Large trucks pose a risk on Kentucky’s highways, but an oversized truck load adds another level of danger. These trucks carry loads that exceed legal weight, height, or width limits, making them harder to control and more difficult to stop. As a result, they are more likely to cause serious crashes.
If you suffered injuries in an oversized load truck accident in Kentucky, you may be facing a long and painful recovery. You don’t have to handle this alone.
Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer is here to help when oversized load truck accidents happen. Our truck accident attorneys have fought for people hurt in Kentucky truck accidents for years, recovering compensation for medical care, lost income, pain, suffering, and other losses. If a trucking company, truck driver, or another party was responsible for the truck collision, we have the Kentucky Courage needed to hold them accountable.
Contact our Kentucky truck accident lawyers now for a free consultation.
Why You Need Our Truck Accident Lawyers After an Oversized Load Crash
Oversized truck accidents are complicated. The trucking industry is subject to strict state and federal regulations, but some operators cut corners to increase profits. When that leads to an accident, truck accident victims may face serious injuries that change their lives forever.
Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer stands out because:
- We are real lawyers, not just faces on TV. When you call us, you speak with an actual attorney, not a case manager or an assistant.
- We are available 24/7 because accidents don’t happen on a schedule.
- We handle injury claims from all angles, including workers’ compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability when applicable.
- We have a track record of success in truck accident cases, having helped many clients recover significant settlements and verdicts in their truck accident claims.
Every case is unique. We’re here to support you in whatever way makes the most sense for your situation, and we are committed to your satisfaction. Check out our many positive client testimonials to hear firsthand what it is like to work with Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer. For example, as one of our past clients wrote:
“I highly recommend this law firm. They are very knowledgeable, caring, and will fight for you until the end. But, the most important thing was they always kept me informed and constantly stayed in touch with me along the way.” – Candy B.
What Are Oversized Loads and How Are They Dangerous?
An oversized load is any cargo that exceeds the legal limits for weight, width, height, or length set by Kentucky law. Examples include:
- Modular homes
- Construction equipment
- Large pipes or beams
- Heavy machinery
- Wind turbine components
These loads require special permits, escort vehicles, and warning signs, but not all trucking companies follow the rules. The crash risk increases when an oversized load is improperly secured, too heavy for the semi-truck, or too wide for the roadway.
These accidents can lead to rollovers, jackknifes, tire failure, brake failure, and collisions with overpasses or bridges. Innocent motorists often suffer the most severe injuries in oversize truck crashes.
Trucking Companies May Be Responsible for Oversized Load Crashes
Trucking companies are responsible for following weight and size regulations, but some push the limits to save time and money. If an overloaded truck crash occurs, multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- Trucking companies that overloaded a truck, neglected regular vehicle inspections, or failed to obtain the proper permits
- Commercial truck drivers who ignored safety rules, broke traffic laws, or drove negligently
- Cargo loading companies that improperly secured cargo
- Manufacturers of defective truck parts that contributed to the crash
- Government agencies responsible for unsafe road conditions or lack of signage
Our team investigates accidents to find out what went wrong. We review trucking records, driver logs, cargo documents, maintenance reports, and other types of evidence to build a strong case.
Kentucky Laws on Truck Weight, Length, Width, and Height
Kentucky has strict laws regulating oversized loads to keep drivers safe. Some key regulations include:
- Weight limits – Loaded trucks can’t weigh more than 80,000 pounds unless they get a special permit. If a truck is too heavy, it can damage roads and make it harder to stop quickly in an emergency.
- Length limits – Tractor-trailers must be less than 53 feet in length. Longer trucks need more space to turn and can be harder to control, especially on narrow roads.
- Width limits –Trucks cannot be wider than 8 feet, 6 inches, without a special permit. Trucks that are too wide can take up extra space on the road, making it difficult for other drivers to pass safely.
- Height limits – Trucks cannot be taller than 13 feet, 6 inches (14 feet for car haulers), unless they have a special permit. If a truck is too tall, it might not fit under bridges or power lines, which can cause serious accidents.
Trucking companies must also follow federal regulations, which require special markings, escort vehicles for oversized loads, and route planning to avoid low bridges or weight-restricted roads. When companies ignore these rules, they put everyone at risk. If a violation contributed to your accident, we will work to hold them accountable.
Compensation You Could Recover in an Oversized Truck Accident Claim
If someone else was responsible for the crash, you have the right to seek compensation from them to cover your accident-related losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical bills, including those for immediate care, like surgery and hospitalization, as well as rehab and other ongoing treatment
- Lost income if you must stop working due to your injuries
- Reduced future earning potential if you are unable to return to your job
- Pain and suffering brought on by physical injuries and emotional trauma
- Property damage, including money to cover the costs of repairs or replacement of your vehicle
If the accident led to the death of a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses and other losses. Every case is different, so it’s essential to speak with our attorneys about what compensation may be available in your unique situation.
How Our Firm Helps People Hurt by Oversized Load Crashes
At Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer, we know the effect a severe truck accident can have on you and your family. We are ready to fight for justice and demand compensation for you. Throughout the legal process, our legal team will:
- Investigate the accident and determine who is liable
- Gather evidence, including police reports, trucking records, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists if needed
- Negotiate aggressively with trucking companies and their insurers
- Take your case to court if a fair settlement is not offered
Do not wait until it is too late to get legal help. The trucking company and its insurance provider are already building their defense. Let our Kentucky truck accident attorneys fight for you.
Call us or contact us online for a free consultation today.
