Oversized Loads Accidents

Oversized Loads Accidents Lawyer

In August 2022, A truck driving in the westbound lane of Highway 80 on a Monday morning near the Bay Area city of Vacaville collided with other cars before crashing into the center median. The truck was carrying a large load of tomatoes which were knocked onto the eastbound lanes.

The truck spilled more than 150,000 tomatoes and left a pile around two feet deep. Due to this, four cars driving towards the east skid crashed after driving into the tomatoes. Three people were taken to the hospital, and one suffered severe injuries.

Accidents involving oversized loads are not uncommon in Los Angeles, as the city is a major transportation hub with numerous highways and a large number of commercial vehicles on the roads. These types of accidents can be particularly devastating due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.

If you have been injured in an accident involving an oversized load in Los Angeles, it is important to seek legal help from an experienced attorney who specializes in these types of cases. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.

What an Oversized Truck Load Means in Los Angeles?

In Los Angeles, an oversized truckload means a load that exceeds the legal weight, height, or width limits set by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on federal highways.

The weight limits for commercial trucks in California are generally 80,000 pounds, but certain exceptions apply. For example, trucks carrying livestock, agricultural products, and some types of equipment may be allowed to exceed these limits.

The height limit in California is 14 feet, and the maximum width for most vehicles is 8 feet, 6 inches. However, wider loads may be allowed with an oversize permit.

When transporting an oversized load in Los Angeles, special care must be taken to ensure the safety of the driver and other motorists on the road. The truck driver must obtain the appropriate permits and adhere to the specific regulations and guidelines for the transportation of oversized loads, including travel routes and required safety equipment.

Due to the potential risks associated with oversized loads, accidents involving these vehicles can be serious and even deadly. It is important to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney if you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with an oversized truckload.

Why Are Oversized Loads Dangerous in Los Angeles?

Oversized loads can be dangerous in Los Angeles for several reasons, including:

Increased Size and Weight: Oversized loads can be much larger and heavier than standard loads, which can make them more difficult to maneuver and control. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially in heavy traffic or in situations where there are obstacles or hazards on the road.
Limited Visibility: Oversized loads can also have limited visibility, which can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles on the road or to navigate tight spaces. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
Special Permits: Oversized loads require special permits to transport, which means that the trucks carrying them may not be subject to the same safety regulations as other trucks on the road. This can increase the risk of accidents, especially if the trucks are not properly maintained or operated by experienced drivers.
Roadway Restrictions: Oversized loads may also be subject to restrictions on certain roads or highways, which can increase the risk of accidents if drivers are not familiar with the restrictions or do not follow them.

Why Oversized Loads Accidents Happen in Los Angeles

Oversized loads accidents in Los Angeles can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:

Overloading: Trucks that exceed their weight limits are more difficult to control, and the added weight can cause mechanical failures, such as brakes and tires to fail, increasing the risk of accidents.
Poorly secured loads: Oversized loads require proper strapping, chaining, and tie-downs to keep the cargo from shifting or falling off. If the load is not properly secured, it can create a dangerous situation for other drivers on the road.
Inadequate training: Operating an oversized load requires specialized training and experience. Drivers must be trained in the unique handling characteristics of oversized loads and have an understanding of the specific regulations that govern their transportation. A lack of adequate training can lead to accidents.
Driver fatigue: Oversized loads often require long hours on the road, which can cause driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, making it more difficult to avoid accidents.
Equipment failure: Oversized loads require specialized equipment, and if the equipment is not properly maintained, it can cause accidents. Equipment failure can lead to sudden loss of control of the vehicle or cargo, causing accidents.

Oversized Load Accident Damages

The damages in an oversized load accident can be significant, both in terms of property damage and personal injury. Some of the common damages that can result from an oversized load accident include:

Property Damage: When an oversized truck collides with other vehicles or objects on the road, it can cause significant damage to property. This can include damage to other vehicles, buildings, infrastructure, and personal property.
Personal Injury: Oversized load accidents can also result in serious personal injury or even death. The impact of a large truck colliding with a smaller vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and more.
Medical Expenses: The medical expenses for treating injuries resulting from an oversized load accident can be substantial. This can include emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: If an individual is unable to work due to injuries sustained in an oversized load accident, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This can include both past and future lost income.
Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain and suffering resulting from an oversized load accident can be significant. Victims may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering.
Wrongful Death: In cases where an oversized load accident results in a fatality, the surviving family may be entitled to compensation for their loss. This can include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.

How to Build an Oversized Load Accident Claim in Los Angeles

If you have been involved in an oversized load accident in Los Angeles, here are some steps to help you build a strong claim:

Seek medical assistance: Your health and well-being should be your top priority after an accident. Get medical assistance as soon as possible, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away.

Report the accident: Contact the police and report the accident. Get a copy of the police report, which will be an important document for your claim.

Collect evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, skid marks, and debris on the road. Get contact information from any witnesses, and write down the details of what happened.

Contact an attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. They can help you gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and negotiate a fair settlement.

Document your damages: Keep records of all expenses related to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. This will help you build a strong case for compensation.

Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies are businesses, and their main goal is to minimize their payouts. Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters, and don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken to an attorney.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that you have a strong claim and receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

How Can the Pacific Attorney Group Help with the Claim?

The Pacific Attorney Group can assist in building an oversized load accident claim by:

Investigating the accident: Our attorney will gather evidence, such as police reports, eyewitness testimony, and photos or videos of the accident scene, to determine the cause of the accident and identify who was at fault.
Determining liability: Our attorney will determine who is liable for the accident, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or others involved in the transportation of the oversized load.
Calculating damages: We will help calculate the total damages incurred from the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Negotiating with insurance companies: Our attorney will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.
Litigating in court: If necessary, our team of attorneys will take the case to court and represent you during the legal proceedings.

Overall, the Pacific Attorney Group can provide legal guidance and support throughout the entire claims process to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your oversized load accident.

Contact us for a free consultation, and we will take you through all the steps. We will also answer each and every query of yours and get you the compensation you deserve.