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Improper Cargo Weight Distribution In Denver, CO
Have you been injured in a truck accident caused by improper cargo weight distribution in Denver, Colorado? Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help when you call (720) 613 9706. We offer a free consultation with a Denver truck accident lawyer, giving you the opportunity to understand your rights and seek the recovery you deserve.
Semi-trucks are powerful machines, and when cargo is improperly loaded or distributed, the results can be catastrophic. While truck drivers often face blame, shippers and loaders may also share liability when their negligence leads to a crash. Here’s what you need to know.
How Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After an Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Truck Accident in Denver, CO
The attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of combined legal experience fighting for injured people throughout Denver, CO. Our firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including some of Colorado’s largest verdicts.
After a truck accident, we can assist you in these key ways:
- Exploring legal options with you so that you can make informed decisions about your case
- Collecting records and other evidence to support our arguments for liability
- Filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurers and sureties
- Negotiating for a fair resolution of your case
- Filing a lawsuit and advocating for a favorable verdict if a settlement is impossible
You should not have to bear the financial burdens of injuries caused by another person or business. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Denver personal injury attorney from our seasoned team to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Cargo Weight Distribution Rules
Both federal and state laws set certain rules for cargo weight distribution. Most trucking companies comply with federal cargo securement rules because they cover all trucks that use interstate highways or travel in interstate or international commerce.
However, state laws generally govern oversized and overweight loads. Thus, Colorado issues the oversized cargo securement rules for tractor-trailer combinations that are more than 80,000 pounds or over 2.6 meters wide. For example, trucks transporting manufactured homes must often obtain an oversize permit and comply with state cargo rules.
These rules determine how loads are oriented and secured to prevent them from shifting. They also tell loaders how to balance a load so that the driver can maintain control of the trailer.
How Improper Cargo Weight Distribution Causes Crashes
Improperly distributed cargo can destabilize a semi-truck, leading to serious or even deadly accidents. When weight is unevenly loaded or unsecured, the risk of rollover, shifting cargo, and loss of control increases dramatically.
Common dangers include:
- Trailer rollovers and cargo shifts: An unbalanced trailer may sway or tip. For example, if heavy rolls of sheet metal are loaded off-center, they can shift together and cause the trailer to overturn. On flatbeds, cargo may spill directly onto the road, crushing nearby vehicles.
- Tire blowouts from uneven wear: Off-center loads put extra pressure on one side of the truck, wearing out those tires more quickly. This imbalance can lead to blowouts that force the truck to veer or roll over.
- Loss of braking control: Trucks are designed to brake evenly, but an unbalanced load can cause swerving or jackknifing when the driver applies the brakes, making it far harder to control the vehicle.
Improper cargo weight distribution is more than a technical mistake—it’s a major safety hazard that can cause devastating accidents. Recognizing how these risks arise underscores why proper loading practices and oversight are critical to protecting both truck drivers and everyone sharing the road.
Liability for Cargo-Related Truck Accidents
When a truck crash is caused by improperly loaded cargo, responsibility can fall on several different parties depending on who acted negligently. Those who may be held liable include:
- Shippers: If the shipper loads the trailer incorrectly, it can be held accountable for accidents caused by unbalanced or unsecured cargo.
- Trucking companies: When the company’s own loaders handle the freight, the company may bear liability for crashes linked to improper loading.
- Truck drivers: Drivers have a duty to inspect their cargo before starting a trip and to stop if they notice issues like swaying or wobbling. Continuing to drive with a known problem can amount to negligence.
Liability for cargo-related truck accidents often depends on who failed to take proper precautions—whether it was the shipper, the trucking company, or the driver. Each has legal responsibilities to ensure loads are balanced and secure, and failure to meet these duties can result in serious crashes and legal accountability.
Contact Our Denver Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Trucking companies, shippers, and even equipment manufacturers may be liable for crashes involving improper car distribution in Denver, Colorado. The experienced team at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers can uncover exactly which party is to blame for your accident and fight for compensation on your behalf. Contact us to schedule your consultation with a Denver truck accident lawyer today.
