Truck Accident FAQ

Losing someone you love is incredibly painful and overwhelming. When that loss happens because of a truck accident, it brings even more challenges, like legal and money issues, on top of the grief. This happens in North Carolina, just like in many other places. In such a sad situation, it's crucial for families to understand what they need to do to get through it. Immediate Aftermath Of The Truck Accident When a big truck accident happens, things can get really chaotic and confusing right after. If someone you care about got hurt or killed, you need to make sure everyone…

After a large truck accident, the insurance provider for the trucking company will likely be trying to find you in the days and weeks after a truck accident while you are trying to concentrate on your health and do your best to get back to normal. They will need a statement from you outlining what transpired before, during, and after the accident and the extent of your injuries. But be clear: the insurance provider for the trucking company is not looking out for your interests. One of the major goals of the insurance company for the trucking company is to…

Most people are aware of the dangers of drunk driving. However, many disregard the risks that fatigued driving poses in auto accidents. A sleepy driver exhibits sluggish performance, impaired judgment, and delayed reaction times. According to studies, someone awake for 20 hours is just as impaired as someone whose blood alcohol level is 0.08, the legal limit in all 50 states. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 20% of drivers acknowledge that they have dozed off behind the wheel recently. When driving for work, 40% admit that this has happened at least once. These people included many truck drivers. The…

Not all car crashes are the same; some have a tendency to be more severe than others. Learn how a truck accident lawyer in North Carolina may help and the distinctions between a truck accident and a car accident. Auto accidents, regardless of their type, are dangerous because they can cause severe or minor injuries and damage to vehicles. The type of vehicle involved, the persons involved, and the extent of the damage can differ in every auto accident. However, compared to the typical vehicle collision, truck accidents are more serious. A truck accident attorney in North Carolina can support…

Lawyers frequently advertise their desire to help injured clients obtain monetary compensation following a truck accident. But what do they mean when they say that? How can an experienced truck accident law firm help if you've been in a truck accident? Take a step back and consider how truck accidents could affect your life. If a truck accident results in injuries or the death of a loved one, what will you need help with? Truck collisions frequently cause fatalities and severe, permanently changing injuries. Moreover, compared to typical car accidents, they are riskier and often more violent. Depending on what…

Trucking accidents can be disastrous, resulting in severe injuries and losses for all parties involved. The likelihood of an accident increases dramatically when the truck driver has a poor driving record, such as repeatedly violating traffic laws or driving under the influence. These factors contribute greatly to accidents on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) keeps track of commercial drivers and their safety records in a database. The drivers' and their employers' safety records can be checked using this database, called the Safety Measurement System (SMS). If you get hurt in a truck accident due to a…

An electronic component placed in commercial trucks is called a Qualcomm system, also referred to as an Electronic Control Module (ECM). It serves as a hub for communication, enabling fleet management businesses and truck drivers to share data in real time. The system consists of several parts, including an onboard computer, wireless communication capabilities, and a GPS receiver. Technology improvements have been essential for obtaining vital information and deciding liability in truck accident litigation. The Qualcomm system, which has transformed the transportation business, is one such breakthrough. Why Is It Important in Truck Accident Cases? Data Retrieval. Important information including…

Trucking accidents can result in severe injuries, property damage, and loss of life. North Carolina, known for its busy highways and transportation routes, is familiar with such accidents. Identifying the common causes of these incidents can provide insights into areas that require improvement and contribute to the creation of safer roads for all. Driver Fatigue Driver fatigue is a major factor contributing to trucking accidents. Truck drivers often work extended hours, sometimes surpassing the federally regulated limits. Fatigue negatively affects a driver's decision-making abilities, delays their response time, and raises the chances of errors and accidents. Insufficient rest breaks, demanding…

Getting into a truck accident can be really scary and upsetting. It's not just about feeling bad and needing a doctor, sometimes, you can get hurt pretty bad, like with broken bones. If this happens in North Carolina, you should know what to do for your health and what you might need to do legally. Prioritize Your Health And Safety The most important thing when you've broken a bone in a truck accident is to take care of yourself. Get To A Hospital Fast. Call 911 or head to the closest emergency room. Broken bones hurt a lot, and delaying…

The consequences of an accident involving an Amazon delivery truck may depend on numerous legal variables. Tens of millions of Americans have incorporated Amazon into their daily lives since the 2005 inception of Amazon Prime. According to estimates, the world's largest online retailer ships about 18.5 orders per second, or around 66,000 per hour. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, its volume has skyrocketed as social distancing advice has encouraged even more online shopping. Amazon Truck Accident Lawyers North Carolina residents rely on Amazon to supply everything from prescription drugs to auto components. Though Amazon’s service may appear near…

The trucking industry is a crucial component of goods transportation in North Carolina and the United States as a whole. Maintaining safety standards for these sizable and powerful vehicles on the road is paramount. To safeguard yourself and other road users, it's essential to know whether a trucking company has a track record of safety infractions. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Website The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary federal agency responsible for overseeing the safety of commercial motor carriers across the United States. They maintain an extensive online database known as the Safety and Fitness…

