Who Is Liable if an Overloaded Semi-Truck in Harrisburg Causes a Crash?

Every day, massive commercial trucks navigate Harrisburg’s busy highways carrying tons of cargo. Some trucking companies may try to cut corners by overloading these vehicles beyond their legal weight limits. Unfortunately, this practice create serious hazards that endanger everyone on the road.

If you sustained damages after being involved in a truck accident, we encourage you to seek the legal help you need for your recover as soon after the crash as possible to protect your legal rights.

At Schmidt Kramer, our experienced Harrisburg truck accident attorneys are prepared to discuss your situation, answer your questions and explain your potential legal options. Schedule a free consultation today to speak to one of our highly qualified attorneys. Our firm does not charge any fees or costs to take on your case.

Call today to request a free case review:  717-727-2500.

Overloaded Truck Dangers on Harrisburg Highways

Overloaded semi-trucks pose a serious road hazard on Harrisburg’s busy highways. Below are some of the dangers that could happen while driving near these massive vehicles:

More Weight Increases Stopping Distances

The excess weight of a commercial vehicle already requires increased stopping distances when compared to smaller pickup trucks, SUVs and other smaller cars. An overloaded truck traveling at or above posted highway speed limits will require even greater distances to come to a complete stop than a properly loaded vehicle.

Commercial vehicles, especially when overloaded, are especially dangerous near Harrisburg’s congested merge points where traffic flow changes suddenly.

Brake Failure

Brake failure occurs more frequently in overloaded trucks. The additional strain causes brake components to overheat and deteriorate rapidly, particularly on steep descents. When these safety systems fail, the results could lead to fatality.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are more likely with overloaded trucks. Excess weight places immense pressure on tires already carrying thousands of pounds, causing them to overheat and potentially explode. A single blown tire can cause an overweight truck to swerve across multiple lanes of traffic.

Increase Chances of Rollover Accidents

Overloaded trucks are more likely to roll over due to their high center of gravity. In an emergency, they can become unstable and may cause nearby vehicles to be crushed.

Shifting Cargo

Cargo shifts present another serious hazard. When trucks carry weight beyond their design capacity, even properly secured loads can become unstable and break loose during transit. This shifting cargo can cause drivers to lose control or spill hazardous materials, such as oil, onto roadways.

Pennsylvania Truck Weight Laws and Regulations

Pennsylvania enforces strict weight limits for commercial trucks operating on its highways. Federal regulations set the maximum gross vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds on interstate highways.

On Pennsylvania roads, weight limits depend not just on total weight but also on how that weight is distributed. The state follows the Federal Bridge Formula, which determines the maximum allowable weight based on the number of axles and the distance between them.

Trucks traveling through Harrisburg must comply with state and federal regulations. To help ensure that truck drivers comply with laws, Pennsylvania requires commercial vehicles to stop at weigh stations when open. These facilities use scales to verify compliance with weight restrictions. Bypassing open weigh stations is a serious violation that can result in significant penalties.

If truck drivers are required to transport oversized or overweight loads, they must obtain a permit for loads that exceed the legal limits. Permits issued by the transportation department have specific routes and periods. Without proper permits, overloaded trucks operate illegally on highways.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Overloaded Truck Crashes

Truck accidents are more complex that car crashes, which is why there may often be multiple liable parties. Our legal team works to identify all responsible parties to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and other damages.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers may bear direct responsibility if they knowingly operate vehicles that are overweight. Drivers must verify their cargo weight before departure and have the autonomy to refuse to drive if the truck exceeds legal limits. Truck drivers who ignore their legal obligations to meet tight delivery deadlines or earn bonus pay for carrying extra freight, can be held liable if a crash occurs.

Trucking Companies

Trucking companies that pressure drivers to haul overweight loads may share fault if it contributes to a crash and resulting damages. These companies have a legal duty to follow regulations for proper loading of commercial vehicles. They also have a duty to train drivers on proper cargo weight verification and maintain policies that prioritize safety over delivery schedules.

Loading Companies

Improper loading or unsecured cargo contributes directly to overweight violations. Third-party loading facilities must adhere to strict protocols when loading freight onto trucks. When they fail to distribute weight properly or load excess cargo, they assume liability for resulting accidents.

Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers

Vehicle and parts manufacturers may be liable if defective components contribute to an accident caused by overloading. Faulty weight sensors, inadequate braking systems or structural weaknesses can compound the dangers associated with excess weight.

How Does Pennsylvania’s Comparative Negligence Impact Truck Accidents

Pennsylvania’s comparative negligence law plays a crucial role in determining compensation after truck accidents. It directly affects the amount of money injured victims can recover, especially in complex crashes involving commercial trucks.

Pennsylvania follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51 percent rule. You can recover damages if you are found to be 50 percent or less responsible for the accident. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot collect any compensation. This threshold becomes particularly important in truck accident cases, where multiple factors and parties often contribute to the crash.

Proving Liability in Overloaded Truck Accident Causes

Establishing liability for an accident involving an overloaded truck requires specific evidence and expert analysis. Your attorney must build a compelling case that connects the excess weight directly to the crash and your injuries.

You may be able to prove liability with the following evidence:

• Weigh Station Records: Official documents show whether a truck exceeded legal weight limits before the accident, providing direct evidence of a regulatory violation
• Bills of Lading and Shipping: Shipping documents reveal what the truck was carrying and its expected weight, helping to identify discrepancies that indicate negligent loading practices.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD): This data captures the truck’s speed, braking patterns and route, allowing accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate how excess weight affects the vehicle’s performance.
• Maintenance Records: These documents reveal whether the truck’s components were rated for the weight it carried, indicating if parts, such as brakes and tires, were operating beyond their design specifications.
• Expert Witness Testimony: Engineers and accident reconstruction specialists connect technical evidence to the crash cause, demonstrating how excess weight extended stopping distance or contributed to mechanical failures.
• Photographic Evidence: Images from the accident scene often show physical signs of overloading. Some signs of overloaded trucks include compressed suspension components or tire damage consistent with excessive weight.

Call Schmidt Kramer After You Have Been Involved in a Truck Accident

The aftermath of a truck accident leaves many victims feeling overwhelmed by medical bills, lost wages and insurance complications. There is no need to face these challenges alone. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your accident, identify all liable parties and build a compelling case for maximum compensation.

At Schmidt Kramer, we understand the intricacy of federal regulations, state laws and industry practices that govern commercial trucking. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you throughout the legal process.

Contact our trusted law firm today to request a free consultation. There are no upfront costs if we represent you.

Speak to one of our attorneys today: 717-727-2500.