One of the most common causes for truck crashes in Connecticut and across the country is overweight truck loads. Many commercial tractor trailers haul loads which exceed the state’s maximum allowed limit of 80,000 pounds. Ignoring the law, however, can have tragic consequences. If an event occurs that causes a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, serious—and often fatal—accidents can result.

Additionally, when a tractor trailer transports more weight than it is built for, it can cause serious mechanical issues such as tire blowouts and steering difficulties. The overweight loads can also hamper a truck’s ability to slow down and stop, therefore making it particularly dangerous for overweight trucks when traveling downhill.

Overloaded tractor trailers are also more easily prone to truck rollovers, as a recent fatal truck accident demonstrated. The driver lost control of the truck while attempting to maneuver in heavy traffic and flipped over onto a car. Both the car and truck burst into flames. The truck driver was able to get out of his vehicle and was uninjured. The driver and passenger in the car, however, were trapped and crushed under the burning truck, and were pronounced dead at the scene.

According to statistics from the National Highway Safety Administration (NHSA), there are more than 300,000 truck accidents in this country each year, which kill about 4,000 people. Another 105,000 people are seriously injured in these crashes. For victims who do survive, their injuries are often more severe and long-term than injuries suffered by victims of car accidents because of the size and weight impact of the tractor trailer involved in the accident. Often, their quality of life is significantly lowered by the accident.

If you were injured in a serious truck accident, please contact a dedicated Westport personal injury attorney today at 203-226-6168 to find out what legal compensation you may be entitled to for your pain and loss.