Oversized Load Truck Accident Injury Lawyer

oversized load in trucking crash

Large trucks are on the roads everywhere in Las Vegas and throughout the state.

Driving around big rigs can be hazardous.

Some of these trucks are privately owned. Many of them are commercial vehicles.

When trucks are pulling oversized loads, they are even more dangerous.

Truck accidents can do major damage to anyone involved.

Truck drivers and the companies they work have a safety responsibility.

Trucks with oversized loads will have an even harder time stopping and maneuvering you can often see these trucks traveling with accompanying vehicles.

These vehicles are called pilot vehicles.

They are there to provide an added layer of safety to the driver and cars around them.

Sometimes they have flashing lights to help warn the motorists.

Even with the added safety requirements, trucks with oversized loads still get in wrecks.

The results can be devastating.

If you have been injured in a truck accident then call us today for a Free consultation.

 

call richard harris law firm today

Call Richard Harris Today!

If you or a loved one was in a truck oversized load accident call Richard Harris.

Our highly experienced truck accident attorneys can help!

Let us take a look at all the evidence of the case.

Injuries from these types of accidents can be overwhelming.

Your focus should be on recovering. Our job will be to protect your rights and getting you the maximum compensation from the damages.

Going up against the insurance and trucking companies on your own can be daunting.

We understand how to fight them.

With an experienced truck attorney on your side, the chance of receiving a just payment is much higher.

Call us today!

 

Contingency Basis  

If we take your case, we will not charge you any upfront fees.

We work on a contingency basis.

This means that we only get paid if you do.

We will do our best to help you put together a case that can win.

Richard Harris has won Billions for our clients.

 

Determining Responsibility in An Oversized Load Accident

Every accident is unique. The evidence will lead us to the liable person or party.

Proving that the accident was due to the fault of another is key to any personal injury lawsuit.

An oversized load accident can have a number of responsible parties.

The truck driver and/or owner is often to blame.

The company that the driver works for may have responsibility.

The company or person that is responsible for the maintenance of the truck may have liability.

Pilot vehicles can cause the accident if they are reckless.

The shipper or manufacturer of the oversized item may hold responsibility.

The city or county in situations when there are roads or lighting issues that may have caused the accident.

These types of accidents can be complex. Having a truck accident attorney on your side with years of experience is valuable.

 

 

Oversized Loads Regulations

The state of Nevada has regulations specific to oversized loads. It can vary from state to state.

Here is some information on what is considered an oversized load in Nevada.

  • Sizes: Width: 8 ft.,6 in., Height: 14 ft., Semi-Trailer Length: 53. ft., Maximum Length: 70 ft.
  • Weights: Single Axle: 20,000 lb. Tandem axle: 34,000 lb. Tridem: 42,000 Max Gross Weight: 80,000 lb.

There are also regulations on pilot cars / escort vehicles.

These will vary depending on the size of the load.

For example; if the truck and load exceed 12 feet, they must have a pilot car. It should travel on 2/3 lane roads. If it exceeds 14 feet it must have a front and rear pilot car. The length and overhang can make a difference in traveling legally.

Changing lanes, stopping, and turning can be difficult. Driving around trucks with oversized loads should be done with extreme caution.

There are banner requirements with oversized loads. Any vehicle over 8 ft., 6in. wide must display signage warning other drivers on the road.

Light and flags must be displayed in certain situations.

There are regulations for traveling at night. Fines and citations can vary.

They may be assessed by weight or many other factors. There is also a maximum weight per tire. In the event of an accident our attorneys are highly aware of all these regulations.

The state that the truck came from may have different regulations.

There are accidents where these vehicles are not in compliance with the regulations.

We will investigate all the facts of each case.

There may be many different violations that may have occurred.

The truck and insurance company will not make it easy for you to get this information.

Richard Harris and our truck accident injury lawyers can help.

 

Types Of Oversized Load Truck Accidents

Driving a big rig can be difficult. When the it is carrying an oversized load all the same dangers are multiplied.

Some of the worst accidents on the roadways are when a large truck crashes.

A truck with an oversized load can cause a multiple car accident.

Most likely there will be injuries. It is not uncommon to have fatalities when a smaller car or truck crashes into these enormous vehicles.

Here a some of the types of accidents and reasons why these accidents occur.

  • Wide Turn – Taking a turn with a big rig and oversized load can be risky. Hitting the turn too fast can cause a wreck. Truck drivers must always be cautious when turning. A truck needs more room to turn then a regular vehicle. It can take up an extra lane at times. It can sometimes go into the lane of the oncoming traffic in order to take the turn. This can put others at higher risk.
  • Blind Spots – No matter how great the mirrors or technology there will always be blind spots. Truck drivers sit up high and have a hard time seeing the smaller vehicles. Both sides of the truck are difficult. Changing lanes can be dangerous when a big rig makes their move. When the truck is carrying an oversized load keep your distance. If you are going to pass, do it on the left. Get by the truck as quickly as you can. These trucks once they commit to going in a certain lane have a hard time changing their direction.
  • Distracted Driving – A truck with an oversized load may have escort vehicles around it. It is not only the truck you are dealing with but one or two other vehicles. A distracted driver can cause a crash. Talking, texting, looking at maps is always dangerous. This is especially true for these vehicles. The purpose of the pilot vehicles is to add safety. This is not always the case. Stay alert.
  • Inexperienced Driving – Driving an oversized load in no easy task. Drivers must be fully licensed and experienced. There are requirements that truck drivers must meet in order get behind the wheel. If there is an accident this will be one of things that we will find out. Drivers must have proper training and meet all the state and federal requirements. This can be tremendously dangerous if they do not.
  • Blown Tire – An 18-wheeler can blow a tire and cause a crash. With so much weight on the tires it is easy to imagine. A blown tire could cause the truck to lose control. It could also come flying at the motorists behind or next them. Trying to get out of the way of a tire can cause a driver to react and turn the wheel. A blown tire accident can have devastating consequences
  • Roll Over – This can happen with oversized load crashes. Driving reckless, improper lane changes, or misjudging a turn can all lead to a roll over. If this happens on the highway it can include many vehicles. Items that are being carried can end up in the road. This can do a lot of damage to everyone involved.
  • Improper Loading – If there is improper loading all kinds of problems can happen. Items can come flying off. The load can shift weight and cause a crash. If you hit any of the items that fall off an improperly loaded truck it can be horrifying. There may be multiple parties liable for this type of accident.
  • Jackknife – This can happen when a truck stops abruptly. The truck driver of the oversized load will usually be driving in the far-right lane at a safe speed. The pilot vehicles are in front and/or back to help guide it along. That does not mean that this can’t happen. All it takes is a split second for someone to stop quickly in front of them. A big rig that hits the brakes too fast can jackknife. This can be disastrous.

If you were injured in an oversized load truck accident in Nevada call Richard Harris.

The sooner we can look at your case the better.

The ‘statute of limitations’ in Nevada is two (2) years from the time of the accident.

Don’t wait and lose your chance at compensation.

Contact us by phone, email, or come by the office.