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At Edwards Injury Law, a Charlotte truck accident attorney knows how overwhelming these cases can be. From dealing with trucking companies to negotiating with insurance adjusters, pursuing a claim is rarely simple. We’re here to protect your rights, build your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call 980-357-4499 today to schedule your free consultation.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in North Carolina?
Truck accidents may not happen as frequently as standard car accidents, but the consequences are often far more serious when they do occur. According to the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, nearly 16,000 crashes involving large trucks were reported in the most recent year for which data is available. Those collisions led to more than 3,300 injuries and tragically claimed the lives of 152 people.
The numbers are even more alarming when considering the nature of these crashes. The deadliest incidents usually involve tractor-trailers colliding with passenger vehicles. The smaller car cannot absorb the impact because of the difference in size and weight. Other types of trucks frequently involved in crashes include single-unit trucks with multiple axles, trucks hauling trailers, and double tractor-trailers.
Despite regulations designed to improve safety, truck accidents continue to rise in North Carolina and across the country. With more commercial vehicles on the road and ongoing pressure in the shipping industry to move goods faster, drivers and companies sometimes cut corners, putting others at risk.
What Causes Truck Accidents in North Carolina?
Most truck crashes are preventable and often stem from driver or company negligence. Knowing what caused your truck crash is essential when you file your truck injury claim. You need to identify why the accident happened to know who to hold accountable.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, many tractor-trailer crashes result from improper vehicle maintenance and long hours. When a truck driver is not performing their job correctly, there is a risk of a crash.
Other causes for truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving – texting, GPS use, or other inattention
- Driving under the influence – alcohol or drug use behind the wheel
- Speeding and reckless driving – especially dangerous with vehicles of this size
- Improper vehicle maintenance – brakes, tires, and other parts failing on the road
- Negligent trucking company practices – poor hiring, illegal scheduling, or ignoring safety rules
In some cases, liability may also fall on the manufacturer if a defective part caused the crash.
Are There Regulations for Truck Drivers to Follow?
There are federal and state regulations for truckers when they’re on duty, but accidents often happen when these regulations are ignored or not carefully followed. Drivers are limited to the number of hours they can drive in any given day or week. These limits are often ignored to meet tight deadlines and delivery schedules.
Drivers are also supposed to abstain from using illicit substances or alcohol while they’re working, but this is another common cause of accidents. Drivers using stimulants to stay awake or depressants to go to bed can often lead to crashes.
Large commercial vehicles are also supposed to undergo regular inspections and maintenance. Companies can push their crews to ignore these essential practices, leading to devastating results.