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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. 

What 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.

Hear it from our clients

Susan and Forest were outstanding. Very helpful through the whole process and definitely fought to help me greatly. It’s a very overwhelming process and without them I feel certain I would have been left without nearly as much. I absolutely will use the old fashion word of mouth sales pitch for your team. That’s actually how I found Forest. Through a friend who had used them. I will be telling anyone I know who has an accident to absolutely use Forest and Susan. I couldn’t be more satisfied with their treatment of me and my case. They are outstanding.

- Seth

“We hired Martin & Jones in March 2015 and Steven Corriveau became our personal lawyer. Steven is a true professional who is understanding and easy to communicate with. He clearly explained the legal process to us. We are confident in the specific information, advice and feedback he gives us and know that he always has our best interest in the case. He responds quickly to our questions and concerns being available 24 hours a day. As our legal journey continues we look at the number of contacts we have with Steven. There have been 52 plus phone calls and conversations, 50 plus emails, 3 plus personal meetings, and 18 plus legal documents. We are honored to have such a caring lawyer as Steven in a stressful situation, in which he makes the process less difficult. We highly recommend Steven Corriveau who is great, intelligent, persistent and will deliver to the client. Our expectations are very high and Steven is the best.” 

- Ronnie & Patricia

“We would like to express our gratitude to you (Hunt Willis) for accepting our case. First of all, when I called this law firm, a very sweet and kind lady answered the telephone and gave me assurance by asking and going over the accident with me, while my husband was in the hospital. I felt assured I was doing the right thing for us. She was so helpful in so many ways. What a professional lady. Secondly, we are much pleased that you have settled this case with the insurance company to receive the proper amount to assist us in so many ways. My husband and I are very happy with you and the firm in handling our case. You made us have confidence in your professional and integrity along with your assistant Ms. Routh, when you both came to see us in our home, in which we saw your compassion and thoughtfulness at that time. We will never forget what you have done for us, and we thank the lord for directing me to contact this firm. I’m glad I did.” 

- Linda

“I would like to leave a testimonial thanking Steven and Allison for their care and understanding. Steven’s pursuit and success in getting some compensation for our loss. A final closure of our loss of brother Mike. Thanks to Martin & Jones for looking after Mike’s care since his injury in 2005. You have been there for Mike and his family for a long time. Mike passed in 2016 and you stood for the family up to the present (July 2017). Many thanks.”

- Dan

“Thank you for always making me feel welcome and at ease in your office. I respect the work you do and your enthusiasm for it and am grateful for your talents.”

- Tracy

“Thank you for the work you have done for Carl and our family. We so much appreciate your sincere professionalism and kindness you showed us. I know Carl is smiling right now and the Lord has blessed us through you. May God bless you.”

- Connie, whose husband Carl worked as a brakeman for CSX Transportation and died of mesothelioma

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