Oversized Load Deviations Lead to Significant Traffic Accidents

An oversized load vehicle’s route deviation leads to a collision, raising questions about regulatory compliance and roadway safety risks.

ByZach Barreto

Updated on

Overized vehicle

Case Overview

This case revolves around an incident where an individual was driving behind an oversized load vehicle that halted unexpectedly in the lane of traffic at a low point on a hill. Notably, the oversized load vehicle lacked appropriate flags or hazard lights, which are critical for signaling its presence. The individual subsequently collided with the oversized load vehicle, resulting in injuries and damages. The allegations suggest that the oversized load vehicle was unlawfully operating on this road, as it was required to adhere to a Department of Transportation (DOT)-designated route tailored for oversized vehicles. The focus of this case is to assess the implications of deviating from designated routes and the associated safety hazards.

Questions to the Transportation expert and their responses

Q1

Briefly, what factors are considered when designating a route for oversized vehicles?

Factors considered when designating an oversize route would include destination of load, road construction issues, low-load bridges, and no truck zones.

Q2

Briefly, what factors are considered when designating a route for oversized vehicles?

Safety hazards concerning oversize loads deviating from the designated route include potential damage to property, citation to the driver, accidents, and being in a place that's hard to get out of.

About the expert

This expert has over 35 years of experience in safety and fleet management within the trucking industry. Currently licensed as a commercial driver in Texas, they also hold certifications in forklift training, OSHA construction safety and health, Department of Transportation brake safety, and reasonable suspicion testing. Additionally, the expert possesses a transportation worker identification credential and is an active member of a major state motor transportation association. Their previous roles include serving as safety director and fleet manager at several transportation and delivery companies. Today, they own a safety consultancy in Texas that audits transportation companies for insurance providers and advises businesses on Department of Transportation rules and regulations.

Expert headshot

E-333535

Specialties:

Transportation

About the author

Zach Barreto

Zach Barreto

Zach Barreto is a distinguished professional in the legal industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Research at the Expert Institute. With a deep understanding of a broad range of legal practice areas, Zach's expertise encompasses personal injury, medical malpractice, mass torts, defective products, and many other sectors. His skills are particularly evident in handling complex litigation matters, including high-profile cases like the Opioids litigation, NFL Concussion Litigation, California Wildfires, 3M earplugs, Elmiron, Transvaginal Mesh, NFL Concussion Litigation, Roundup, Camp Lejeune, Hernia Mesh, IVC filters, Paraquat, Paragard, Talcum Powder, Zantac, and many others.

Under his leadership, the Expert Institute’s research team has expanded impressively from a single member to a robust team of 100 professionals over the last decade. This growth reflects his ability to navigate the intricate and demanding landscape of legal research and expert recruitment effectively. Zach has been instrumental in working on nationally significant litigation matters, including cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, toxic chemical exposure, and wrongful death, among others.

At the Expert Institute, Zach is responsible for managing all aspects of the research department and developing strategic institutional relationships. He plays a key role in equipping attorneys for success through expert consulting, case management, strategic research, and expert due diligence provided by the Institute’s cloud-based legal services platform, Expert iQ.

Educationally, Zach holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and European History from Vanderbilt University.

Find an expert witness near you

What State is your case in?

What party are you representing?

background image

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on legal news, insights and product updates from Expert Institute.

Sign up now