Truck Accidents In Bradenton: How Overloaded Trucks Put Drivers At Risk

Truck accidents in Bradenton are common and can cause devastating injuries to local drivers. People often assume reckless driving is to blame, but negligent cargo loading can play a significant role in causing a commercial vehicle crash as well. Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks are a hidden danger on Bradenton roads, capable of causing potentially life-threatening crashes even when the truck driver is doing everything right. Our Bradenton truck accident lawyer explains more about the risks.

The Dangers of Overloaded Trucks on Bradenton Roads

Commercial trucks are subject to strict safety standards for a reason. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that overloaded trucks create serious risks on the road and make truckers more likely to lose control of their rig, endangering others.

Between our proximity to Interstate 75 and other major highways in the area, truck accidents in Manatee County are unfortunately common. Common impacts that can result from overloading or improperly loading cargo that increase the risks include:

• Increased stopping distances, leading to rear-end collisions;
• Tire blowouts from excessive weight;
• Brake failures under the strain of overloaded cargo;
• Unbalanced loads, causing rollovers during sharp turns;
• Falling debris that endangers nearby vehicles.

Under the Florida Statutes, trucks have strict weight limits depending on the type of vehicle and number of axles. Violating these rules isn’t just illegal. It can cause potentially deadly truck accidents in Bradenton.

What to Do If You Get Injured in a Bradenton Truck Accident

Florida truck accident claims are often more complex than standard car accidents. Not only are injuries often more severe, but multiple parties, including the trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance contractors, can be held liable in a claim.

If you get injured in a truck crash in Bradenton, take these steps to protect yourself and your rights:

• Call law enforcement and make sure they complete a detailed crash report at the scene, which includes details surrounding the accident and contact information for all drivers involved.
• If you are able, take photos of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and your injuries, and get contact information for witnesses.
• Go to the local hospital or urgent care facility for treatment of your injuries, regardless of their seeming severity.
• Request that the trucking company preserve black box data and other vital evidence (our Bradenton truck accident lawyer can help with this).

Getting legal help immediately is vitally important. Truck companies have teams of legal professionals defending them after a crash. Having someone act as a strong legal advocate on your side helps level the playing field.

Contact Our Bradenton Truck Accident Lawyer To Request A Consultation Today

Bradenton truck accidents require quick action, strong evidence, and a law firm experienced in dealing with trucking companies and their insurers.

At the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely, we know what it takes to win tough truck accident cases, with a trusted record in getting the best possible results for clients. Call or contact our Bradenton truck accident lawyer online today to request a consultation.

Sources:

fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2022-10/LTBCF%202020-v5_FINAL-09-20-2022%20508%2010-3.pdf

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.535.html