Overloaded Tractor Trailer

The Joye Law Firm handles a number of cases involving the trucking industry. One of our current cases involves an overloaded tractor-trailer. The cargo was initially shipped from Europe to Charleston by freighter, coming through the Charleston Naval Shipyard. It was then loaded onto a trailer to be transported via interstate.

Unfortunately, the height of the trailer violated South Carolina law, as the height was more than 13 feet 6 inches. Furthermore, no oversize permit was obtained. When the trailer passed under an overpass its load hit the barrier, throwing wood, metal and debris all over the interstate.

On the day in question, our client was on his way home from work and was behind the tractor-trailer when it hit the overpass. Suddenly, a piece of iron from the trailer flew through his windshield, fracturing his skull in several places, and causing a brain injury. Our client has now had several operations as a result of the incident, and he has steel plates and silicone implants in his head.

Unfortunately, after the incident, the truck driver did not stop to render aid to our client. Rather, he simply unhitched the trailer and left the scene of the incident. Criminal charges have now been brought against the driver.

The Joye Law Firm has filed suit against the trucking companies involved in the incident. The case involves complex federal regulatory issues as well as South Carolina statutory and common law. We have also retained experts to testify regarding our client’s vocational abilities, his economic damages, and his future medical needs. Furthermore, an expert has been retained to testify regarding the applicable trucking rules and regulations, as well as regarding the proper way to broker such a load.

Lawyers from the Joye Law Firm have traveled to Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Georgia to take depositions and review documents in the case. Thousands of pages of materials have been reviewed, and extensive investigation has been done into the activities of the defendant trucking companies. The trial took place in 2003.