Common Causes of North Carolina 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.
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.
