Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Types of Truck Accidents

A truck accident is a traffic collision involving a large commercial truck (a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, big rig, or 18-wheeler) and one or more other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. Due to their size and weight, truck accidents are often more severe than typical car accidents, potentially resulting in significant injuries, property damage, or fatalities.

Common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife Accidents
• Rear-End Collisions
• Underride Accidents
• Override Accidents
• Rollovers
• Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents
• Tire Blowouts
• Wide Turn Accidents
• Lost Load Accidents
• Head-On Collisions

What Causes Truck Accidents in Charlotte, NC?

It would seem that the number of truck accidents taking place in the United States is increasing. From 2016 to 2017, there was a 9 percent increase in the numbers of large trucks involved in fatal crashes, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. So what is causing this uptick?

Just like any motor vehicle driver, truck drivers are prone to dangerous carelessness or negligence. But because truck companies are suffering from a nationwide shortage of personnel, they often push drivers too hard to meet unreasonable goals. These violations can make the carrier company ultimately liable for your injuries, although this may not always be the case.

Here are some common causes for truck accidents:

• Improper or absent maintenance work
• Defective truck parts
• Overloaded or imbalanced truck loads
• Failure to adjust for changing weather conditions
• FMCSA Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule violations
• Truck driver negligence such as drinking or speeding
• Improper truck driver training from the company

Violations of Truck Safety Regulations

There is an inherent danger in operating a large commercial vehicle, which is why state and federal regulations have been set in place. In many cases, however, truck accidents can be linked to a driver’s or the trucking company’s failure to comply with the established regulations.

It is understandable that truckers are under intense pressure to comply with their employer’s delivery schedules, especially with economic incentives to travel as many miles as possible. This has led to reckless practices, such as excessive speeding, driving while under the influence, and driving while sleep deprived.

Navigating Complex Truck Accident Claims

Due to the increasing demand for fast shipping by many major retailers, many smaller trucking businesses lease their trucks out to larger trucking companies as the seasons change. Because of this structure, larger truck companies have considerable resources at their disposal, including major insurance companies that have a vested interest in denying your truck accident claim.

There’s no need to worry when you call CR Legal Team, as we can handle the following on your behalf:

• Filing your insurance claim along with a demand letter and the amount requested;
• Negotiating with the truck company’s insurer and fighting on your behalf for a fair settlement;
• Investigating your truck accident claim with our qualified in-house team; and
• Evaluating the true value of your claim, including medical costs, lost wages, psychological and emotional trauma, and damage to your vehicle.

With a servant’s heart and a friendly approach, our caring staff will welcome you and will ask how you’re doing in the wake of your serious accident. Offering much more than just skilled legal counsel, the truck accident lawyers of CR Legal Team strive to be trusted friends and allies for you during this difficult time — and to get the financial recovery you need, no matter who we’re up against.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Charlotte?

After a truck accident, prioritize safety. Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene (photos, videos, witness information), and report the accident to the police. Avoid admitting fault and contact a Charlotte truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

How is a truck accident different from a regular car accident?

Truck accidents often involve more severe injuries, complex regulations, and multiple parties (like the trucking company, driver, cargo loader, etc.). Federal and state laws, including those enforced by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), may also apply.

Who can I sue in a truck accident case?

There are several parties that can be held liable in a truck accident case depending on the circumstances. These include:

• The truck driver
• The company the truck driver works for
• The truck owner
• Anyone else who is partially at fault

How is fault determined?

Because the party at fault for the accident depends on various factors, a detailed investigation must be undergone. Some of the elements of the investigation include:

• Eyewitness testimony
• Investigation of the accident scene
• The police report

How do I know how much my truck accident case is worth?

Every truck accident case is unique, so there is no general amount that can be quoted. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

You will need to discuss your case with an attorney for the best overall assessment of the damages.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in North Carolina?

North Carolina’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is two years.

What if I were partially at fault for the accident?

North Carolina follows pure contributory negligence—if you are even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This is why it's crucial to consult an attorney before making any statements to insurers.

Do I need a lawyer to file a truck accident claim?

It is highly recommended. Truck accident cases often involve aggressive insurance companies, complex regulations, and significant damages. Our Charlotte truck accident attorney at CR Legal Team can investigate the case, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary.

Do you need assistance with a truck accident claim in Charlotte? Contact us online or call (704) 343-6687 today for more information!