Who May Be at Fault in a North Carolina Truck Accident Case?

Truck accidents present unique challenges. When a truck is involved in an accident with a car, the injuries are often severe.  In addition, severe accidents resulting from the truck’s speed, size and weight, sometimes make it difficult to identify who is at fault. This can be because it is difficult to identify the accident’s cause or because it is difficult to identify and locate the trucking company. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, an experienced Durham truck accident lawyer can help you determine who may be legally responsible for your injuries so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

The Driver

As with any car accident case, most truck accidents result from driver error or typical negligent driving such as speeding or unsafe lane changes. However, some causes are more prevalent in truck accident cases:

• Driving while drowsy. Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and are more likely than other drivers to drive longer than allowed by law or while drowsy. Driving while fatigued means that the driver has slower reflexes and poor decision-making skills.
• Lack of experience or training. Driving a large truck requires special training, skills and considerable experience. Accidents are likely to result when a driver hasn’t received adequate training or has insufficient experience to operate the truck safely. 
• Driving while impaired. While the trucking industry has made considerable efforts to combat intoxication, many drivers rely on stimulants that can impair their judgment or reflexes to remain awake. Alternatively, drivers may be drinking or using drugs while off the clock and then get behind the wheel while still intoxicated or impaired.

Identifying the cause of your truck accident can be more complicated than you think. An experienced Durham trucking crash lawyer can review the facts of your case and determine who should be held accountable.

The Cargo Loaders

Another potential at-fault party is whoever loaded the truck. When semi-trucks are loaded improperly, they can become unbalanced, making them difficult to maneuver safely. Trucks that are overloaded can require a longer distance to stop than the driver realizes.

Contact a Durham Trucking Lawyer at Martin & Jones

Truck accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, the attorneys at Martin & Jones will make sure your rights are protected. Contact us today at 800-662-1234 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and what we can do for you.