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A truck’s weight on the road doesn’t just consist of the weight of the vehicle itself. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) includes the total weight of a truck when accounting for the vehicle, its passengers, cargo, fuel, and other factors that can contribute to a truck’s weight.
A truck’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) indicates its maximum weight capacity. The Safety Compliance Certification label showing the GVWR can be found on the driver’s side door jamb or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Operators and owners of commercial vehicles must also ensure they don’t exceed the maximum weight their fleets can handle based on their GVWRs. Under federal law, the maximum GVW for any vehicle using the Interstate System is 80,000 pounds.
Compensation may be available if you were hurt in an accident because a driver or other such party exceeded the approved weight limit for a truck. Contact our truck accident attorneys at Regan Zambri Long for more information about your legal options in these circumstances.
The weight of passengers, cargo, and other factors that aren’t part of a truck itself can stress a truck’s suspension. Exceeding the top weight a vehicle can handle may stress the suspension to such a degree that its stability decreases. Similarly, excessive weight can negatively influence brake performance.
Being mindful of a truck’s GVWR can guard against accidents. If an accident does occur because an operator or other such party overloaded a truck, victims may be able to seek compensation by filing a claim with the negligent party’s insurance company. Or, they may file a lawsuit to seek damages in court.
Speak with our truck accident attorneys if you’ve been involved in an accident involving an overloaded vehicle. We’ll help you understand your rights.
GVWR is often misunderstood. Some believe it is the same as the Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR), but this isn’t the case.
The GCWR, which is the combined weight of the truck, the trailer, and the trailer’s cargo, applies when a truck is towing a trailer.
The “curb weight” of a truck is also different from GCWR. Also known as empty vehicle weight (or simply empty weight), this is the weight of the vehicle when it’s parked and fueled up but doesn’t have passengers or cargo.
Get expert legal guidance to understand how GVWR misconceptions may affect your accident claim. Contact us today.
GVWR information is usually located on the Safety Compliance label and is often found on the door jamb of the driver’s side door. The owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website may also provide this information.
The Safety Compliance label should be relatively easy to read. Just look for “GVWR” and check the numbers next to it. Be aware there may be two numbers: one for pounds and one for kilograms.
Commercial truck weight information may be relevant to your case if you’ve been injured in a trucking accident.
Penalties for exceeding GVWR limits can vary, as both federal and state laws may apply. Common penalties for exceeding the capacity of a truck include:
Penalties can also depend on whether the party exceeding GVWR limits is a trucking company or an individual driver who overloaded their vehicle. Along with facing criminal penalties, drivers and companies who ignore GVWR limits may be held liable for accidents if their negligence results in harm to victims.
Have you been hurt in an accident with an overloaded commercial truck? Let our experienced attorneys help you understand your rights regarding truck weight violations.
A vehicle’s GVWR depends on its weight classification. For example, the GVWR of a Class 1 vehicle is less than 6,000 pounds, whereas it could be greater than 33,000 pounds for a Class 8 vehicle.
Be aware that commercial vehicles usually have a greater capacity than personal vehicles. In addition, individual states may have their own classification requirements. Reach out to our legal team to discuss how truck weight classifications affect your case.
GVWR may also be relevant when you’re purchasing a new truck. Your goal is to select a vehicle that will serve your needs. If you’re buying a truck to haul cargo for a business, you’ll likely need one with a greater GVWR than would be necessary if you’re only looking for a personal vehicle. It’s also important to consider GCWR if you plan on towing anything with a truck.
Trucking companies and other such parties also need to account for these factors when choosing vehicles for their fleets. Contact our attorneys to discuss how improper vehicle selection may have contributed to your accident.
Understanding a truck’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) requires looking beyond just the number printed on the Compliance Certification label. While this official rating is fixed, the actual safe operating weight of a truck can vary significantly based on real-world conditions. For instance, factors like severe weather, steep mountain roads, or other environmental challenges can effectively lower the safe weight a truck can handle, even if the official GVWR remains unchanged.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident where improper vehicle weight may have been a factor, consulting with legal experts at Regan Zambri Long can help determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
