Reasons Overloaded Trucks in Raleigh Are Dangerous

Overloaded trucks are dangerous because the extra weight puts them at a higher risk for rollovers, jackknifing, and brake failures. The additional load also causes heavier wear on the tires, brakes, suspension and driveline components of the rig. In addition, overloaded trucks can be more challenging to maneuver and require longer stopping distances due to their increased weight. Raleigh overloaded trucks can even cause increased highway congestion as they require more time and space to stop, turn or accelerate. This increased potential hazard makes overloaded trucks extremely dangerous both to their drivers and other road users. Let's discuss reasons why overloaded trucks in Raleigh are dangerous.

Raleigh Semi-Truck Regulations

Commercial trucks are highly regulated because of the dangers they pose. When loading a truck in Raleigh, all drivers must follow strict yet straightforward rules. These regulations are:

The following list outlines some of the regulations that semi-trucks must follow in Raleigh, North Carolina:

1. Semi-trucks must inspect their vehicles and ensure that all loads are properly secured according to state regulations before driving on any public road.
2. The maximum gross vehicle weight allowed for a single semi-truck is 80,000 lbs or 36,287kg.
3. No trailers or semi-trailers may exceed 53 feet (16m) in length due to federal regulations. However, cities may regulate further and reduce this limit if deemed necessary for city streets.
4. Drivers must adhere to speed limits posted on roads, just as with any other vehicle type; however, certain highways within Raleigh have lower maximum speed limits, especially for semi-trucks due to the increased weight and size of the vehicle type and tight turns on certain roads in Raleigh's downtown area.
5. All drivers in Raleigh who drive a semi-truck must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Violations can occur without having a valid CDL including fines up to $1000 as well as possible incarceration of up to three months depending on the violation and jurisdiction of law enforcement agency involved.
6. Semi-trucks are not allowed in designated bicycle lanes unless they are making a right turn into an intersecting street during heavy traffic times (ie rush hour).
7. Semi-trucks may park at loading docks /terminals close to warehouses or businesses they deliver supplies/goods to while ensuring they comply with all parking regulation signage posted as some places require permits before parking approved locations listed by law enforcement agencies in the city of Raleigh area boundaries..

Load Distribution

The Raleigh truck's cargo weight must be evenly distributed throughout the trailer. Having the cargo evenly distributed throughout the truck ensures the truck maintains its balance. This is just one of the reasons why overloaded trucks in Raleigh are dangerous.

Secure Cargo

Securing the cargo of a Raleigh truck should go without saying. Unsecured cargo can make it uneven as it shifts and moves, or worse, leave the trailer and hit cars behind it.

No Cargo Over the Weight Limit

Again, keeping the cargo load weight under the total allowed will ensure the truck is safe and ready to travel.

Why Are Overloaded Trucks in Raleigh So Dangerous?

Overloaded trucks cause many dangerous circumstances. Trucking companies in Raleigh, North Carolina must follow certain regulations to avoid accidents. There are many reasons truck drivers have the regulations they do. The five main dangers of overloaded trucks are:

1. Stress on Mechanical Parts

An overloaded truck can stress out the needed mechanical parts of the truck. For example, the suspension can be damaged by an overloaded truck. The suspension is critical to keeping the truck from bouncing all over the road or keeping the truck steady and stable. If this part of the truck breaks with heavy loads, it can cause a severe truck accident.

2. It Takes Longer to Stop

Semi-trucks already take a longer time to stop than regular sedans. However, if the truck is overloaded, it will take even longer and could cause a collision.

3. Break Damage

While overloaded trucks cause the truck to take longer to stop, they can also cause permanent damage to the brakes. When a semi-truck is driving 70MPH and needs to stop, damaged breaks will make stopping incredibly difficult. Damaged breaks on such a heavy and massive vehicle can cause fatal accidents.

4. Steering Difficulty

Semi-trucks are already challenging to steer on roads built for small sedans. However, when that truck is overloaded, it can be almost impossible to steer the truck safely. As anyone that has driven knows, steering with quick reactions is crucial to avoiding accidents. A severe accident is bound to happen if the truck driver can't steer their vehicle.

5. Massive Tire Blowouts

Semi-truck tires are massive, so it can be dangerous when they blow out. These tire blowouts are another reason overloaded trucks are dangerous to other drivers. Having a truck that's too heavy for the tires can cause a massive tire blowout.

Do I Need to Hire Truck Accident Attorneys?

If you have been injured in a truck accident that wasn't your fault, contacting a truck accident lawyer will ensure you get the most compensation possible. We are experienced in finding out the cause of the accident, determining liability, and then seeking out the most compensation.

Recent Truck Accident Case Win in Raleigh

Our client’s family member was traveling on a mountain road in northern North Carolina when an overloaded truck crossed the center line, causing an instant fatality.

The truck driver had left I-77 because he knew the truck to be overloaded and did not want to be spotted by law enforcement officials. Once the truck descended a steep decline, the brakes overheated and failed. It struck a client’s family member’s car, burst into flame, and killed the occupant.

The truck company wanted to settle immediately but tempered its offer by claiming that the accident was unforeseeable.

We proceeded with a thorough investigation that included sifting through burned evidence. We also argued that the required pre-trip inspection should have indicated the dangerous conditions. Our representation resulted in a remarkable, confidential financial recovery for surviving family members.

How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?

We work on a contingency basis for personal injury claims such as a fatal car accidents. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Personal Injury lawyer
• Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer 
• and more

Contact Our Law Firm For Help — Begin With A Free Consultation

Raleigh Truck Accident Resources

• Raleigh Truck Company Liability
• Raleigh Truck Driver Fatigue
• Raleigh Truck Driver Injury Lawyer
• Raleigh Truck Accident Injury Lawyer
• Raleigh Trucking and Safety Regulations
• Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer