Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Westlake Village

The federal government and California traffic laws regulate the maximum weight limit for heavy commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers traveling on state roads and highways. Overweight tractor-trailers are roadway hazards, unnecessarily increasing the risk of deadly truck crashes nationwide. Overloaded commercial vehicles are a public safety threat, which can be fatal for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists traveling nearby.

Vehicles are much more likely to roll over, jackknife, or cause crashes because of tire blowouts and mechanical failures. Call a hard-working and experienced lawyer today to learn more about your legal rights after an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Westlake Village.

California Weight Limit Regulations

Overloaded commercial vehicles are highway hazards and a primary cause of infrastructure damage. Under the California Vehicle Code § 35551, it is unlawful to exceed weight limits while traveling on state roads, highways, overpasses, bridges, and other roadway infrastructure. A conviction under the statute is a misdemeanor offense, and the civil court considers a violation sufficient evidence of liability for collisions resulting from the infraction.

Unfortunately, overloaded/overweight truck crashes in Westlake Village occur despite being entirely avoidable. When someone fails to adhere to the safety and traffic regulations and harms others, they have the right to file a suit to hold them financially responsible.

Who Is At fault?

The maximum weight limit for most 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles is 80,000 pounds in most cases throughout the state. Those wishing to exceed limits must apply for permits through the California Department of Transportation.

Determining fault after a crash with an overloaded tractor-trailer requires in-depth investigation and analysis of the evidence. The potential liable parties include the following:

• The trucker, if they are independent contractors, knew or should have known of the violation and failed to adhere to industry regulations
• The commercial trucking company, also called the common carrier, failed to monitor all vehicles driving for them and ensure compliance with the statutes
• The company shipping or loading the cargo could be liable for the damages if they failed to adhere to the weight limits

Penalties for non-compliance include steep fines, disqualification and loss of operation privileges, and civil liability.

The Potential Recoverable Damages

The civil court jury typically awards monetary damages within two groups, and the compensation amount depends on the case specifics. Economic damages are the out-of-pocket monetary losses victims sustain after collisions caused by negligence. The award may include payment for healthcare expenses, including ongoing medical services, treatment, medication, and equipment, as well as lost pay and earning potential.

The second category is noneconomic damages, which cover nonmonetary and intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, permanent disabilities, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental distress and anguish. The settlement amount for Westlake Village overweight/overloaded truck collisions can vary substantially and depend on factors, including the severity of the impact of bodily, psychological, and financial injuries.

Meet With an Attorney After an Overloaded/Overweight Truck Collision in Westlake Village

While most wrecks are avoidable, involving operator errors and negligence, those caused by ignoring weight limits are particularly frustrating. Those responsible who ignore the guidelines must face the legal consequences and cover the damages their actions cause when reckless despite knowing the risks of serious or fatal crashes or infrastructure damage.

Schedule a consultation with a skilled lawyer at our firm to review your case and legal options if you were injured in an overloaded/overweight truck accident in Westlake Village. Call now.