Louisiana Trucks Don’t Want To Watch Their Weight

As if passenger car crashes with 18-wheelers in Louisiana weren't scary enough, overloaded trucks present even more danger. Hauling cargo weighing more than the limit authorized by federal and state authorities dramatically increases not only the odds of an accident, but also the damage inflicted on those involved.

Interstate traffic is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA rules are very detailed and relatively well enforced. Well-managed large motor carrier companies abide by the rules because they know that a high accident rate is very costly in the end. However, others do not. There are many loopholes. A lot of cargo coming into the country through the port of New Orleans is hauled on trucks that do not stop at weigh stations because they are closed more hours than they are open.

Intrastate traffic is even worse. Apart from the port, weigh stations are usually located on the main highways where most of the interstate traffic is concentrated. Intrastate traffic travels mostly on secondary roads where there are no weigh stations. Construction firm trucks can operate for many years without ever stopping at a weigh station.

Even though overweight trucks cause a lot of damage to roadways and bridges, the State of Louisiana does not have the budget to adequately enforce the rules and inspect commercial vehicles operating intrastate.

Overloaded trucks are a great hazard to Louisiana motorists, and their owners should be held to account if they are involved in accidents.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case. Order now our FREE lawyer book, "A Guide To Steering Through a Serious Vehicle Accident in Louisiana."