Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyers Helping Victims Across North Carolina
Motor vehicle accidents are some of the most common cases that personal injury lawyers handle. No two cases are identical – each has its own specific circumstances, and more importantly, unique people with specific needs. Trucking accidents, for example, could be among the most catastrophic for the victim. If you have been injured in a tractor trailer accident, you need a Raleigh truck accident lawyer who will give your case personalized attention.
Causes of North Carolina Commercial Trucking Accidents
As common as they are, people often overlook just how serious car accidents can be. While some accidents are simply accidents, many are the result of another driver’s negligence. Here are some examples of ordinary negligence that can lead to a serious accident:
- Speeding
- Driving while texting
- Tailgating
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving while intoxicated
Even if the accident is obviously the other driver’s fault, you will have to prove that they were negligent. This means collecting documents, photographs, and other evidence that demonstrates why the other driver should be held liable for your injuries. This can be simply overwhelming when you’re trying to get back on your feet. A Raleigh truck accident lawyer can help you collect the proof that you will need.
You Need a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer Who Can Handle Complex Cases
While they share many similarities with car accidents, truck accidents are unique in many ways. First, the size and weight of the truck tend to cause more serious injuries. At highway speed, a truck accident can cause incredible damage to other vehicles and result in severe injuries to other drivers.
Second, there may be multiple parties at fault – the driver, the trucking company, or perhaps the company that loaded the trailer. These can be incredibly difficult issues for non-lawyers to unravel, but a Raleigh truck accident lawyer who has experience with truck accident cases can be a tremendous asset.
Third, truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to special state and federal laws concerning how they operate. Proof that they have been operating in violation of law can be powerful evidence in support of your claim.
Questions about Commercial Vehicle and Truck Accidents
Contact Us for AnswersWhat to Know About North Carolina Trucking Laws
North Carolina truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to both state and federal regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the federal agency primarily responsible for regulating interstate trucking, and its regulations have been implemented on the state level by most states including North Carolina. These regulations govern the following aspects of the trucking industry:
- Vehicle markings and inspections
- Insurance coverage
- Securing of cargo and transportation of hazardous materials
- Hours of service limitations and reporting requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing
North Carolina’s regulations mirror the federal regulations with a few important exceptions. Some examples of how federal and North Carolina regulations may apply to your case:
- Drivers whose driving is limited to the state of North Carolina may obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) at the age of 18 (federal law restricts CDLs to drivers 21 and older)
- For drivers carrying cargo, they are limited to driving 11 hours per day followed by a 10 hour rest period and can drive no more than 70 hours in an 8 day period
- For drivers carrying passengers, they are limited to 10 hours per day followed by an 8 hour rest period and
- Depending on vehicle weight, trucking companies must carry minimum insurance coverage of up to $750,000 to cover personal injury and property damage
Violation of any state or federal trucking regulations can be powerful evidence in support of your claim. A knowledgeable Raleigh truck accident attorney will be able to identify whether any such violations occurred in order to help you build your case.
Other Parties Often Share the Responsibility for Truck Accidents
Even if wrecks are caused by negligent truckers, truck drivers may not be the only party to bear responsibility for damages. That’s because trucking operators are often responsible for their employees and because they, and others, may have been negligent as well.
Your truck accident attorney knows to look for other common causes, violations, and negligent acts, such as:
- Truck maintenance companies and/or mechanics that fail to provide proper vehicle maintenance and repairs, allowing trucks to with faulty equipment to remain on the roadways
- Trucking companies that hire drivers that they knew or should have known were unfit for the position
- Trucking companies that violate hours-of-service rules
- Distributors or others responsible for overloading cargo
- Parties responsible for loading large trucks that fail to safely secure the cargo
- Truck and truck part manufacturers whose products are defective
Another potential party who may be liable for injuries besides the driver is the trucking company. Trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure that their trucks are safe and their employers drive safely. Here are some of the ways that trucking companies can be responsible for truck accidents:
- Failing to maintain their trucks and ensure that they are in good working order
- Failing to train their drivers properly
- Failing to supervise their drivers
- Failing to comply with state or federal trucking regulations
- Hiring drivers with poor driving records or known substance abuse problems
The trucking company is not likely to admit they are at fault. A Raleigh truck accident lawyer can help you prove your claim to get the compensation you need.
Serious Injuries Resulting from Tractor Trailer Accidents
Even with modern safety features, a commercial truck accident can result in serious injuries, including burns, paralysis, amputation, brain injuries, lacerations and cuts, disfigurement, and psychological harms like PTDS, anxiety and depression.
These injuries can require weeks, months, or even years of extensive medical treatment. An experienced North Carolina commercial vehicle accident lawyer can get you the compensation you need so that you can pay your bills and support your family.
Contact a Raleigh Truck Accident Attorney Today
Founded in 1982, the attorneys at Martin & Jones have handled all kinds of motor vehicle accident cases and help thousands of people get the compensation they need. If you’ve been injured in a tractor trailer accident, we can help. Call us today at 800-662-1234 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Raleigh truck accident attorneys. We have offices in Raleigh, Durham and Wilmington.
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