Overloaded Truck Accidents

Huntsville Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyers

Skilled legal help for victims of overloaded truck accidents in Alabama

Every day, massive commercial trucks drive through Huntsville and across Alabama highways, carrying goods from one destination to the next. These trucks are essential to our economy, but when they are overloaded or improperly loaded, they become serious threats on the road. Overloaded truck accidents are more common than most people realize, and they can lead to devastating injuries or even death.

At Martin & Helms, we know how dangerous these situations can be. If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck crash caused by excess or unbalanced cargo, our experienced Huntsville truck accident attorneys are here to help. We understand the laws that regulate the trucking industry and know how to build strong cases for victims injured due to negligence.

How can we help? We can help by answering the following questions:

 

Why are overloaded trucks so dangerous?

Large trucks, including tractor-trailers and semi-trucks, are designed to carry a certain amount of weight. When they carry more than what they’re supposed to, the risks skyrocket. Overloading can lead to the following issues:

  • Heavier trucks take more time and space to stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.
  • Excess weight puts more pressure on tires, which can cause them to burst at high speeds.
  • The braking system can overheat or fail altogether under too much stress.
  • A truck with unbalanced or top-heavy cargo is more likely to tip or roll, especially during turns or sudden movements.
  • Improperly secured loads can shift or fall off, hitting nearby vehicles or causing secondary accidents.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), improper loading and cargo shifts are contributing factors in many truck accidents each year. The majority of these accidents are preventable if the proper safety standards are followed.

What causes overloaded or improperly loaded truck accidents in Huntsville?

Most overloaded truck accidents happen because someone in the loading process didn’t follow the rules. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Failure to follow weight limits. Trucks have gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWRs) set by the manufacturer and enforced by state and federal law.
  • Negligent loading by third parties. Sometimes, the trucking company contracts a third-party company to load the cargo, and they don’t secure it properly.
  • Ignoring the FMCSA’s cargo securement rules. These regulations specify how cargo must be distributed, balanced, and secured using devices like tie-downs and straps.
  • Pressure to deliver more goods faster. Some companies encourage overloading so they can move more freight with fewer trips, which is illegal and dangerous.

When these kinds of mistakes happen, the consequences can be tragic. Victims often suffer severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and burns. In some cases, these accidents result in wrongful death.

Who is legally responsible for Huntsville overloaded truck accidents?

Truck accident cases are often more complicated than car crashes because multiple parties may be involved. Depending on the details of your case, one or more of the following parties could be held responsible:

  • Truck drivers are trained to inspect their vehicles and cargo before hitting the road. If they knew, or should have known, that the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded, they may be held liable for negligence.
  • Under the principle of respondeat superior, an employer can be held responsible for the actions of its employees. Trucking companies can also be directly liable if they encouraged illegal loading practices, failed to train their drivers, or ignored weight restrictions.
  • If a separate company was responsible for loading the truck, and they did so in an unsafe or negligent way, they may also be named in a lawsuit. These companies are required to follow federal guidelines and industry standards.
  • In some cases, faulty equipment such as defective brakes or tires may play a role. If a mechanical failure was partially caused by poor design or manufacturing, the product manufacturer could share liability.

How can your Huntsville truck accident lawyers help with my case?

At Martin & Helms, we take a hands-on approach to every case. When you hire our firm, we launch a thorough investigation to figure out exactly what happened and who is responsible. Here’s what you can expect from our team.

We gather and review:

  • Police and accident reports
  • Driver logs and trucking company records
  • Black box (event data recorder) data
  • Maintenance and inspection reports
  • Cargo loading manifests
  • Weigh station records
  • Witness statements
  • Video footage (if available)

We also work with experts in accident reconstruction, mechanical engineering, and logistics to prove how improper loading contributed to the crash.

We can attempt to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies involved. If they refuse to offer what you deserve, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. Our attorneys are skilled litigators with a track record of success in court.

What is the value of my Huntsville overloaded truck accident case?

If you were hurt in a truck accident caused by overloading or improper cargo, you may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Loss of companionship or loss of consortium claims
  • Wrongful death damages

In some cases, you may also be eligible for punitive damages, especially if the trucking company showed intentional misconduct, malice, or demonstrated a wanton disregard for others.

What federal and state laws regulate truck weight and cargo?

Both federal and state laws regulate the maximum weight that trucks can carry and how cargo must be secured.

The FMCSA requires:

  • Cargo to be secured using tie-downs, dunnage, and blocking devices.
  • Drivers are to inspect cargo at various intervals, including before the trip, within the first 50 miles, and every 150 miles or three hours thereafter.
  • Adherence to weight limits based on the vehicle’s design and axle limits.

In Alabama, the maximum weight for a truck on most roads is 80,000 pounds. Trucks that exceed this weight without a proper permit are violating state law. Vehicles that break these rules may be pulled over at weigh stations and ticketed, or, if they cause a crash, found liable in court.

What should I do after a Huntsville overloaded truck accident?

If you’re injured in a truck accident in Huntsville or anywhere else in North Alabama, here’s what to do:

  • Call 911. Report the accident and request medical help immediately.
  • Get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it's a good idea to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries take time to show symptoms.
  • Document the scene. If it’s safe, take photos of the accident, road conditions, cargo, and vehicle damage.
  • Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurer. They may try to get you to say something that hurts your case.

Contact an experienced Huntsville truck accident attorney. The sooner you call Martin & Helms, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and preserving evidence.

Why choose Martin & Helms for my Huntsville overloaded truck accident claim?

Martin & Helms has decades of experience representing injury victims in Huntsville and throughout North Alabama. We focus on serious personal injury and truck accident cases, especially those involving complex liability issues like overloaded vehicles. Our firm is:

  • We know federal and state trucking laws inside and out.
  • Our attorneys are recognized by peers and legal organizations for excellence.
  • Client-focused. You’ll never be treated like just another case. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. That means there’s no risk to you.

Do you have a Huntsville overloaded truck accident lawyer near me?

Martin & Helms serves clients from its two Alabama offices, including our Huntsville office, located at 2317 Market Place SW, Suite A, Huntsville, AL 35801. If you are too injured to come to us, we can make other arrangements. We’re here to help.

Work with our skilled Huntsville overloaded truck accident attorneys today

Overloaded trucks put everyone at risk. If a negligent driver, company, or loader caused your injuries by failing to follow cargo rules, you have the right to hold them accountable. At Martin & Helms, we’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Call our offices or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. We serve clients in Huntsville, Decatur, Madison, and across North Alabama.