No Fees Unless We Win
248-885-6614
Auto Accident 10.30.2021

Oversize Load Accident Attorneys

Large trucks hauling oversized loads are a danger on the roadway that can cause devastating accidents and injuries. Federal and state regulations limit the size and weight of cargo that trucks can carry. FMCSR’s set forth minimum requirements for transporting oversized loads. Semi-tractor trailers carrying oversized loads have a limited turning radius, need greater braking distance, and the vehicles center of gravity can be affected by an oversized load. If you see a semi carrying an oversized load, be very cautious because this condition can cause a serious accident. In many cases the big truck wreck is caused by a truck driver or trucking company which acted carelessly or failed to follow the proper federal motor carrier safety regulations.

At The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm we understand the dangers posed by trucks with oversized loads. Our dedicated truck accident lawyers have extensive experience helping injured people throughout Michigan. Attorney Joseph Dedvukaj is among a select group of attorneys who have earned the respect of the commercial trucking accident community.

In Michigan, our commercial truck accident 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 always free. If you’ve been injured, contact The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm for the dedicated, fearless, passionate, and experienced legal help you can trust.

Accidents Caused by Oversized Loads

Oversized load accidents are among the most dangerous on the road. A truck with an oversized load can weigh 10-20 times more than other vehicles on the road. Oversized load truck accidents can easily damage or destroy other vehicles, especially when they come in contact while moving at higher speeds.

Oversized Load Truck Accident Lawyer in Michigan

If you have been injured in a collision involving a truck with an oversized load, turn to a compassionate injury lawyer at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm for assistance.

A knowledgeable Michigan oversized load truck accident attorney can help you understand your rights to hold the trucking company responsible and serve as your mouthpiece throughout the claims process. The knowledge of a talented and skilled attorney can help put your mind at ease while you heal 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 federal motor carrier safety regulations mandate maximum weight limits for interstate highways are:

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

In an effort to protect the public, Michigan law authorize the Michigan Department of Transportation to issue special permits for the transportation movement, over state highways of vehicles or loads which exceed the size or weight limitations specified by law, if the proper safety measures are taken.

In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Transportation issues oversize permits when trucks are hauling a load that is bigger than:

  • 13 feet 6 inches in length.
  •  8 feet 6 inches in width (non-designated highways).
  • Truck-Semi-trailer 65' Legal Overhang: Front: 3', Rear: Any length up to legal max vehicle length (length greater that 4' must have12' red require flag (days) and red light/lantern (nighttime); or
  • 150,000 pounds gross vehicle weight limitation.

How Is a Big Truck Accident Investigated?

Usually, big truck accident and oversized load trucking accident have unique contributing factors. We work with our team of investigators and lawyers using tools and techniques 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 The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm 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 Oversized Load

If you need to drive near or going around an oversized load truck, be extremely careful and keep a proper look out at all times. Accidents can happen at any time, so it’s best to take precautions:

  • Don’t tailgate, allow enough room between you and the oversized load vehicle.
  • Stay alert and be aware of what is around the load like any lead escort vehicles.
  • Give the oversized load more time and distance to brake
  • Take the time you need to complete any maneuvers around the oversize load.
  • Don’t interfere or make any unexpected maneuvers.

What Is an Oversized Load Truck?

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.

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.

Who is At Fault In Oversized Load Crash?

Critical starting point with every truck accident, is finding out who is at fault for the oversized load truck accident. It will play a decisive role in any option you have about compensation after the accident.

Our investigators will try to piece together 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. Sometimes, if the cause of the accident is clear cut about who is at fault for the crash, the insurance company of those responsible may offer a settlement pre-suit.

Be aware that an insurer offering a quick settlement without your attorney is likely to be far less than the fair value of your compensation claim. You always need to hire reputable and aggressive lawyers in this kind of situation. In these complex trucking accidents, you will need the help of an experienced truck accident lawyer who can assess your needed life-care plan, calculate you’re cost of your medical bills, lost income from missed work, and demand a full and fair settlement.

What Are Common Types of Oversized Load Accidents?

Oversized loads are usually complicated can be challenging to handle. When an inexperienced, fatigued, or  distracted truck driver is involved, an accident is more likely to occur.

Some common oversized load crash types include:

  • Failure to timely brake – If the truck driver fails to apply the brakes in time, the oversize load may cause the braking system to fad or overheat.  Truck driver’s sometime erroneously gauge the stopping distance or go faster than they should give the size and weight of the load, which can cause them to lose control and major injuries to victims.
  • Rollover Truck Accident– An oversized load must be balanced properly and closely monitored for load shift. An improperly secured oversized load can easily cause a rollover truck accident, leading to catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
  • Load Shift. The load can shift if turning too fast or too shard, causing a roll over crash accident. 
  • Tire blowout or damage– Tires can blowout by carrying oversized loads. If the tire explodes because of the oversize load or the tire had excessive wear, this can lead to catastrophic loss of control.
  • Jackknife accidents – A jackknife crash can happen when the trailer is moving in a different direct or speed than the rest of the truck. If the trailer swings or slides into traffic, causing jackknife situation, people can be serious hurt or killed.
  • 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 you should do next. A.skilled truck accident lawyer can evaluate your oversized load accident case, answer your concerns, and help you develop a winning strategic plan to proceed with your claim.

How Do Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Help?

We have a history of high client satisfaction without legal service. A lawyer’s legal services should help in the following manner:

• Answering your questions about the truck accident.
If you’ve been injured by an oversized load truck accident, you may be worried and suffering great financial losses. You may have medical bills piling up and your life is turned upside down. A truck wreck lawyer can answer the questions and help you understand your options to help you recover and move forward with your claim.

• Experienced truck Accident Lawyers Work With Accident Investigators.
An oversized load truck accidents can be complex and complicated to investigate. Our truck accident specialist attorneys work hard to resolving puzzling aspects of a crash to understand what caused your oversized load tractor trailer accident. Our attorneys may hire accident reconstruction experts and truck driver safety specialists to establish a strong case for you. Our team of investigators may gather evidence showing that the truck was overloaded and/or traveled in violation of a Michigan oversized load permit or trucking safety regulations.

• Analyzing driver logs.
All over the road commercial truck drivers are required to follow strict limits on driving hours that govern how much time a truck driver can drive without taking the required rest break.

• Negotiate at fault parties’ insurance company.
An experienced personal injury truck accident lawyer knows how to communicate and stand up to insurance companies and will prevent an insurer from taking advantage of you.

• Filing lawsuit against responsible oversized load parties.
If you’re seriously injured in an oversized load accident 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 full and  fair compensation for your pain and suffering and economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. Our attorneys at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm have the knowledge and experience to advocate for you in court.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer for Oversized Loads

If you’ve been injured in an oversized load accident, get in touch with the experienced lawyers at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm now. Since 1994, we’ve been helping the people across Michigan and beyond rebuild their lives after serious truck accidents involving large trucks. Our team is committed to helping you through this difficult time.

Call 248-352-2110 or toll free at 1-866-447-3563 or complete our Contact Form to schedule a free no obligation    consultation with a big truck accident lawyer in Michigan. We give you the no win, no fee guarantee.

Share This Story

If you find this information useful, consider sharing this story to your social media channels. Help us make this community a better place.
No Fees Unless We Win
The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C represents Michigan clients in a full range of personal injury matters. If you have been injured, contact us for a free consultation.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute a client relationship.
smartphoneuploadcrossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram