Oversize Load Accident Attorney in Indianapolis, IN

Large trucks hauling oversized loads can cause devastating accidents and injuries. Federal and state regulations limit the weight of cargo that trucks can carry and set forth requirements for transporting oversized loads. A truck’s turning radius, braking distance, and even its center of gravity can be affected by an oversized load. When a semi carrying an oversized load causes a serious accident, it is often because the truck driver or trucking company acted carelessly or failed to follow the proper regulations.

At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we understand the dangers posed by trucks with oversized loads. Our dedicated truck accident lawyers have extensive experience helping injured people throughout Indiana. Attorneys David W. Craig and Scott A. Faultless of Craig, Kelley & Faultless are among a select group of attorneys who have earned board certification from the National Board of Trial Advocacy in commercial truck accident law.

With five offices across Indiana, our legal team is ready to listen to you and discuss your legal options for seeking compensation for injuries caused by a truck with an oversized load. The initial consultation is free. If you’ve been injured, turn to Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for the fearless, passionate, and experienced legal help you can trust.

Call us 24/7 at (800) 746-0226 or reach out online today.

Accidents Caused by Oversized Truck Loads

Oversized load accidents are among the most dangerous on the road.

A truck with an oversized load typically weighs tens of thousands of pounds, far more than other vehicles on the road. Oversized load truck accidents can easily damage or destroy other vehicles, especially when they’re moving at higher speeds.

Overloaded Truck Accident Lawyer in Indiana

If you have been injured in a collision involving a truck with an oversized load, turn to a compassionate injury lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless for assistance.

A knowledgeable Indiana oversized truck accident lawyer can help you understand your rights to hold the trucking company accountable and serve as your voice throughout the claims process. The knowledge of a skilled attorney can help put your mind at ease while you recover from your injuries.

What Is Considered an Oversized Load?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the weight of commercial trucks on public roads. The federally mandated maximum weight limits for interstate highways and travel on state highways required for reasonable access to interstates are:

• 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
• 20,000-pound single axle weight
• 34,000-pound tandem axle weight.

States have the option to issue permits for oversize or overweight vehicles without regard to the axle, gross weight, or bridge formula requirements for vehicles or loads that cannot feasibly be reduced in size.

In Indiana, the Department of Revenue’s Motor Carrier Services issues oversize permits when trucks need to haul a load that is bigger than:

• 13 feet 6 inches in height;
• 8 feet 6 inches in width;
• 60 feet (two-vehicle combination) or 53 feet (semi-tractor-semi-trailer combination) in length; or
• 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (subject to axle weights)

How Is a Big Truck Accident Investigated?

Every big truck accident and oversized load trucking accident has unique contributing factors. Investigators and lawyers use a variety of tools to identify the cause of a truck accident.

From the start of the investigation, they may rely on:

• Photos and video evidence from the accident
• Eyewitness statements
• Opinions from expert witnesses
• Police reports
• Event data recorders used in large trucks
• Medical records about your injuries
• Driver logs including break and rest information

The truck accident attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless work with truck mechanics and accident reconstruction specialists to determine the cause of a truck accident involving an oversized load.

Tips for Driving Around an Overloaded Truck

If you need to drive near an oversized load truck or get around one, be careful and be aware at all times.

Accidents can happen at any time, so it’s best to:

• Leave plenty of room between you and the oversized load
• Stay alert and aware around the load or any pilot vehicles
• Give the oversized load more time to brake
• Take the time you need to complete any maneuvers
• Don’t make any unexpected movements

Oversize Load: What Does it Mean?

Oversized trucks must be marked on the front and rear with a sign reading “OVER-SIZE LOAD” and must have escort vehicles when they exceed 12 feet, 4 inches in width, 110 feet in length, or 14 feet, 6 inches in height.

An oversize/overweight vehicle permit does not allow trucks on Interstate 65 or I-70 inside I-465 in Indianapolis, or on any county roads or city streets. A permitted vehicle over 85 feet long, or 10 feet, 6 inches wide, or above legal height may not exceed 55 miles per hour.

Permitted vehicles wider than 14 feet, 6 inches are only allowed on roads during specified hours, such as weekdays from a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.

Where Does the Fault Lie?

Determining fault is an important part of any oversized load truck accident. It will play a key role in any decisions about compensation after the accident.

Investigators will try to determine what caused an oversized load truck accident. A truck driver, a trucking company, the owner of the cargo, or the shipper that loaded the truck could be at fault for the accident. If there is clear evidence that shows who was at fault, the insurance companies and those responsible may offer a settlement.

If an insurer offers a quick settlement and you do not have legal representation, the insurer’s offer is likely to be far less than the fair value of the claim. You need an aggressive advocate in this situation. You will need the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer who can calculate you’re the cost of your medical bills, lost income from missed work, and demand a full and fair settlement.

Common Accidents in Oversized Loads

Oversized loads can be challenging to handle. When an inexperienced or inattentive truck driver is involved, an accident is more likely.

Some common oversized load crash types include:

• Failure to brake in time – This type of oversize load trucking accident happens far too often. The weight of oversized loads can overwhelm even the most powerful brake systems. When drivers fail to judge correctly their stopping distances or exceed a safe speed, they can lose control and cause major injuries.
• Rollovers – Oversized loads must be balanced properly and closely monitored. An improperly secured oversized load can cause a rollover truck accident, leading to catastrophic injuries and deaths.
• Accidents caused by tire blowouts or damaged tires – Oversized loads can put too much weight on tires. If that happens, tires can explode, leading to loss of control at the worst possible time.
• Jackknife accidents – This type of dangerous crash happens when the trailer is moving at a different speed than the rest of the truck. This can cause the trailer to swing into traffic, making jackknifes one of the most damaging accidents.
• Incorrect height or width accidents – Professional transporters should know the height and width of their cargo. But sometimes, drivers make mistakes. Oversized truckloads can collide with tunnel walls, bridges, buildings, and other nearby objects, causing accidents.

Truck Accident Lawyers for Wrecks from Oversized Loads

After an accident, you may have questions about what comes next. A truck accident lawyer can review your oversized load accident, answer your questions, and help you develop a plan to move forward.

Some of the most important ways that a lawyer could help include:

• Answering your questions about the accident.

If you’ve been injured by an oversized load accident, you may be struggling to recover. You may have mounting medical bills. A lawyer can answer the questions and help you understand your options to move forward.

• Working with investigators.

Oversized load accidents can be complicated to investigate. Our attorneys work to understand what caused an oversized load accident. Our attorneys may hire mechanics and specialists to build a case. Their investigation may produce evidence showing that the truck was overloaded and/or traveled in violation of an Indiana oversized load permit or trucking regulations

• Analyzing driver records.

Commercial truck drivers are required to follow strict hours of service limits that govern how much time they can drive before a required rest break.

• Negotiating with insurance companies.

An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to stand up to insurance companies and will prevent an insurer from taking advancing of you.

• Filing an oversized load lawsuit.

If you’re seriously injured and the insurance company representing the at-fault trucker refuses to agree to a reasonable settlement, you may need to file a truck accident lawsuit demanding compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. Our attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless have the knowledge and experience to advocate for you in court.

Contact an Experienced Oversized Load Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an oversized load accident, get in touch with the experienced lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC now. Since 1999, we’ve been helping the people across Indiana and beyond rebuild their lives after serious accidents involving large trucks. Our team is committed to helping you through this difficult time.

Contact our firm today for your free consultation by reaching out online or giving us a call 24/7 at (800) 746-0226.