# Dangers of Overloaded Trucks | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Truck Loads Are Heavily Regulated 2. Why Are Overloaded Trucks Dangerous? 3. How Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Help After a Collision Caused by an Overloaded Semi?  4. Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers ![Dangers of Overloaded Trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dangers-of-Overloaded-Trucks-300x200.jpg) We’ve all felt a sense of apprehension at the sight of an overloaded semi barreling down the highway. Instinct sends a natural warning to give a heavily-loaded truck a safe distance. This reaction exists for a good reason: an overloaded truck poses a life-threatening danger.  [Overloaded trucks](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/oversize-load-truck/) can be deadly, and strict regulations exist that are intended to protect other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, these rules aren’t always followed by truckers or the [trucking companies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/trucking-company-negligence/) they work for.  If you want to keep your family safe on the highway, here’s what you should know about why overloaded trucks are so dangerous — and what to do when an overloaded truck causes an accident and injury. ## Truck Loads Are Heavily Regulated The average semi-truck can weigh up to 25,000 pounds — and that’s without carrying a load of cargo. Compare that to the standard passenger car, which only weighs [around 4,100 pounds](https://www.autolist.com/guides/average-weight-of-car). Even without a heavy load, the size and weight of a semi-truck can lead to deadly outcomes when a high-speed accident involves a much smaller vehicle.  In an effort to reduce accidents and keep everyone safe, laws exist that regulate how much weight a load-bearing truck can carry. Specific regulations can vary by state, county, and trucking company, but certain requirements regulate most truck drivers under a [CDL license](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-commercial-drivers-licenses-in-texas/).  Since large trucks come in different sizes, many states regulate legal truck weight by the number of axles. For example, a single-axle truck has a [legal weight limit of 25,000 pounds](https://www.txdmv.gov/motor-carriers/oversize-overweight-permits/texas-size-weight-limits#:~:text=Legal%20Size%20and%20Weight%20Limits%20%20%20,%2065%20feet%20%206%20more%20rows%20) in Texas. On the other end of the scale, a five-axle truck has a weight limit of 81,400 pounds.  Heavy as that is, trucks in Texas can carry even heavier loads. Texas gives specific calculations for determining a safe weight for trucks with six or more axles, and the state also issues [permits for overweight loads](https://www.txdmv.gov/motor-carriers/oversize-overweight-permits).  For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Why Are Overloaded Trucks Dangerous? Many states require additional safeguards, like weigh stations ensuring that a truck isn’t carrying a load heavier than the law permits. However, despite the many rules intended to keep other drivers safe, [many truckers still slip past regulations](https://abc13.com/archive/5826376/). The result is that dangerously heavy truck loads are always a potential danger.  Some of the chief reasons overloaded trucks pose a serious threat to other drivers include:  - Axles can’t bear the load - Overloaded [cargo isn’t safely secured](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/falling-debris-truck/) - Overloads can cause [tire issues](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/tire-blowout-truck/) - Weight increases the risk of rollover accidents - Overloads lead to [jackknife accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/jackknife/) - It’s more difficult to control the speed - Decreased control in poor weather Whether it’s a broken axle, a blown tire, or a careening semi too heavy for the driver to get under control — overloaded trucks are a serious danger, and the outcomes of an accident involving one can lead to severe injury or death.  ## How Can a Houston Truck Accident Lawyer Help After a Collision Caused by an Overloaded Semi?  [Trucking companies](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-trucking-company-accidents/) are for-profit businesses. Factors like corporate greed, oversight, or poor employee training can lead to overloaded trucks speeding down the highway. When the result is an accident, a lawyer can help a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) victim recover compensation.  Even if a trucker or trucking company faces charges or fines for a trucking accident, that doesn’t do much to help the victim. Gaining compensation for injuries and other [damages](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-damages-available-in-personal-injury-cases/) caused by a trucking accident requires going to civil court.  A [truck accident lawyer](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/) is vital in ensuring that justice is served for those most impacted by a truck accident. A lawyer will collect the [evidence](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/understanding-evidence-in-a-personal-injury-case/) needed to build a case in your defense and will serve as your representative in dealing with insurance companies.  With the right representation, it’s possible to gain compensation after an accident involving an overloaded truck.   [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Contact the Houston Truck Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Truck Accidents Blog Posts: [![Interstate Trucking Carriers' Safety Representative Dishonestly Denying Liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-trucking-carriers-safety-representative-dishonestly-denying-liability/) [Interstate Trucking Carriers' Safety Representative Dishonestly Denying Liability](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/interstate-trucking-carriers-safety-representative-dishonestly-denying-liability/) This is a deposition of the Safety Director and Corporate Representative of an Interstate Carrier subject to DOT [![Aggressive Driving By Truck Drivers in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Aggressive-Driving-By-Truck-Drivers-in-Houston--300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/aggressive-driving-by-truck-drivers-in-houston/) [Aggressive Driving by Truck Drivers in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/aggressive-driving-by-truck-drivers-in-houston/) Aggressive driving and road rage are very real issues. Always a dangerous practice for other vehicles and people on [![Texas Truck Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Texas-Truck-Accident-Statistics-300x191.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-truck-accident-statistics/) [Texas Truck Accident Statistics](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/texas-truck-accident-statistics/) Texas is a large state with large highways. Travel any one of these highways, and you are bound to see large [![Trucking Regulations 2021: Everything You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/trucking-regulations-2021-everything-you-need-to-know/) [Trucking Regulations 2021: Everything You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/trucking-regulations-2021-everything-you-need-to-know/) The U.S. government regulates interstate trucking companies. These regulations keep highways and roads safe for trucks --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/dangers-of-overloaded-trucks/