Even if there are strict rules regarding the size and weight of trucks and their cargo, trucks may haul overly heavy or bigger than normal loads. When this is the case, truckers and trucking companies must get special hauling permits to travel and should follow operational restrictions. This is meant to keep people safe because oversized vehicles and wide loads present a hazard on public roads and highways. Failure to follow these restrictions can result in accidents.
If you suffer an injury in an accident involving an oversized or wide load truck, you must consult one of the best Albuquerque Truck Accident Lawyers to determine if the truck complied with the law. If the trucker failed to operate within the rules, you can use any violation as evidence of negligence that may support your compensation claim.
How Oversized and Wide Truck Loads Can Lead to Accidents
An oversized truck and wide load should follow extra rules as they increase the risk of accidents. It tends to take up significant space on public roads, usually requiring more than one lane or the need to use the shoulder. Because of this, they may disrupt the traffic flow. Also, this kind of wide load cannot move as quickly as other vehicles, so they need to move at 15mph or more under the speed limit. A big slow-moving truck surrounded by faster-moving vehicles can cause a risky situation.
How Your Attorney Can Determination Operation Violation in Truck Accidents
Aside from determining if the trucker failed to get special permits for loads heavier, longer, or wider than normal, your attorney will also check if the oversized truck use warning flags and signs. Every wide truck should have two flags at its widest parts and one at each corner. Trucks that have cargo overhanging at least four feet behind the trailer should have one or two flags on the very end of the cargo, depending on its width. Also, the trucks must have a sign that displays “Oversized Load.”
Moreover, truckers who operate under a special permit should follow a designated route the permit lists. The permit must address where the trucker stops for fuel, food, and to rest. And they should not deviate from these plans. If construction and others obstacles make it impossible to follow the route, the trucker should contact the permit office or law enforcement about this situation.
Lastly, truck accident attorneys will investigate if the oversized trucks fail to operate within certain days and times. Generally, trucks that have special hauling permits can operate between daylight hours all week. Trucks with a certain length may also be prohibited from operating in some counties.