Roadrunner Transportation Truck Accident Lawyer

Roadrunner Transportation Systems is an Illinois-based business that provides customers with freight transportation and logistics services. They provide truckload (TL) operations, serving customers in North America. Roadrunner Transportation Systems provides LTL shipment execution, truckload brokerage, and customer brokerage. In 2019, Roadrunner Transportation Systems decided to separate their Ascent On-Demand air and ground expedite business from their trucking business. With a gross annual income of approximately $500 million, Roadrunner Transportation owns and operates nearly 2,000 trucks.

Truck accidents are often caused by human error or negligence. Many accidents involving semi-trucks are preventable. Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of truck accidents in North Carolina and throughout the United States. Driving a truck is a high-stress, high-pressure job. Trucking companies often require drivers to deliver goods within a short timeframe.

Drivers travel long distances with little rest and few breaks. Even though truck drivers must take breaks while driving under federal law, many do not. When truck drivers are fatigued, they lose coordination and concentration, making them slower to react to road situations. They may fall asleep while driving and cause an accident.

Distracted driving is a common cause of all motor vehicle accidents, including truck accidents. Driving long distances can be challenging, especially in rural areas. Boredom mixed with the long hours can tempt a truck driver to look at their phone, playlist, videos, eat, or do something else while driving.

You may be surprised to learn that the trucking industry has a high drug and alcohol abuse rate. Many truckers rely on amphetamines and cocaine to keep themselves awake while driving for long distances. A recent study found that 30% of all truck drivers have admitted to taking amphetamines while driving. Using drugs can cause them to take more risks while driving, such as unsafe lane changes, faster driving, and making risky maneuvers in bad weather.

If you are a truck accident victim, you may be wondering what type of compensation you can obtain. The amount and types of damages you can collect after a truck accident depends on the facts and circumstances of your case. The damage amount will also depend on the seriousness of your injuries. Typically, the more severe and catastrophic your injuries, the more damages you can obtain.

North Carolina courts can award economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the measurable monetary losses you suffer due to your accident. Economic damages are those you can calculate and document, including the following:

• Lost wages
• Loss of future wages
• Medical bills
• Additional healthcare expenses
• The cost of medication
• Transportation to and from medical facilities
• Funeral and burial expenses

Plaintiffs are also entitled to non-economic damages that are more difficult to quantify due to their subjective nature. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you assess the value of your non-economic damages, which may include:

• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

When the at-fault truck driver’s actions were particularly heinous, the court may impose additional punitive damages. These types of damages are in addition to economic and non-economic damages as a form of deterrent or punishment.

As the victim of a truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a claim with an insurance company. Most commercial truck drivers work as employees for trucking companies. Trucking companies typically carry commercial auto insurance. If the truck driver was at fault for the truck accident, victims have a right to pursue compensation through an insurance settlement.

Even if you know the at-fault truck driver caused your accident, obtaining compensation can be difficult. Insurance companies frequently deny claims, even when they are valid. Additionally, insurance companies may offer settlement agreements that are far too low to cover your damages. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have extensive experience negotiating aggressively on behalf of clients who have been injured in truck accidents.

If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a truck accident, you need a skilled lawyer to represent you. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims throughout the greater Charlotte area. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.