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North Carolina Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer | Tatum & Atkinson

North Carolina Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer

Home / Truck Accident Attorney / North Carolina Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer

A bobtail truck is a semi-truck which is not carrying a trailer. Although a bobtail truck is significantly smaller than a semi with a trailer, it can be more dangerous as semis are designed for towing trailers. If you have been injured in a bobtail truck accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ to receive your free case evaluation and learn how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Bobtail Trucks

Most frequently, when spotting a semi, you will see a semi truck carrying a trailer. However, on some occasions, you may see a semi without its trailer, which is called a bobtail truck. The name ‘bobtail’ refers to an animal whose tail has been clipped or removed. Generally, when finding a bobtail truck, that truck is on its way to pick up a load. After the load has been attached, the truck is no longer considered bobtailing. However, towing an empty trailer is not the same thing as bobtailing, which is where the trailer is entirely absent.

Bobtailing & Truck Handling

Semi trucks are created with the intent for the truck to be carrying large loads in an attached trailer. The driving and handling of a semi without its trailer attached is different from driving a semi with a full load and can pose challenges to a driver, as a bobtail truck will:

  • Be difficult to stop. The lack of weight over the rear axle requires more distance to complete to a complete stop. This can make rear-end accidents likely.
  • Be difficult to steer, as the truck’s balance will be thrown off from the lack of a trailer. This can lead to instability and difficulty staying in one lane and may lead to drifting accidents.

Are Bobtail Trucks More Likely To Be Involved in an Accident?

Yes, bobtail trucks are more likely to be involved in an accident than semi trucks with attached trailers due to their instability. Bobtail trucks can be challenging to control, especially for inexperienced drivers or those driving in poor weather conditions. Despite the fact that a bobtail truck is smaller and lighter, it can be incredibly difficult to control and slow down. An evenly distributed semi with a full cargo load in an attached trailer will be much easier to drive. The braking system of a semi relies on the attached weight to assist in slowing the vehicle down. Without this added weight, the brakes of these vehicles do not work as effectively. As a result, bobtail trucks can be difficult to drive safely, even with the most experienced truck drivers.

Bobtail Truck Accident Injuries

Even though a bobtail truck weighs less than a semi truck with an attached trailer, a bobtail truck still weighs significantly more than a passenger car. Therefore, a bobtail truck accident can easily lead to severe or potentially fatal injuries. Common injuries resulting from these kinds of accidents include:

Bobtail Truck Accident Liability

Bobtail trucking accidents can be complex cases involving multiple parties. Liable parties may include:

  • Truck driver – if driving negligently, a truck driver can be liable for damages sustained from the collision. Negligent behaviors may include driving while distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while drowsy, aggressive driving, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws.
  • Trucking company – Trucking companies may be held liable for a bobtail truck collision if the company failed to properly maintain its vehicle, poorly trained an employee, had unqualified or poor hiring practices, or was unable to monitor their drivers
  • Truck manufacturers: If a bobtail truck collision occurred due to defective parts, the truck manufacturer might be liable for the crash.

Steps to Take After a Bobtail Truck Accident

If you have been injured from a collision involving a bobtail truck, take the following steps:

  • Stay calm and evaluate if you or any passengers need immediate medical attention. Call the police and ask for an ambulance if required.
  • While waiting for police to arrive, stay in your vehicle unless you need to exit it for safety reasons. Do not apologize or accept fault for the accident.
  • If possible, take pictures and/or video footage of the accident scene, including the vehicles, any injuries, street signs, and the surrounding environment. If you are unable to take photographs, ask if someone else could take pictures for you. If there are any skid marks on the pavement, be sure to capture footage of them. Take photos of the truck company’s name and license plate number.
  • Take the name and badge number of the responding office so that you may easily obtain the police report at a later time.
  • Ensure that you receive a medical evaluation from a medical professional following the accident if you did not require emergency medical treatment, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not present symptoms for hours or days following the accident.
  • Finally, contact an experienced bobtail truck accident attorney to learn more about the legal options you have available to you.

Trucking Accidents

It is the responsibility of truck drivers to understand the vehicle they are driving and its abilities while navigating traffic and driving conditions. A trucking company’s responsibility is to adhere to professional hiring practices and ensure that drivers are not overworked or unsuitably rushed. If you have been injured in a trucking accident due to the negligence of another, you may be able to recover your damages. Contact an experienced bobtail truck accident lawyer to discover all liable parties and build the most robust winning case possible.

Why Hire a Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer?

There are many reasons why you should strongly consider retaining an experienced bobtail accident attorney following an accident. The sooner you obtain representation, the sooner you will be able to ensure that your claim is protected and that your right to just compensation is fought for. Below discover some reasons why it is advisable to retain a bobtail truck accident lawyer.

1. Costly Medical Expenses

Bobtail truck accidents often lead to severe injuries, lost wages, and even permanent disability or death. Insurance companies and/or trucking companies may deny fault or may attempt to offer a settlement figure that will not adequately cover your current and future expected medical expenses. An experienced attorney can help ensure that your damages are adequately compensated, including projected future losses.

2. Determine Liability

Bobtail truck accidents are often complex, as multiple parties may be liable and injuries sustained are often severe. Liability is often unclear or may be otherwise disputed. An experienced attorney can help obtain valuable evidence and testimony to determine liability.

3. Cover Your Losses

Damages from involvement in a bobtail truck trucking accident often far exceed medical expenses and property damage. You or a loved one may have also sustained the following types of damages:

  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death

As some of these losses are non-tangible, you will need an experienced bobtail truck accident lawyer to fight aggressively for your right to fair compensation.

4. Handle Insurers

Insurance companies are often for-profit corporations, so it is in their interest to minimize costs paid out in settlements. Therefore, they will attempt to pay you as little as possible following a collision. Insurers may use your own words against you or hire professionals to discredit your claim. Don’t try to negotiate with insurers alone. Call an experienced personal injury attorney who will be able to help manage these negotiations for you and fight for the compensation you deserve.

5. Build Your Case

An experienced bobtail truck accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to protect and strengthen your claim. Evidence may include:

  • Photographs and/or video footage
  • Witness testimony
  • Expert testimony
  • Accident reconstruction evidence
  • Medical records
  • Police report
  • And more

Bobtail truck accident cases can be confusing and complex. However, you can rely on your bobtail truck accident attorney to put your mind at ease and allow you to focus your attention and energy on recovering. In addition, your attorney will be able to advise you as to the best steps moving forward to obtain the best possible outcome for your claim.

Bobtail Truck Accident Attorney in North Carolina

Speaking to a bobtail truck accident lawyer immediately after an accident is advisable. Retaining an experienced trucking attorney in North Carolina means that you can focus on healing while resting, assured that your attorney is building a solid case on your behalf. In addition, an experienced trucking accident attorney can investigate the accident to determine which parties are liable, how much you have suffered in damages, and how much you are entitled to in compensation.

The experienced bobtail truck accident attorneys at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘ the Heavy Hitters,’ are here and ready to help you demand the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for your free consultation by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online.