Truck accidents can be really bad, causing injuries that mess up a person's life in many ways. Sometimes, in these accidents, people hurt their eyes. These eye injuries can be as simple as irritation or as serious as losing your eyesight forever. If you or someone you care about has had an eye injury in a truck accident in North Carolina, you need to know what to do to stay healthy and protect your legal rights. Seek Immediate Medical Attention If you hurt your eye in a truck accident, the very first thing you must do is go to the…

Dealing with the tragic and life-changing situation of a loved one being in a coma after a trucking accident is incredibly difficult. In North Carolina, just like in many other places, these accidents happen every year. While the initial shock and confusion are overwhelming, it's important to know the necessary actions to help your loved one and deal with the complex legal and medical aspects of such cases. A coma caused by a trucking accident is particularly devastating. These comas typically happen due to severe head injuries, brain trauma or other serious injuries from the accident. Injuries From Trucking Accidents.…

In the world of trucking, there are different kinds of insurance to deal with the risks and problems that come with driving big commercial trucks. These types of insurance are really important to keep trucking companies, their drivers, and the public protected. Liability Insurance Every trucking company must have liability insurance, and it's a requirement. This insurance kicks in when there are accidents with commercial trucks, covering injuries to people and damage to their stuff. The specific amount of coverage you need can change depending on where you are, but it usually pays for the damage to other vehicles and…

Trucking accidents can result in serious repercussions, including injuries, fatalities, and substantial property damage. In North Carolina, a critical question emerges following such incidents: At what point do trucking companies opt to involve their legal team? It is essential for all parties affected to grasp the intricacies of legal engagement in the aftermath of a trucking accident. Are Lawyers Readily Available For Trucking Companies When Accidents Occur? Although it may not be entirely accurate to claim that every trucking company in North Carolina has lawyers readily available on "speed dial" in the literal sense, it is typical for these companies…

In the trucking industry, dealing with legal challenges is a regular part of the job. Trucking companies, especially in North Carolina, often need lawyers to help them handle the complexities of the field. The Legal Landscape Like other states, North Carolina has extensive regulations governing the trucking industry. Trucking companies must navigate a complex legal landscape, covering safety standards and compliance with transportation laws, to ensure smooth operations. Despite their efforts to follow these regulations, accidents and legal disputes can still happen, prompting trucking companies to establish a strong legal strategy. The legal system in North Carolina significantly influences why…

Trucking is essential for the U.S. economy, ensuring goods move smoothly between states. In North Carolina, truck drivers follow rules to keep things safe and efficient. The state's regulations focus on safety and making sure transportation works well, helping North Carolina play a key role in national business. Licensing Requirements Before taking to North Carolina's highways, truck drivers must go through the process of acquiring a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The state follows the federal CDL program, which sets uniform requirements for commercial drivers across the nation. To qualify for a CDL in North Carolina, aspiring truckers need to be…

After a truck accident involving a commercial vehicle, there can be a tremendous amount of damage. Vehicles often become damaged beyond repair, and the injuries victims may sustain can be tremendous. A truck driving accident can be quite a life-changing event. So what happens after a truck driver has an accident? The answer is not typically black and white. Frequently, each case is as unique as the accident itself, though there may be some commonalities. If you have recently become a semi-truck accident victim, you should seek an experienced attorney immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Call the law…

Unqualified, irresponsible truck drivers endanger not only other motorists on the road but also the reputation of the trucking sector. Federal and state laws mandate that commercial truck drivers complete intensive training, study and grasp federal and state trucking regulations, and pass challenging tests to receive a Commercial Driving License (CDL).  The attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ have witnessed the damage done by inexperienced and unlicensed truck drivers. Because big rigs and other commercial trucks are so heavy, those involved in collisions frequently suffer devastating injuries that will last a lifetime. Together with their families, truck accident…

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, almost 15,000 crashes in North Carolina included large commercial trucks in 2019. Because of these accidents, thousands of people were severely injured or killed, and almost all of them could have been avoided. Adhering to federal and state commercial trucking laws is one of the most effective methods commercial truck drivers can use to prevent accidents and keep the roadways safer for other drivers. If you or a loved one have been injured or killed due to the negligence of a truck driver in North Carolina, contact the experienced truck accident attorneys…

Sadly, truck accidents occur quite frequently in North Carolina and across the U.S. In fact, accident statistics compiled by the NHTSA indicate that annual truck accidents resulting in injuries are on the rise. Our truck accident lawyers at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ have spent more than 65 collective years assisting families of victims of truck accidents. North Carolina transportation laws and regulations frequently have a significant impact on how these cases turn out. As a result, many of our clients want to know what laws and rules truck drivers in North Carolina are required to abide by. Here…

The first thing you should do if you were hurt in a USPS postal truck accident is take care of any immediate emergency care needs, such as seeking medical assistance. Additionally, you need to inform the local police about the incident and wait for them to arrive at the accident scene to make a report. When in a collision, USPS drivers should take a few actions. These consist of submitting an incident report detailing everything that occurred, including the time, date, and circumstances surrounding the USPS postal truck collision. The police record, which you should seek through a personal injury…

