-interstate highways.

Trucking companies should be aware of what weight limits their vehicles cannot surpass. However, trucking companies may try to overload their vehicles to ship more cargo. Let’s look into what can happen when a tractor-trailer is overloaded.

What Happens When an Overloaded Truck Is on the Road?

While the cargo needs to meet the weight requirements for the type of truck, it also needs to be secured. If loose cargo is moving around in the trailer, it could throw the truck off balance.

The following issues can occur:

  • An overloaded truck going downhill may not slow down or stop as easily as a properly loaded truck.
  • The truck may not have enough power to propel itself up a hill if it’s overloaded.
  • Truck drivers may have difficulty steering if the cargo has moved to one side of the vehicle.
  • If the axles are under too much weight, they could bend or break and the driver could lose control.
  • Additionally, a tire blowout could occur.

Our Columbia attorneys will carefully examine the details of your case to determine what went wrong and why. Then, we’ll look into how the accident affected you.

Truck Accidents Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Truck accidents may cause injuries that have permanent consequences. In some situations, the victim may never make a full recovery, which can prevent you from returning to your job, and sometimes from being able to do gainful work.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Burn Injury
  • Amputation

Traumatic brain injuries can cause numerous complications. Some people may develop seizures, severe headaches, vertigo, loss of sense of smell, hearing, or taste, and can also experience facial muscle paralysis.

A spinal cord injury could affect someone’s mobility. Depending on where the injury occurred, someone could become paraplegic or tetraplegic.

Trucks transporting flammable cargo or hazardous substances could possibly catch fire during the accident. Burn injuries can cause permanent scarring and nerve damage.

In some accidents, someone may lose a limb during the accident or it may become so damaged a surgeon needs to remove it.

Catastrophic injuries can require extensive medical care as well as considerable care in the future. You or a loved one may also need medical equipment and medication to maintain quality of life. There’s also a significant adjustment period with severe injuries. The person needs to transition to life with this injury. This may include relearning how to do basic tasks. You deserve to have people on your side that will fight for your compensation so you can cover the financial and emotional costs of these injuries.

We Can Assist You with Your Claim in South Carolina

The lawyers at Solomon Law Group understand how uncertain this time can be. We’re here to represent you and assist you in getting a favorable outcome with your claim so you can afford your medical treatment and recover in peace. It’s best to get in touch with us as soon as possible because evidence that could help your case could be preserved. We’ll meet in a free consultation and go over the facts of your case. We can answer your questions and talk about the best options for you.

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