Have you been injured in an oversized load truck accident in Tampa, Florida? Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (813) 800-0810 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer and learn how we can assist with your case.
Oversized load accidents are especially dangerous because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Equipment failures, fatigued drivers, shifting cargo, or unbalanced loads can all contribute to devastating crashes. When a truck carrying an oversized load cannot stop in time or damages the roadway, the results can be catastrophic.
If you’ve been hurt in one of these accidents, a Tampa oversized load truck accident lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Oversized Load Truck Accident in Tampa, FL
At Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers, our team has a strong record of results built on years of experience and dedication to client success. When you work with one of our Tampa personal injury attorneys, you gain an advocate who knows how to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Here’s why clients choose our team when they need help:
- Over 15 years of proven legal experience handling complex accident cases.
- Millions of dollars recovered in verdicts and settlements for injured clients.
- Trusted representation for individuals and families across Tampa, Florida.
- A reputation for high-quality, client-focused advocacy in personal injury law.
Our track record demonstrates a commitment to justice and meaningful results. If you or a loved one has been hurt in an oversized load truck accident in Tampa, FL, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
What Are Oversized Loads?
Federal and state laws set size and weight limits for commercial trucks. Federal regulations apply to nearly all commercial vehicles since most use interstate highways or carry freight across state lines. States may set their own rules for non-interstate roads, but cannot impose stricter limits on interstate traffic.
Federal limits include:
- Maximum weight: 80,000 pounds
- Maximum width: 102 inches (2.6 meters), not including mirrors
- Trailer length: States must allow at least 48-foot trailers for standard tractor-trailers
There is no federal maximum height, but states often regulate this individually. Vehicles within these limits may operate without special permits unless a road or bridge has posted restrictions.
When a truck exceeds these standards, the company must apply for an oversize or overweight permit. The permit is issued based on the load’s size and the proposed route.
How Oversized Loads Cause Traffic Crashes
Oversized loads can cause crashes in the following ways:
Equipment Failures
As oversized loads are hard on equipment, they can lead to the following failures:
- Blown tires
- Worn brakes
- Damaged hitches
A driver can lose control of their vehicle when these occur. For example, a brake failure could lead to a rear-end collision, as the truck driver may not be able to stop their vehicle.
Lost or Shifted Loads
Oversized and overweight loads must be positioned and secured carefully. If the shipper miscalculates or mispositions them, they can shift suddenly, potentially falling off the trailer altogether and striking other vehicles, in addition to causing the driver to lose control of the truck.
Infrastructure Damage
A poorly planned route or a lack of truck driver skill can damage infrastructure, leading to car accidents. For example, a driver may clip a bridge support while carrying a load over the width limit, causing the bridge to collapse and thus injuring motorists on or under it.
Liability for Oversized Load Truck Accidents
Generally, the liability for oversized load truck accidents falls on the trucking company. It is liable for driver negligence, too, as well as its own careless acts. Similarly, the company is responsible for securing the load safely; if the load breaks free, the company may be liable.
Contact Our Tampa, FL, Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Trucking companies and drivers who fail to handle oversized or overweight loads carefully in Tampa, Florida, can cause severe traffic accidents. Contact Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your accident with a Tampa truck accident lawyer. We’ll stand up to trucking companies and their insurers to protect your right to compensation.
