Burlington Truck Accident Lawyer

What Causes Truck Accidents?

A truck accident involves any collision involving a large truck, such as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other commercial vehicle. These accidents can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and other vehicles on the road.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Error: This is the most common cause of truck accidents. Examples of driver error include speeding, distracted driving (e.g., texting or talking on the phone), fatigue, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to obey traffic laws.
• Mechanical Failure: Trucks undergo significant wear and tear due to long hours on the road. Mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, steering system malfunctions, and engine problems can lead to accidents.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, ice, fog, or high winds can reduce visibility and traction, making it difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles and increasing the risk of accidents.
• Improper Loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable or tip over, especially when making turns or navigating uneven terrain. Overloaded trucks can also exceed weight limits, compromising braking and steering capabilities.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain trucks can lead to equipment failures and mechanical issues while on the road. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for preventing accidents caused by faulty parts or systems.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may push themselves to meet tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving. Fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to stay alert, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can escalate the risk of accidents involving trucks. Aggressive driving behaviors are particularly dangerous given the size and weight of trucks.
• Road Conditions: Poorly maintained roads, construction zones, uneven surfaces, potholes, and debris on the road can contribute to truck accidents by causing loss of control or tire blowouts.
• Inexperienced or Inadequately Trained Drivers: Truck drivers require specialized training and experience to operate their vehicles safely. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may lack the skills and knowledge to handle challenging driving situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
• External Factors: Other factors such as wildlife crossing the road, objects falling onto the roadway, or sudden medical emergencies can also contribute to truck accidents.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

In North Carolina, liability for a truck accident typically depends on the specific circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. Liability can be attributed to one or more parties, including:

• Truck Driver: If the truck driver’s negligence, recklessness, or violation of traffic laws contributed to the accident, they may be held liable. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failure to obey traffic signals.
• Trucking Company: The trucking company may be held liable if the accident resulted from factors such as negligent hiring or training practices, failure to properly maintain the truck, inadequate supervision of drivers, or pressure on drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
• Truck Owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned by a party other than the truck driver or the trucking company, such as a leasing company or individual owner, they may bear liability for the accident if their negligence, such as failure to maintain the vehicle properly, contributed to the crash.
• Maintenance or Repair Company: If the accident was caused by mechanical failure due to improper maintenance or repairs, the company responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck may be held liable for the resulting damages.
• Cargo Loading Company: If the accident was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo, the company responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck may be held liable for negligence.
• Manufacturer or Distributor: If the accident resulted from a defect in the truck or one of its components, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective product may be held liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entity: In some cases, liability for a truck accident may be attributed to a government entity responsible for designing, constructing, or maintaining the roadway if the accident was caused by a hazardous road condition, such as potholes, inadequate signage, or poorly designed intersections.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Burlington Today

At Lanier Law Group, P.A., we understand the complexities and challenges that arise after a truck accident. Our experienced team of injury lawyers is dedicated to advocating for the rights of accident victims and their families. We work tirelessly to investigate the details of each case, determine liability, and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s unique needs. With our knowledge, resources, and unwavering dedication, we strive to achieve justice and help our clients rebuild their lives after a devastating truck accident.