Overloaded Trucks, Falling Debris

Many of the trucking accidents that occur throughout our California roads are as a result of an overloaded truck or because of debris that was not loaded properly. Items such as falling logs, pipes, and appliances can obviously be a serious road hazard to other vehicles on the road. More commonly, smaller items such as unsecured water coolers and garden tools can be just as hazardous.

There are certain laws in California in regards to loads and vehicle weight that California big rigs and trucks must abide to:

Loads on Passenger Vehicles:
No passenger vehicle shall be operated on any highway with items extending beyond the line of the fenders on its left side, or more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on its right side. If it extends beyond the rear fender of the vehicle, a red flag or warning lights must be attached. Click here to read the California state law.

Vehicle Load Height:
No vehicle or load shall exceed a height of 14 feet measures from the surface upon which the vehicle stands (except that a double deck bus may exceed 14ft. 3 inches). Any vehicle or load which exceeds a height of 13 feet, 6 inches, shall only be operated on those highways where deemed to be safe by the owner of the vehicle.

Falling Debris / Covering of transported items:
According to the law, a vehicle may not be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed, covered, or loaded as to prevent any of its contents or load other than clear water or feathers from live birds.

Aggregate materials shall only be carried in the cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area shall not contain any holes, cracks, or openings through which that material may escape, regardless of the degree to which the vehicle is loaded.

Click here to read the State Laws regarding loads on passenger vehicles, maximum weight, and falling debris.

Contact us today, and speak to Mr. Dolan , or one of other qualified trucking accident attorneys today if you or someone you know has been injured as a result of falling debris or unsecured loads. The consultation is free.

A Premier California Truck Accident Law Firm

The Dolan Law Firm
1438 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415.421.2800
Toll Free: 888.424.5352
Fax: 415.421.2832