Truck Accident
Martin & Jones has a long history representing those injured in truck and tractor trailer collisions throughout North Carolina and the Southeast. Annually, more than 5,000 people are killed in truck-related collisions. Unfortunately, North Carolina ranks in the top ten in fatalities involving trucks. Tractor trailers and trucks are heavily regulated by federal and state law. Nevertheless, North Carolina has more trucking companies with an unsatisfactory safety rating from federal inspectors than any other state.
Large commercial vehicles come in many shapes and sizes; some of them even have more than one familiar name. Tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, dump trucks, flatbeds, or lowboys. The bigger they are, the more potential for serious damage in an accident, especially on the highway at high speeds. Between the transportation companies, insurance companies, hospital bills, and other damages, chances are you will need an attorney who has the resources and experience dealing with commercial vehicle lawsuits.
Whenever a collision occurs involving a large truck or 18-wheeler, it is quite common for the trucking company to have its representatives, insurance company, investigators, engineers and other agents on the scene immediately. Most trucking companies require their drivers to carry an "accident kit." This accident kit includes a camera and forms for witness statements. In many instances, the driver is taking photographs and getting statements while the injured person fights for his or her life. It is very important that you speak with a truck lawyer who can protect your interests as soon as possible.
Annually, more than 10,000 people are killed in accidents involving a tractor-trailer collision. Forty percent of all truck accidents involve driver fatigue or sleep deprivation. Often times, the truck drivers are trying to meet unrealistic timelines set forth by transportation companies.
Other causes for truck accidents include:
- Lack of proper training
- Alcohol/substance abuse
- Being "cut off" by a passenger vehicle
- Distracted by computers or text messages in the cab of the truck
- Compensation that encourages unacceptable speeds and operating hours
- Exceeding the weight/road limit
- Operating on bald or re-treaded tires
There are any number of things that can go wrong on the roads and highways. Trucks and passenger cars alike can be the cause of incidents involving large trucks and commercial vehicles. However, due to the extremely large size of these vehicles, something as small as a passenger car almost always receives more damage and has a much higher fatality rate when it comes to accidents.
Each state has specific regulations and oversees compliance with both companies and truckers. Additionally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversees and maintains company safety records, hazardous material warnings and driver qualification standards for all large commercial or private vehicles that require a specialized license to operate.
Martin & Jones has experience representing those injured in collisions involving trucks and tractor-trailers. For free answers to your questions about truck collisions and injuries involving tractor trailers, please call us toll-free at 1-800-662-1234 or complete this convenient online contact form.
