North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer

Increasing Commercial Truck Traffic and Accidents

Much of the commerce in the United States involves the transport of materials using large, commercial truck and that traffic is increasing.

Traffic

In fact, according to government census sources, trucks transported 71.6 percent of all goods shipped freight traveling in the nation as of 2017, the latest year for which statistics are available. Commercial trucks include semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, tractor trailers, and delivery trucks. Statistics show that the number of commercial trucks on the roads is increasing with the expansion of the e-commerce shipping needs. Companies like Amazon, UPS, and Fedex have increased their fleets to meet consumer demand.

Accidents

Most deaths in large truck accidents involve passenger vehicles, mainly because people traveling in smaller vehicles are more vulnerable. According to 2020 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 4,965 people in the U.S. died in large truck crashes. Out of the number of total deaths from commercial truck accidents, 68 percent were occupants in passenger vehicles and 16 percent were either motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians.

Causes

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, commercial truck accidents are predominantly caused by vehicle errors that could be avoided. Such things as poor maintenance, improper bed loading, defective parts, and driver mistakes are primary causes for accidents.

Additionally, an inherent reason for driver errors is the company’s’ expectations to meet strict deadlines and mileage logs, which can lead to the following issues:

• Speeding and traveling too fast for road conditions
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using GPS
• Fatigue or lack of rest or breaks
• Driving while intoxicated
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Lack of training or experience

Truck Accident Liability

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against multiple parties. Accidents involving commercial trucks are more complicated than a typical car accident claim. In a commercial truck accident, as opposed to a typical two-car accident case, you are probably able to file claims against more people and companies.

However, proving negligence can be difficult. Even though trucking companies bear the weight in liability when their trucks are involved in an accident, they have the monetary resources to fight a case.  Securing experienced representation from a knowledgeable and aggressive truck accident lawyer like Harry Albritton is imperative to getting a favorable outcome in your case.

Trucking companies have a big responsibility and carry a huge liability. They are responsible for properly maintaining the vehicles as well as hiring and using qualified drivers who can operate the vehicles correctly. When they don’t meet this responsibility, accidents can occur without notice.

Some common forms of trucking company negligence can include, but are not limited to:

• Failing to conduct background checks or required medical exams
• Hiring inexperienced drivers and failing to train them
• Failing to ensure their drivers are following all Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines, including logbooks

Your lawsuit may involve the:

• Truck driver
• Truck driver’s employer
• Owner of the truck
• Cargo owner and loader
• Truck maintenance company

North Carolina Truck Accident Claim Statute of Limitations

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years. This means that in order to pursue compensation, you must file your truck accident claim or lawsuit for an injury no later than three years after the data of the accident.

The statute of limitations runs as follows:

• On the date of the accident
• On the date you noticed or should have noticed your injuries
• On the date your loved one dies in a wrongful death case
• On the date a minor turns 18 if he or she was underage at the time of the accident

However, if a loved one is killed in a truck accident in North Carolina, the statute of limitations for that wrongful death claim is just two years. You don’t have the possibility to secure financial compensation for your suffering or losses unless you file a claim. Because the statute of limitations can be confusing, it is important to talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible following the accident.

Schedule a Free Case Review with our North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers

Attorney Harry Albritton and our team work hard to assist you in recovering compensation when you’ve been a victim of a truck accident. If you do not receive a settlement in your case while working with us, we will not charge you for our services. Irons & Irons P.A. accepts truck accident personal injury cases through North Carolina. Contact us today by calling  919-899-7200 or completing the free case review if you would like to learn more about filing a truck accident claim and schedule a consultation.