Common Types of Trucking Accidents
Commercial trucks move over $741 billion of goods down North Carolina roads annually. Most hauling trips end uneventfully, but some cause collisions with other cars. While there are several different types of truck accidents, all are serious occurrences that can cause drastic injuries.
If you have sustained injuries in a truck wreck, the attorneys at Hardison & Cochran can help you file a claim to pursue compensation for your losses. Regardless of the type of truck accident, you deserve competent and compassionate representation. Contact our firm today to speak to a North Carolina truck accident attorney.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in NC
Trucks are involved in all the same accidents as regular cars, including rear-end collisions, sideswipes, rollover accidents, and T-bone crashes. However, trucks are significantly larger than typical cars and usually carry some kind of trailer, so there are a few types of traffic accidents unique to them.
Underride Accidents
Trucks have a higher carriage than typical automobiles. This height difference means that smaller passenger vehicles can get wedged underneath the trailer of a large truck in a collision. Underride accidents are particularly dangerous as the bottom edge of the tractor-trailer can collide with the windshield, directing the collision forces directly into the driver’s head and shoulders.
Right-Turn Accidents
Trucks have a much larger turning radius than typical cars. They often have to pull into adjacent lanes when making turns, especially wide right turns. Trucks that pull too far into lanes of oncoming traffic can cause crashes, and the wide turn of the trailer can collide with cars.
Jackknife Accidents
Semi-truck trailers are heavy. If the driver stops too quickly, the trailer’s momentum can cause it to snap forward and swing to the front of the cab like a jackknife. The flailing trailer can drag cars down the street as the truck slides. These collisions often result in multi-car accidents.
Cargo Accidents
Trucks carry several thousands of pounds of cargo. Unbalanced or improperly loaded cargo can tip over during transit, causing the driver to lose control. Unsecured cargo can also fall out of truck beds and collide with drivers or cause them to swerve violently to avoid a crash.
What Causes Most Crashes Involving Large Trucks?
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers work long hours, and some may continue to drive even when they are too tired to operate their vehicles safely. Federal and state governments regulate how many consecutive hours truckers can drive, but companies may pressure drivers to drive over those limits.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), other common causes of truck crashes include:
- Brake issues
- Driving under the influence of over-the-counter drugs
- Speeding
- Truckers unfamiliar with the roads
- Road defects and other issues
- Distracted driving
- Pressure from the carrier
What to Do If You Are Injured in a Truck Accident
If you are ever involved in a truck accident, your first action should be to call the police and tend to the safety of yourself and others. After checking for injuries at the scene, you should start documenting the accident. Take pictures and video recordings of the location of the accident, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. You should also get the contact information of the trucker and their trucking company.
Next, go to a doctor. It is vital to the success of your claim that you do not delay getting medical care. A doctor can give you a formal diagnosis and medical documentation you will need if you plan to file an insurance claim. The sooner you see a doctor, the less likely it is the insurer will reject your claim for delaying medical care.
You should also contact a North Carolina truck accident attorney. A truck accident claim is not something you want to try to handle on your own. An attorney can handle all the legal steps involved in filing a claim and represent you at the negotiating table for your settlement.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in NC
After a truck accident in North Carolina, you typically file an insurance claim with the trucker’s or trucking company’s liability policy. Once you contact the insurance company, they will open a claim, and an adjuster will investigate the collision before offering a settlement. Your attorney will perform a parallel investigation to prevent disputes over what the insurance company will cover.
If the insurer refuses to pay or denies liability, your attorney can file a formal lawsuit against the company to take them to court and hold them accountable. Our attorneys at Hardison & Cochran are experienced litigators who will fiercely defend your claim in court against companies that refuse to take responsibility.
How a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Truck accident injury claims are more complex than typical auto claims because of the overlapping potential liability of truck drivers, trucking companies, loaders, and manufacturers. Additionally, many truck companies are larger firms that have attorneys on hand to manage legal issues. Without a personal injury attorney of your own, it will be significantly more difficult to recover compensation.
Truck accident attorneys understand the legal issues involved in corporate liability and can direct your claim to the responsible parties. Your attorney will play a critical role in building your case by gathering evidence, police reports, and medical documents to prove your version of the truck accident and the extent of your injuries.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
Hardison & Cochran has over four decades of experience representing clients in North Carolina in personal injury claims. We have extensive experience managing truck accident claims and have won several multi-million-dollar settlements for injury victims. When it’s your money and future on the line, you need an attorney who won’t back down and will use every available strategy to succeed. Our team has the courage and fortitude to stand at your side and go up against large insurance companies. Don’t take our word for it – hear it from our many happy clients, such as this one:
“My experience with Hardison & Cochran amazing. When I first called them they made me feel like I was important. They advised me that someone would come to me and do my intake and that I didn’t have to come to them. They always called to check up on me they was always requesting medical records and stayed on top of my case. My lawyer was a superb in the courtroom. This is a firm that I trust with my life. I would recommend and would gladly use them again! Thanks Hardison & Cochran.” – Stevie T.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a North Carolina truck accident lawyer from Hardison & Cochran.
