Truck Accident Attorney in Shelby, NC

Crashes involving heavy trucks are tragically common in North Carolina. In a single recent year, the N.C. Department of Transportation recorded more than 3,400 injury crashes involving large commercial trucks, and 128 fatal truck crashes.

Although accidents involving trucks have many of the same causes as those that involve only cars, there are some unique factors in truck accidents. Here are a few examples:

• Driver Fatigue – Truckers are supposed to take breaks and get rest. In fact, federal hours of service (HOS) rules require them to. But truckers are also under great pressure from employers and shippers to get cargo there quickly. Money also causes truck drivers to push the limit. As the saying goes, “If the wheels aren’t turning, you aren’t earning.” When fatigued driving causes a crash, there may be telltale signs such as problems with the driver’s log, no evidence that the driver hit the brakes or steered to avoid the crash, or evidence of unreasonable expectations from the trucking company.
• Substance Abuse – While drunk driving and illegal drug use may be less of a problem among truck drivers due to testing and strict laws, far too many truckers abuse over-the-counter and prescription drugs to help them stay awake. Some drivers may simply be impaired by the legitimate use of legal drugs. Any form of impairment could be a sign of negligence.
• Equipment Failures – Any vehicle on the road can suffer a mechanical breakdown that makes it unsafe. Because tractor-trailers and other big trucks are so inherently dangerous, they are supposed to undergo careful inspection and maintenance. When truckers and trucking companies fall short of their duty, they may be held responsible for a crash that results.
• Distracted Driving – Cell phone use and other distractions have become a major problem for drivers of all vehicles. The situation is particularly dangerous when the person at the wheel of an 80,000-pound semi isn’t paying attention to the road. To counter the boredom and loneliness of the road, some truckers turn to smartphones or even videos to pass the time. Distraction may even be part of the job for drivers who are expected to use complex dispatch and communication equipment on the road.
• Aggressive Driving And Speeding – Basic physics means that trucks take longer to stop, require more room to negotiate turns, and are more likely to roll over or jackknife. Truckers who fail to take their vehicle’s limitations into account may be at fault for a crash caused by excessive speed, tailgating or other forms of aggressive driving.

Type of Truck Accident Injuries

The force of impact in a collision with a heavy truck frequently causes some of the most severe injuries. Examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Back injuries
• Sprains, strains, torn tendons, and other soft-tissue injuries
• Bruises and lacerations (cuts)

In many situations, victims suffer injuries that have a permanent effect on their life. In the worst cases, truck crashes claim the lives of innocent victims.

Types of Compensation Available for Truck Wreck Victims

The parties responsible for causing a truck accident may be held liable for covering the losses you have suffered because of the crash. This may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in exceptional cases)

What to Do After a Truck Accident in North Carolina

The North Carolina Bar Association recommends the following steps after an accident:

• Remain At The Scene Of The Crash. Unless you have serious injuries that require immediate treatment, you should stay put until law enforcement arrives.
• Call 911. The authorities will file an official accident report that includes details from the scene and other information you may need to eventually pursue compensation.
• Get Medical Attention. This is not time to act tough. Even if you are feeling fine immediately after the accident, you could be suffering from internal injuries that won’t be obvious until later. Seeking medical attention right away also shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting treatment for injuries.
• Get Information About The Other Drivers. Be sure to get the driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, insurance company name, and policy number. Be certain to get information about who employs the trucker, who owns the truck and trailer, who owns the cargo, and other details.
• Get Witnesses’ Names And Contacts. Try to take notes about what they saw, including whether they heard the other driver admit fault.
• Take Photos And Make Notes. While your memory is fresh, write down what happened and draw a diagram showing the position of the vehicles, where they collided, and where they ended up. If you can, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and yourself. Most cellphones have a camera these days.
• Tell Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to get the claims process started. However, you should not provide a written or recorded statement to any insurance company – not seven “your” insurer.
• Immediately Contact An Experienced North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer. The trucking companies and their insurers are looking out for themselves, and they have lots of resources. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to take on these corporate giants and pursue full and fair compensation for your claim.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

• Truck Rollovers
• Rear-End Collisions
• Head-On Collisions
• Jackknife Accidents
• T-Bone Accidents
• Sideswipe Accidents
• Wide Turn Accidents