If you have ever wondered how much a semi-truck weighs, the answer is at least 10,000 lbs, depending on what is in the trailer. A collision with something of that size and weight in your passenger car would be catastrophic. There are federal and state weight limits for semi-trucks, but truck drivers and their employers sometimes ignore the regulations. The result is an even heavier truck driving down the highway at over 60 mph.
Weight limit restrictions are an issue of safety for truck drivers and other drivers on the road. The bigger and heavier a truck is, the more difficult it is for the driver to control. A truck over the weight limit is hard to steer and difficult to maneuver around road hazards and road construction sites. In addition, a heavier semi-truck can damage roads and bridges, making them hazardous for other vehicles.
So why do some trucking companies violate weight restrictions? The more goods and materials that a driver can haul in one trip, the more money the company saves on paying another driver for a second trip. In addition, trucking companies want to retain customers in a down economic climate. The way to do that is to get the products to the customer faster by filling up the semi-trailer.
Because of their size and weight, semi-trucks are the most dangerous vehicles on the road. If you or a loved one suffers injuries from a trucking collision, one of our personal injury lawyers can help. We offer a free case review.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans accident lawyers