Trucking accidents often have distinct characteristics that set them apart from typical car accidents. Understanding these differences is important for anyone involved in a bad wreck.
Severity of Injuries: Collisions with large commercial vehicles frequently result in more severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. On Rutherford County roads like US-74 or NC-221 or Highway 64, a fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, potentially causing catastrophic damage to smaller vehicles and their occupants.
Complex Liability: Unlike most car accidents, where liability typically involves individual drivers, trucking accidents can involve multiple parties. Potential liable entities may include:
● The truck driver
● The trucking company
● The cargo loader
● Maintenance providers
This complexity often requires a more thorough investigation to determine responsibility.
Federal Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by specific federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover aspects like driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. Violations of these regulations can play a significant role in determining liability in Rutherford County trucking accident cases.
Insurance Considerations: Commercial trucks typically carry much higher insurance policies than personal vehicles. While this can mean more substantial compensation is available, it also often leads to more aggressive defense strategies from insurance companies.
Evidence Collection: Trucking accidents often require more extensive evidence gathering. This may include:
● The truck's black box data
● Driver logbooks
● Company maintenance records
● Drug and alcohol testing results
Preserving this evidence quickly can be an essential aspect of building an effective claim for damages.
Industry-Specific Knowledge / Expert Witnesses: Understanding the trucking industry, its practices, and regulations may be necessary to prove liability. Sometimes, that requires input and possibly testimony from industry experts or accident reconstruction specialists.
Longer Investigation and Legal Process: Due to the factors mentioned above, trucking accident cases in Rutherford County (and throughout North Carolina) may take longer to investigate and resolve than typical car accident cases. This can impact the timeline for receiving compensation.
Local Considerations: Rutherford County's geography and economy can also influence how trucking accident cases occur. The county's position along major transportation routes and its industrial areas regularly affects traffic patterns and the frequency of large truck presence on local roads.
Given these differences, individuals involved in trucking accidents in Rutherford County may benefit from consulting with an attorney familiar with both local conditions and the complexities of commercial vehicle accidents. Our lawyers offer free initial consultations (for trucking accidents and other personal injury cases) to discuss the specific details of your case and explain how these factors might apply to your situation. Free consultations are not available for every type of legal matter our firm handles.
Remember, each trucking accident case is unique, and the specific circumstances of your legal matter can determine how any differences may apply. We are available for immediate consultation and to help you navigate the legal processes involved in a trucking accident in Rutherford County.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Rutherford County, call us today at (704) 396-5155 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Your path to justice and fair compensation begins with a single step – reaching out to our dedicated team of Rutherford County accident lawyers.
