Fort Collins, CO Shifting Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you love was hurt by a truck accident caused by shifting cargo in the Fort Collins area, Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC is here to help. Our legal team of truck accident attorneys in Fort Collins understands federal regulations and can help you to build the strongest claim possible to fight for full and fair compensation.

Cargo must be loaded safely when it is being transported to avoid putting everyone on the road at risk. 

In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations impose a number of different rules for safe cargo loading, including § 393.106, which states that “cargo must be firmly immobilized or secured on or within a vehicle by structures of adequate strength, dunnage or dunnage bags, shoring bars, tiedowns or a combination of these.”

Unfortunately, not all truck drivers and trucking companies fulfill their obligations to prevent cargo from shifting during transport. This failure can often lead to a truck accident, which causes injuries or even death to innocent motorists.

To find out more about how we can represent you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Fort Collins, CO shifting cargo truck accident lawyer. 

How Does Shifting Cargo Put You at Risk of a Truck Accident?

Shifting cargo can be a direct cause of a truck accident for the following reasons:

• It can change the center of gravity: As freight shifts from one side of a truck to another, it can make the truck unstable. 
• It can increase the risk of rollover accidents: When the weight of the cargo isn’t distributed evenly, or the cargo is too top-heavy, there’s a greater risk of a rollover accident. 
• It increases the risk of jackknife accidents: If the weight of the cargo moves too suddenly from one side of the truck to the other, this can push the trailer out so it makes a V-shape or the shape of a jackknife. 
• It can lead to lane drifting: if the trailer sways as cargo shifts, the heavy truck can be dragged into the neighboring lane. 
• It can result in spilled debris: If cargo isn’t secured properly and if it shifts, it can break free and fall onto the road. 
• It can cause brake strain: When the weight of the cargo shifts suddenly, this can overheat brakes and increase the risk of brake failure. 
• It can cause tire strain: Sudden weight shifts can also overpressurize tires, resulting in an increased chance of a blowout. 

These risks are why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rules in place for safe cargo loading. If those rules are violated, you may be able to pursue a claim for negligence. 

What Can a Fort Collins Shifting Cargo Truck Accident Lawyer Do to Help?

At Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC, we are here to help you when you’re hurt in an accident caused by cargo shifting. Our team will:

• Work with you to determine if the trucking company or driver violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations or behaved negligently in any way when loading cargo
• Help you identify defendants who can be held liable for your accident based on negligence or rule violations
• Gather evidence and build a strong claim so you can maximize your chances of recovering compensation
• Negotiate a settlement or represent you in court to help you get full compensation for an accident caused by cargo shifting

We bring decades of experience with truck accident cases to every claim, and we are ready to be your advocate throughout your case. 

Contact Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC today 

Don’t hesitate to get legal help. Contact Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Collins, CO shifting cargo truck accident lawyer today to learn how we can fight for you. Call (970) 221-2800.