Truck accident collisions can cause devastating damage to other vehicles on the road. Their size and weight play a significant role in the outcome and severity of an accident. Trucks that carry more than their weight classification allows can be a serious hazard to truck drivers and other motorists alike.
If you’ve been hurt by an overweight commercial vehicle, you may need legal representation to hold the at-fault parties accountable for their negligence. At Wolf Law PLLC, our truck accident attorneys provide you with a powerful advocate to navigate the legal system and get compensation for the damage and injuries you sustained.
Government Regulation of Truck Weights
Trucks are classified by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which includes the weight of the truck itself and the added weight of fuel, accessories, cargo, and/or passengers. The weight limits for trucks traveling on interstate highways are set by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration at a maximum of 80,000 lbs total vehicle weight.
A truck’s weight is indicative of what type of license a driver may need to operate it. While a normal driver’s license may be appropriate for a pickup truck, a commercial driver’s license is needed if the truck is larger and carrying cargo or passengers. The type and weight of the truck also influence any allowances or restrictions drivers must obey to maintain safe operations while on the road.
Truck Classifications
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are 8 weight classes of trucks and other vehicles. Each classification covers a specific weight range based on their GVWR. Trucks are broken down into the following classes:
- Class 1: Less than 6,000 pounds
- Class 2: 6,001 – 10,000 pounds
- Class 3: 10,001 – 14,000 pounds
- Class 4: 14,001 – 16,000 pounds
- Class 5: 16,001 – 19,500 pounds
- Class 6: 19,501 – 26,000 pounds
- Class 7: 26,001 – 33,000 pounds
- Class 8: More than 33,001 pounds
Trucks that weigh less than 10,000 pounds are considered lightweight and include Classes 1 and 2. Classes 3 through 6 are considered medium-weight trucks, ranging in weight from 10,001 to 26,000 pounds.
Any truck over 26,001 pounds is considered heavy-duty and includes Classes 7 and 8.
Type of Trucks by Weight
Trucks range in weight from light to heavy duty. From a trusty pickup truck to a delivery truck to a semi-truck, each one serves a specific purpose, function, and capability. Additionally, the larger the truck is, the more it is regulated. Below is a closer look at each type of truck class by weight.
Light Weight Trucks
Lightweight trucks include mini, full, and crew-size pickup trucks. They are often utilized for personal and business use where an excessive amount of weight or passengers are not needed. This class of truck does not require any special licensing to operate.
Medium Weight Trucks
Because the weight range varies among classes 3 through 6, the types of trucks are also more varied. For this class, the truck type will determine if the driver needs to have a commercial driver’s license or not. The trucks in this class include:
- Box delivery trucks
- Walk-in delivery trucks (regular and large)
- Landscape utility trucks
- Bucket trucks
- Beverage trucks
- Rack trucks
- Stake body trucks
Heavy-Duty Weight Trucks
Heavy-duty trucks have the highest weight rating. Semi-trucks are a common type of truck in this category. Trucks in this class require drivers to hold a commercial driver’s license in order to operate the vehicle. Heavy-duty trucks include the following:
- Furniture truck
- Semi-trucks (high profile, medium, semi tractor, semi sleeper)
- Fuel trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Tow trucks
- Fire trucks
- Dump trucks
Enforcement of Truck Weight on Highways
Federal and state laws govern and enforce truck weight regulations. According to the Federal Highway Administration, while states may enact some weight limit exemptions for state highways, they are not allowed to enforce weight limits for interstate highways. However, states typically comply with federal guidance on this.
One method for enforcing commercial truck weight compliance is weigh stations. These stations check trucks’ weight based on whether they are a single or tandem axle and their gross vehicle weight. They also evaluate the weight in proportion to the truck’s length, width, and height. Trucks that do not comply with weight or size standards may be subject to legal action or lose their entire federal highway funding.
Additionally, on a state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety enforces weight standards on our roads. They will assess the weight limits per axle and for the truck overall. If a truck is loaded disproportionately per axle or overloaded entirely, a driver may have to redistribute their cargo or unload any cargo that exceeds the gross vehicle weight to get their vehicle into the approved weight range.
The Impact of Truck Weight in an Accident
When a truck collides with another vehicle, its weight can significantly impact the outcome of the accident. The more weight a truck has, the more force it has when it collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, or object. The additional weight also pushes trucks forward as they slow down and increases the time it takes for them to stop. The bigger and heavier a truck, the more time it will take.
Trucks carrying cargo can sometimes be loaded over their designated limits by cargo loaders, which can affect the truck’s balance, control, and function. This, in turn, affects the truck driver’s safety and can also contribute to accidents and equipment failure. Overloaded trucks can be a severe safety hazard to truck drivers and motorists.
Liability for Weight Violations and Truck Accidents
With so many factors at play in the trucking industry, it can be difficult to determine liability when an accident occurs. Trucking companies and cargo loaders, for example, can be held liable for weight violations and overload. These types of violations are taken seriously and can lead to fines and punishment.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to hire a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer to navigate the legal process successfully and determine liability. There are many layers involved, and it may not always be clear which party was at fault.
A lawyer will investigate and identify which party is liable and then hold them accountable for your injuries.
Wolf Law PLLC Will Provide You With Powerful Representation
When you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to have a skilled Dallas truck accident lawyer on your side who understands the impact a truck’s weight has on an accident. They can also help navigate the nuances of trucking liability and overload, as well as how they can affect the results of a claim. Wolf Law PLLC is committed to providing you with personalized service while fighting and advocating for you. Our aggressive and attentive approach gets you results.
Our team understands the complexities of truck accidents and will make sure you are not taken advantage of. If you were hit by an 18-wheeler, you do not have to go through this difficult time alone. Contact us today for a free consultation today to discover how we can help you secure the financial relief you need and get your life back on track.