The Top 10 Causes of Trucking Accidents in Charlotte

Truck accidents can happen nearly anywhere at any time. A negligent truck driver only takes a few seconds to cause a devastating collision resulting in serious injuries or even death. There are many causes of truck accidents, but most truck accidents are preventable. Most accidents are caused by one or more parties' negligence or recklessness.

Drivers are required to follow speed limit laws in North Carolina. A driver who does not drive at or under the posted speed limit is more likely to cause a serious accident. There are some cases where drivers should slow down below the speed limit. For example, a reasonable driver would slow down below the speed limit if a severe storm with heavy rain occurs. If a driver does not use reasonable care when adjusting their speed, they can be held liable for any injuries they cause.

Recent research has shown that driving while fatigued can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated in some circumstances. Commercial truck drivers are vulnerable to driving while fatigued. Although multiple federal regulations require truck drivers to take breaks so they are not driving while tired, many truck drivers ignore these regulations. Some studies have shown that truck drivers do not get enough sleep at night to drive safely.

When a cargo load in a commercial vehicle is not loaded properly, is not tied down, or is uneven, a truck accident can occur. For example, when a truck is overloaded, it puts significant pressure on the rear axle, which can cause the truck to swerve uncontrollably. If the load is imbalanced, the truck driver may experience the driver could experience blown tires, difficulty stopping, or rollover accidents.

Drivers are more distracted than ever. Texting, eating, applying makeup, talking, staring out the window, and adjusting a GPS are common behaviors that can cause distracted driving accidents.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in North Carolina. If an intoxicated driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, you have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit against the driver for damages. You can pursue the lawsuit regardless of whether the driver is convicted of drunk driving charges in a criminal court.

Companies that hire employees with commercial driver's licenses have a duty to engage in background checks and ensure their drivers are experienced. Commercial drivers should undergo ongoing training and follow continuing education requirements even after obtaining their commercial driver's license.

Trucking companies are required to keep their trucks well-maintained. They may decide to put profit over safety and neglect their vehicles. Poor maintenance can result in tires blowing out, brake failures, and other issues that cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Maneuvering a massive truck takes work and skill. It also requires specialized experience. Humans make mistakes, including experienced truck drivers. Unfortunately, when they are driving a massive vehicle, mistakes can be deadly or damaging.

Trucking manufacturers must ensure their parts and equipment are reasonably safe. A defectively designed truck or component or a poorly manufactured component can cause devastating accidents.

Truck drivers are responsible for paying attention to the weather and making adjustments during inclement weather. If the weather is severely dangerous, it may be better for the truck driver to stay off the road. If it is raining, the driver may need to slow down their speed accordingly. Although truck drivers can control the weather, they are responsible for adjusting how they drive in inclement weather to keep everyone on the road safe.

Have you or your loved one been seriously injured in a Charlotte truck accident? Did a negligent or reckless driver cause the accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation through a truck insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Regardless of the cause of your truck accident, it is wise to speak to an attorney about your legal options before you provide a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company or accept a settlement offer. Contact the skilled Charlotte truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We only charge our clients once we successfully recover compensation on their behalf.