Curb Weight vs GVWR: Why Overloaded Trucks Cause Deadly Louisiana Accidents
Overloaded trucks are one of the most dangerous hazards on Louisiana highways, because their added weight makes them harder control. When an 18-wheeler carries more than it should, it takes longer to stop, tires can blow out, and rollovers become more likely.
If you’ve been in a serious truck accident, understanding the difference between curb weight vs GVWR can help determine if trucking company negligence played a role — and whether you may be entitled to significant compensation.
What Is Curb Weight?
Curb weight is the weight of a vehicle as it sits on the curb — meaning:
- The truck’s body, engine, fluids, and standard equipment
- No cargo, passengers, or additional gear
Think of curb weight as the truck’s empty weight. It’s important because every pound added after this number counts toward the truck’s legal weight limits.
What Is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)?
The GVWR is the maximum safe weight a truck can legally carry. This number includes:
- Curb weight
- Fuel
- Passengers
- Cargo or freight
For most commercial trucks, the truck manufacturer sets the GVWR and lists it on the doorframe or compliance plate. You can read the FMCSA truck weight regulations here.
Why Overloaded Trucks Are So Dangerous
Exceeding the GVWR puts everyone on the road at risk. Common crash risks include:
- Longer braking distances — stopping too late in heavy traffic
- Tire blowouts — leading to jackknifes or rollovers
- Brake system failure — too much weight overheats the system
- Truck instability — higher risk of tipping during sharp turns
In many serious Louisiana truck accidents, overloading is a key factor.
Proving Overloading After a Truck Accident
If you suspect a truck was overweight, an experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate by:
- Reviewing weigh station tickets and bills of lading
- Requesting black box data to estimate load weight
- Checking maintenance logs for brake or tire failures due to overload
If overloading is proven, courts can hold the trucking company responsible for negligence and safety violations, increasing the potential settlement value.
Who Is Liable for an Overloaded Truck in Louisiana?
- Trucking Companies: Often push drivers to haul more than legally allowed
- Cargo Loaders: Can be liable if they improperly loaded or distributed weight
- Drivers: Can share liability if they knowingly operated an overweight truck
What To Do If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident
- Seek medical attention immediately — document injuries.
- Take photos of the truck, cargo, and accident scene if possible.
- Contact a truck accident attorney experienced in catastrophic injuries — evidence like weigh tickets can disappear fast.
Get Help With Your Truck Accident Claim
Overloaded trucks often cause the worst injuries and highest settlements. If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
📞 Contact Saunders & Chabert today for a free consultation. Our team investigates every detail — including whether an overweight truck caused your crash.