When Do You Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?

According to the North Carolina Trucking Association, trucks drive 8.8 billion miles on NC roads each year. As drivers log incredible miles delivering supplies to our state and country, there are bound to be accidents with other motorists.  In fact, there were over 4,900 semi truck crashes in 2021 in North Carolina alone. These truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous and often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions with other vehicles can cause extensive damage, leaving victims with significant medical bills and other expenses. 

The Severity of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are more severe than accidents involving passenger vehicles due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatalities in large truck crashes has been increasing steadily over the past decade and increased by 13% from 2020 to 2021 alone. These statistics are alarming and highlight the need for increased awareness of the risks associated with truck accidents.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include driver error, equipment failure, weather conditions, and inadequate training. 

Driver Error

Driver error is a major cause of trucking accidents. This can include a variety of behaviors like distracted driving, speeding, and driving while fatigued. Distracted driving can be particularly dangerous for truck drivers, as the large vehicles they are operating require a high level of attention and skill to operate safely and cannot make sudden stops or turns to avoid obstacles or collisions. Speeding can also be a big factor in a crash, since these large  commercial trucks have a much longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles. Drivers are pushed to meet demanding delivery deadlines, which is very tiring. We all know that reaction times are slower and your judgment is not as sharp when you are driving while you are tired. 

Equipment Failure

Trucks are complex machines that require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure that they are operating properly. Issues with brakes, tires, or other mechanical components of the truck can have devastating effects on the road. If the brakes on a car fail, a driver may be able to navigate to the berm and slow down without an accident. This is much harder for a large truck to do just because of its size and inertia. Equipment failure on a truck often leads to a large crash.

Poor Weather Conditions

Truck drivers are often trying to navigate a bad weather system and still make their deliveries on time. Rain or snow can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery, which makes it more difficult to maintain control of their vehicles. Weather conditions can also change quickly and if drivers are not prepared for slippery or adverse road conditions, it can have devastating results.

Inexperience or Inadequate Training

Truck drivers don’t slap “Be Patient, Student Driver” stickers on their cabs like parents do for their teenage drivers. Truck drivers and technicians require training to operate and maintain these vehicles safely. While drivers are trained and must pass a driving test before hitting the roads, new drivers or those that weren’t trained well may not be able to successfully navigate situations they encounter, leading to accidents on the roads.

The Importance of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you are involved in a truck accident, you do not need the additional stress and hassle of dealing with insurance companies and the trucking company representatives while going to doctor’s appointments, getting hospital bills, and trying to heal and get back to your normal life.  That’s why it is important to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are primarily focused on their bottom line and may not always have your best interests in mind. They may try to offer you a settlement that is much lower than what you are entitled to, or they may delay payment in the hopes that you will settle for less. 

Trucking companies may also try to avoid liability for a truck accident. They may argue that the driver was an independent contractor and not an employee, or they may claim that the driver was not acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. They may argue that you were partially responsible for the accident, which under North Carolina's contributory negligence laws may mean that you are not entitled to any compensation from the accident if you were even partially at fault for what happened. A truck accident lawyer can help gather evidence and build a case against the trucking company to ensure that they are held responsible for their actions.

Lawyers Can Help Navigate Complex Legal Procedures

Truck accident cases can be very complicated because they involve multiple parties and complex legal processes. A truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these procedures and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. They can also help you understand the legal terminology and procedures involved in your case, so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

Calculating the Value of Your Accident

Calculating the value of a truck accident case can be difficult, as there are many factors to consider including the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, the amount of medical bills you have incurred, and the impact the accident has had on your ability to work or enjoy life. A North Carolina truck accident lawyer can help you assess the value of your case by analyzing these factors and determining the full extent of your damages. They can also help you negotiate a settlement that takes into account all of your damages, so that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other losses. It is important to remember that every case is unique, and the value of your case will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident. A truck accident lawyer can provide you with personalized guidance and representation to help you get the compensation you deserve.

How to Find the Right Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to find the right lawyer to represent you and help you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Charlotte who has a proven track record in truck accident cases will be familiar with the unique problems that these cases present. You should look at reviews or ask family and friends for referrals, but ultimately, you should interview potential lawyers to see if their approach for handling your case is a good fit for you. This will also give you an opportunity to get a sense of the lawyer's communication style, personality, and level of commitment to your case. Switching lawyers partway through a settlement or trial can be an expensive and stressful situation, so take your time and be sure that the firm you choose is a good fit for you and your situation.

At Rosensteel Fleishman Car Accident & Injury Lawyers, we strive to provide the very best service for our clients. Call our office today at 704-714-1450 for a free no-obligation consultation about your case and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.