Truck Driving Accidents

On Christmas Day 2020, a father and his two sons were driving southbound on 1-77 near Arrowood road. The father veered off the road into the Northbound lane and collided with a tractor-trailer. The father was killed on impact and his two sons suffered serious injuries. This is just one of the thousands of accidents involving large trucks that happen each year. These types of accidents are often deadly and costly. If you have been in an accident involving a truck, you may be wondering what to do next. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are here to help guide you through the aftermath of an accident. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

Much like car accidents, trucking accidents are typically the result of human error. Some common causes of trucking accidents are:

• Driver error
• Drunk Driving
• Driver Fatigue
• Speeding or other traffic violations
• Maintenance or equipment issues
• Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
• Improper or insufficient training

According to the North Carolina Traffic Crash Report, there were over 15,000 accidents involving some type of truck in 2019. The specific statistics are broken out below:

Large trucks can weigh 10,000 or more pounds: more than double the weight of many consumer cars. It goes without saying that the sheer weight of a truck can cause serious damage when involved in an accident. Many accidents involving trucks are fatal or involve serious injuries. Some common injuries experienced in these types of accidents are:

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Internal Injuries, such as internal bleeding or organ damage
• Broken Bones
• Back Injuries
• Lacerations

Some of these injuries can result in expensive medical bills, loss of wages, and a lifetime of pain. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it is important to consult with an attorney to see if you are eligible for compensation.

The sheer weight of a truck is enough to turn any car accident fatal. Large trucks are also often traveling at high speeds on the highway, sometimes making the force of a crash catastrophic and potentially involving multiple vehicles. In 2019 alone, there were 173 fatal crashes involving trucks.

Under North Carolina law, a driver is responsible for any injuries resulting from their negligence. Truck drivers are no exception, but the legal process may be different than an accident involving a regular driver. Because a truck driver is normally on the job while operating their truck, the trucking company may be held liable for any resulting injuries. It is also possible that the maintenance company, as well as the cargo loading company, may be liable. An attorney can review your specific case and help you understand your options.

If you have been involved in an accident, you must immediately call 911. If you can, take pictures of the scene and take down the information of the other driver, their employer, and any witnesses on the scene. Request a copy of the police report and seek treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident. All of this information can not only help you file for an insurance claim but can also help build your case in the event you want to pursue legal action. As soon as you can, consult with an attorney who can help make sure you have what you need to receive the compensation you are entitled to.

If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, we are here to help. The attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, understand how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident may be, especially when injuries are involved. We can not only help you file an insurance claim, but also go over any legal options available to you. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

For your safety and convenience, we now offer phone and video conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach locations in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe, and Mooresville. Contact us today at 704-370-2828 to learn how we can advocate for you.