When tragedy strikes, truck accident victims and their families are left with a variety of additional burdens and often have questions, such as: “Will the insurance company cover my medical expenses and the damage to my automobile?” “What would happen if I had to take a long absence from work?” "How am I going to pay my bills?" When you're still trying to recover from such a devastating experience, it can be daunting to face questions like these. The same is true for people who lose loved ones in accidents; you are forced to make many decisions during a very…

A deadhead truck is a large cargo-carrying truck(semi truck) that tows a trailer but doesn't transport anything. Deadheading occurs when a trucker returns or backhauls an empty cargo container to its origination. It's important to distinguish between "deadheading" and "bobtailing," which occurs when a truck carrying freight is driven without a trailer hitched. When a truck is pulling an empty trailer, as opposed to no trailer at all, it is said to be riding “deadhead”. Empty flatbeds and dry van trailers fall under this category. If you or a loved one have been injured by a deadhead semi truck, do…

There is a good chance that you have spent your entire life depending on reefer trailers, even if you are unaware of this fact. A reefer trailer is a trailer that can be refrigerated to transport commodities that need to be kept at a cool temperature. It could be something as straightforward as the ice cream truck that makes its way through your neighborhood, or it could be a massive semi-truck pulling a refrigerated trailer that transports fresh or frozen groceries. Vaccines and other potentially life-saving drugs may also be transported across the country and around the world by refrigerated…

With over 200,000 registered semi-trailer vehicles in North Carolina alone and more simply passing through, semi-trailer trucks are not difficult to find on our roads and highways. Bobtail trucks are essential to our economy, yet they also endanger other drivers' safety. Due to their enormous size, semi-trailer vehicles frequently result in catastrophic injuries in collisions. To keep our roads as safe as possible, truck drivers require additional training and regulations. Nevertheless, truck accidents are regrettably still frequent. The likelihood of an accident increases if the truck is bobbing. When a semi-truck does not have a trailer hitched to it, it…

“No Jake Brakes” signs are commonly observed in the vicinity of residential communities along freight routes that receive a lot of traffic, especially just before a traffic light. Perhaps you have seen one and wondered its significance. Due to the fact that most individuals are not familiar with the terminology used in the big rig industry, they do not understand what this means or how it relates to them. If you were injured in an accident with a large truck in North Carolina, call Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the heavy hitters,’ for a free evaluation of your case at 800-LAW-0804. What…

Being involved in a collision with a commercial truck or tractor-trailer is a terrifying experience. An accident involving such a large vehicle could result in serious injuries. Large truck accidents are considered complex because determining liability is difficult, particularly when multiple parties are involved. When such an accident occurs, you must contact an attorney familiar with federal and state trucking regulations who has previously handled similar claims. Commercial truck accidents are distinct from passenger vehicle collisions. The trucking company that hired the driver could face legal consequences for the accident. The carrier company is responsible for the actions of the…

It can be difficult to determine fault in semi truck accidents, especially if multiple vehicles are involved, more than one driver is at fault, or the cause of the crash is unknown. If bad weather was a factor in the crash, the semi truck"jackknifed" out of nowhere, or other uncontrollable factors were involved, determining who caused the accident could be difficult. Different types of semi truck accidents, such as truck defects and rear-end collisions, are easier to determine liability. If you are involved in a semi truck accident and need assistance determining who is at fault, the first step should…

Lift trucks, otherwise known as forklifts, are indispensable machines used in warehouses, construction sites, and various other workplaces. However, forklift accidents can leave accident injury victims with severe injuries or may sometimes even result in a fatal accident. Tatum & Atkinson,' the Heavy Hitters', has over 65 years of collective experience representing accident injury victims, such as those injured in a lift truck accident. In addition, our attorneys have a wealth of legal experience in personal injury and workers' compensation law from representing hundreds of lift truck accident cases. Have you or a loved one been involved in a lift…

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, there's a good chance that you may be feeling some frustration, confusion, and may be facing serious injuries. If you or a loved one have suffered severe injuries or have been killed by a commercial vehicle, a truck accident attorney at Tatum & Atkinson, 'the Heavy Hitters,' can help. Thousands of U.S. citizens are injured by commercial trucks annually, leaving families left to deal with hefty medical bills, often long-lasting injuries, and lost wages. Contact us today by calling us at (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online…

When a truck driver is responsible for an accident that results in the injury of another party, it is important that that truck driver is held responsible. Truck drivers are meant to follow strict regulations, speed limits, and other safety protocols designed to prevent them from hurting others on the road. When a truck driver behaves negligently, such as when driving while distracted, fatigued, or driving under the influence, deadly consequences can occur. A truck accident lawyer from Tatum & Atkinson, "the Heavy Hitters," can assist if you or a loved one was killed or seriously injured by a commercial…

What is the average settlement value for a victim of a semi-truck accident? The answer isn't always cut and dry, as many factors can determine your claim's worth. A fair settlement value can only be put on a claim after an experienced attorney thoroughly understands your injuries, prognosis, and current and future expected damages. It is essential to look at your claim from all angles to understand the unique details of your losses and expected recovery and how the accident may affect other areas of your life. Only after this may a fair payout amount be determined. When calculating a…