Common Causes of North Carolina Trucking Accidents
Trucking Accidents
Commercial truck is a broad term used for trucks of large size, such as delivery trucks, garbage trucks, semi-tractor trailers, and 18-wheelers. Unfortunately, commercial trucks are involved in a variety of accidents throughout North Carolina. These may include:
- Rollover truck accidents
- Unsecured load accidents
- Jack-knife truck accidents
- Tire blowout accidents
- Under-ride truck accidents
- Hazardous materials accident
Common Causes of NC Commercial Truck Crashes
These are a few common reasons for commercial truck accidents in North Carolina:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol which can impair the driver’s reflexes. They may become slow in reacting to road situations.
- Distracted driving because the driver is texting or talking while on the road. They may be drinking, eating or fiddling with the radio as well.
- Driver fatigue can cause the driver to fall asleep at the wheel. This is usually because of unrealistic delivery schedules which do not factor in enough rest time.
- Speeding to meet delivery deadlines
Trucking Regulations in North Carolina
Commercial trucks in North Carolina are regulated by both state and federal governments. There are severe consequences when these regulations are violated. It also leaves the truckers open to liability.
These are a few regulations as imposed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for commercial trucks:
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Driver hour reporting and restrictions
- Hazardous cargo compliance
- Cargo securing mandates
- Vehicle markings
- Vehicle inspections
North Carolina has similar intrastate rules, regulations, and traffic laws for commercial trucks that both owners and drivers are required to know and obey.
You need a skilled North Carolina truck accident attorney that knows and understands state and federal laws regulating commercial trucks if you were hit by a large truck.
Determining Liability in a North Carolina Truck Crash
It can be difficult determining liability in truck accidents. The driver is generally responsible in such cases. However, there can be several reasons for an accident to occur:
- Truck driver: The driver may be held liable if they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is true even if they were driving distractedly.
- Truck company: Companies can be held responsible if they forced their drivers to operate a vehicle for more than 11 hours straight. They are also responsible for screening the drivers for alcohol and drugs.
- Loading company: These can be held responsible if the crash occurred because of improper securing or loading.
- Truck manufacturer: Generally, truck manufacturers are held responsible when the accident is because of a defective part.
Third party logistics provider, freight broker, repair and maintenance company, and weight station employees among other parties can also be held liable for the accident.
Driver Exhaustion
Driver exhaustion is a major contributor to trucking accidents. Many truck drivers face long hours on the road, often driving late into the night. This extended time behind the wheel can lead to fatigue, reducing a driver’s ability to focus and respond quickly to changing road conditions, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
Inattention and Distractions
Inattention due to distractions is another significant cause of trucking accidents. For truck drivers, distractions can range from texting or using a mobile device to eating or adjusting controls in the cab. Even a few seconds of inattention can be dangerous, given the size and speed of commercial trucks.
Excessive Speed and Aggressive Driving
Trucking companies often set strict deadlines, leading some drivers to engage in excessive speeding or aggressive driving behaviors to meet them. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations, while aggressive maneuvers like sharp lane changes increase the risk of losing control, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Cargo Mismanagement
Poorly managed cargo is another frequent cause of trucking accidents. Whether it’s due to overloading or improper securing of loads, shifting cargo can make the truck unstable. This instability can result in rollovers or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle during turns or sudden stops.
Equipment Malfunctions
Equipment malfunctions, often stemming from inadequate maintenance, are common causes of trucking accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering issues are particularly hazardous for large trucks. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent these types of failures on the road.
Weather-Related Hazards
North Carolina’s variable weather can present significant challenges for truck drivers. Rain, fog, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, making it harder for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles. Adjusting driving techniques to match weather conditions is crucial, but failure to do so often results in accidents.
Lack of Experience and Training
The shortage of experienced truck drivers has led to an influx of new, less experienced drivers on the road. Inexperienced drivers may not be fully equipped to handle the challenges of operating a large truck, particularly under stressful conditions. This lack of experience can lead to critical errors that cause accidents.
Speak with a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney in North Carolina
You should speak with a competent truck accident attorney if you or someone you love was recently injured in a truck accident. The attorney will investigate both the truck driver and company to help you acquire fair damages.
The truck accident lawyers at Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC have proficiently handled numerous truck accident compensation lawsuits and claims across North Carolina. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling at 800-529-0804 or using our online contact form.
