New Jersey’s Truck Weight Regulations

Federal and state laws strictly limit how much a commercial truck can weigh. These regulations exist to protect road safety and infrastructure.

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Federal Weight Limits (Under FMCSA Rules)

• Single Axle: 20,000 lbs
• Tandem Axle: 34,000 lbs
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 80,000 lbs

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New Jersey-Specific Restrictions

New Jersey imposes additional restrictions, including:

- Lower weight limits on certain roads and bridges

- Seasonal restrictions (e.g., reduced limits during spring thaw)

- Special permits required for oversize/overweight loads

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Violating these limits is not just a traffic offense—it’s negligence per se, meaning the trucking company can automatically be considered at fault if an accident occurs.

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How Overweight Trucks Cause Accidents

Exceeding weight limits increases the risk of:

1. Brake Failure

- Overloaded trucks generate more heat, causing brakes to fade or fail.

- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data shows brake violations are a leading cause of truck crashes.

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2. Tire Blowouts

- Excessive weight strains tires, increasing blowout risks.

- A blown tire can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over.

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3. Longer Stopping Distances

- An 80,000-lb truck needs 20-40% more distance to stop than a properly loaded one.

- Overweight trucks may fail to stop in time, leading to rear-end collisions.

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4. Rollover & Jackknife Crashes

- High center of gravity + excess weight = greater instability.

- Sharp turns or sudden maneuvers can cause catastrophic rollovers.

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5. Bridge & Road Damage

- Overweight trucks accelerate infrastructure wear, creating hazards like potholes and weakened bridges.

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Proving a Truck Was Overweight After an Accident

Evidence is critical in overweight truck accident claims. Key sources include:

1. Weigh Station Records

- New Jersey has multiple weigh stations (e.g., on I-80, I-287, NJ Turnpike).

- If the truck bypassed a weigh station or was cited for violations, this strengthens your case.

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2. Bill of Lading & Shipping Documents

- These list the cargo weight and can reveal if the truck was overloaded.

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3. Truck’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

- ELDs track weight distribution, speed, and braking patterns.

- FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to preserve this data after crashes.

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4. Accident Reconstruction Experts

- Engineers can analyze skid marks, cargo spillage, and vehicle damage to estimate weight.

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5. DOT Inspection Reports

- If the truck was inspected before or after the crash, violations may be documented.

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How Weight Violations Impact Your Legal Claim

1. Stronger Proof of Negligence

- Violating weight limits is automatic negligence under NJ law.

- This makes it harder for trucking companies to deny liability.

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2. Higher Compensation Potential

- Overweight trucks often cause more severe injuries, justifying greater damages.

- Courts may award punitive damages for willful violations.

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3. Multiple Liable Parties

In addition to the driver, you may sue:

- The trucking company (for allowing violations)

- The cargo loader (for improper weight distribution)

- The shipper (for falsifying weight records)

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4. Insurance Company Challenges

- Truck insurers often dispute claims, arguing the accident wasn’t caused by weight.

- A skilled attorney can counter these arguments with evidence.

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Steps to Take After an Overweight Truck Accident

1. Call 911 & Seek Medical Help

- Get immediate treatment and document injuries.

2. Preserve Evidence
- Take photos of the truck, cargo, skid marks, and road conditions.

- Get witness statements.

3. Request a Police Report

- Ensure officers note any suspected weight violations.

4. Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

- An attorney can subpoena weigh station records, ELD data, and maintenance logs.

5. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters

- Trucking insurers may try to get you to admit partial fault.

Why You Need a Lawyer for an Overweight Truck Claim

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurers working to minimize payouts. Without legal help, you might:

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- Miss critical evidence (like deleted ELD records)

- Accept a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover future medical costs

- Fail to identify all liable parties

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An experienced NJ truck accident attorney can:
✔ Investigate weight violations thoroughly
✔ Hire accident reconstruction experts
✔ Negotiate with multiple insurance companies
✔ File a lawsuit if necessary

Conclusion: Holding Overweight Truck Operators Accountable

Overweight trucks are preventable hazards that put all road users at risk. If you’ve been injured in a crash, proving weight violations can be the key to securing full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I prove a truck was overweight after an accident?

Key evidence includes weigh station records, bill of lading documents, ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data, and expert analysis of the crash scene.

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2. Who can be held liable in an overweight truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability:

• The truck driver (if they ignored weight limits)
• The trucking company (for pressuring drivers to overload)
• The cargo loader (for improper weight distribution)

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3. What if the truck had a permit to exceed weight limits?

Permits have strict conditions (e.g., approved routes, time restrictions). Violating these terms can still constitute negligence.

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4. How does an overweight truck impact my injury claim?

Weight violations strengthen your case by proving negligence. This can lead to higher compensation, including punitive damages in extreme cases.

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5. What if the trucking company denies responsibility?

An attorney can subpoena maintenance records, driver logs, and weigh-in data to challenge their defense.

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Need Help With Your Truck Accident Claim? Contact Sarofiem & Antoun Today

Don't let trucking companies escape responsibility for dangerous violations. Sarofiem & Antoun builds strong cases by subpoenaing weight records, working with accident reconstruction experts, and demanding justice for your medical bills, lost income, and trauma. Whether the crash was caused by overloaded cargo or negligent maintenance, call us today for a free, no-pressure consultation. We don't get paid unless you win.

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We'll review your case, explain your rights under New Jersey law, and help you make informed decisions about how to proceed. Remember, the sooner you seek legal advice, the better we can protect your family's interests.

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