Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Accidents involving large trucks often result in devastating injuries. In many cases, these accidents can be avoided if proper precautions are taken. When truck drivers and other potentially liable parties act in a negligent manner, it is important to hold them accountable by helping accident victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve.
At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., our Jacksonville attorneys have been representing the interests of truck accident victims in North Carolina since 1962. We are prepared to help you explore your legal options following a serious truck accident.
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What Are The Most Common Reasons Why Truck Crashes Occur?
There are a number of factors that may lead to a serious truck accident. However, some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue: Drivers are required to meet strict delivery deadlines. This can cause a truck driver to push themselves beyond their physical limits. Despite federal regulations designed to limit the amount of hours a semi-truck driver may spend behind the wheel, many drivers continue to operate these large machines on too little sleep. If an accident occurs because a driver has failed to follow federal regulations, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable.
- Driving under the influence: Like all other motorists, truck drivers are required to remain sober while operating their vehicles. However, the legal blood alcohol concentration limits are much more strict for truck drivers — .04 compared with .08 for other motorists in North Carolina. This shows how serious driving under the influence for truck drivers is and how important it is to hold them accountable when they act in a reckless manner.
- Poorly maintained trucks: Truckers and trucking companies must keep their vehicles in good working order. This includes the duty to perform regular maintenance checks and to make any necessary repairs. Poor maintenance can result in brake failure and other mechanical failures, with often disastrous consequences.
- Improperly loaded trucks: If a semi-truck is not loaded properly, rollovers and loss of control can occur. In addition, an improperly secured load can break loose and wreak havoc on the vehicles following behind.
- Unqualified drivers: When trucking companies hire unqualified drivers or drivers with a questionable safety history, they are putting everyone else on the road at risk. We hold these companies accountable when they fail to protect those who are sharing the roadways with commercial trucks.
What Are Some Different Types of Truck Accidents?
- Rollover accidents – Truck rollover accidents can happen if a truck driver has to swerve to avoid something.
- Jackknife accidents – These accidents can occur if the truck driver has to slam on their brakes. A jackknife accident can result in multi-vehicle accidents.
- Tire blowout accidents – A tire blowout can cause flying debris from the tire to impact any vehicles behind or to the side of the truck.
- Rear-end accidents – Tractor-trailer trucks, due to their weight, take longer to stop than smaller vehicles. If a truck driver does not see changing traffic ahead of them, they may not be able to stop in time.
- Blindspot accidents – Due to a tractor-trailer’s large blind spots, sideswipe accidents may occur.
- Under-ride accidents – These accidents occur when a car slides underneath a tractor-trailer.
- Unsecured load accidents – An unsecured load can result in cargo shifting and sending the trailer shifting erratically. The driver will then, most likely, try to over-correct/
What Are Some Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents?
Commercial truck accidents can cause life-threatening injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Chest injuries and broken ribs
- Broken bones
- Soft-tissue damage to muscles and joints
- Dental damage
- Concussion
- Head injuries including a fractured skull
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Scarring
- Lacerations and bleeding
- Disfigurement
- Wrongful death
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in North Carolina?
Yes, there is. The statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit, such as a truck accident, is three years. If you do not file your lawsuit before that 3 years expires, you will not be able to have your lawsuit heard in court. So, if you are considering filing a lawsuit for your injuries, be sure to contact our law firm as soon as possible.
Contact A North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Call 910-378-0556 or contact our law firm online today to schedule a consultation and learn more. With offices in Jacksonville, The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., provides personal injury representation to accident victims across North Carolina.
