Safe Loading of Trucks

Truck Accidents Caused by Unsafe Loading of Cargo

Trucking accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities. Semi-trucks outweigh passenger vehicles and motorcycles, and so when collisions involve these types of vehicles, finding the cause of a trucking accident can be very difficult. It remains imperative, however, to ensure that injured victims are adequately compensated for their losses.

Attorney Brian Steed Tatum has years of experience in helping North Carolina and South Carolina’s injured drivers and their families in dealing with the devastating consequences of commercial truck accidents. His experience is applied for each client in order to ensure that injured clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Securing Cargo and Safe Loading of Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has cargo securement rules in place to prevent or reduce the number of accidents that occur because of cargo shifting after not being properly secured. Accidents can occur from cargo shifting on or within commercial motor vehicles. An unsecured cargo shifting in a trailer can result in falling debris that may damage other vehicles or cause an accident as other motorists attempt to avoid the debris.

When cargo shifts in a semi-truck trailer, it could cause the overall weight to shift and can cause imbalances when making regular maneuvers. This imbalance can cause the truck to “jackknife,” where the trailer swings out or cause the truck to go out of control and cause a catastrophic accident.

The FMCSA requires that all cargo in commercial motor vehicles be firmly immobilized or secured on or within the semi-truck. All devices and systems that are used to secure cargo to or within the semi-truck must be capable of meeting performance criteria. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, the performance criteria for these devices and systems must be able to withstand the force of acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle and keep the cargo from shifting.

Any devise or system used to secure the cargo must be in proper working order. Tie-downs must be secured in a way that prevents them from loosening, unfastening, opening, or releasing while a vehicle is in transit.

North Carolina and South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

When falling debris or a jackknifing truck causes an accident in which you are injured, you need an attorney who can go through the process of determining if the cargo and freight were properly secured and who is responsible for causing your injuries. With truck accident attorney Brian Steed Tatum, you can rest assured that with his years of experience, we will manage your case with you from beginning to end.

At the Tatum Law Firm, we are determined to ensure that you receive the full compensation allowed by law. We are available to discuss the merits of your claim and offer guidance in order to pursue legal recourse. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a semi-truck collision, please contact our office at (704) 307-4350 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.