Overloaded/Overweight Truck Accidents in Bakersfield

How Do Weight Violations Affect Liability?

Trucks that exceed weight limits drive differently. Stopping distances increase, tires fail more easily, and braking systems strain. That is why state law sets strict limits under the Vehicle Code, with enforcement handled by the California Highway Patrol and roadside weigh stations. The 49 Code of Federal Regulations also explains how loads must be secured. Violations of these standards often become key evidence in cases involving Bakersfield overweight truck collisions.

In many situations, responsibility applies to more than one person. A trucking company may push for a schedule that leads to overloading. A shipper may place too much weight on an axle. Maintenance crews may overlook damage caused by years of strain. Lawyers often request driver logs, dispatch orders, scale tickets, and telematics to determine how the crash happened. In Kern County, where major highways such as I-5 and Highway 99 carry constant freight traffic, past safety citations and local inspection records often play a role. Key points lawyers review include:

• Bills of lading, scale receipts, and shipping documents
• Electronic data showing speed, braking, and driver hours
• Cargo securement and training compliance
• Prior violations tied to the carrier or driver
• Vehicle condition, including brakes, suspension, and tires

The state also follows comparative negligence. That means compensation can be reduced if more than one party shares fault. Claims are usually filed within two years under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1, although shorter timelines can apply if the accident involves a government entity. Damages may include both economic losses, such as medical bills and wages, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering.

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