As the name implies, a logging truck is a large truck designed primarily for carrying logs of various lengths. Sometimes, it has a single tractor, and in other cases, it has multiple.
The logging industry in North Carolina is huge. That means there are many trucks with heavy loads of logs and equipment on highways and back roads. One small mistake, such as securing the logs or missing a piece of safety equipment, can lead to a major trucking accident. Similarly, even a moment of distraction for a logging truck driver can lead to tragedy.
Causes of Logging Truck Accidents
In North Carolina, common causes of logging truck accidents include:
- Violations of Traffic Laws — Speeding, improper lane usage, and failure to obey traffic signals or signs.
- Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo—The logs on logging trucks need to be properly secured, as any loose cargo can fall into traffic and easily cause other crashes.
- Driver Error — Following too closely (tailgating), misjudging the speed or distance of other vehicles, and talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Improper Backing—A logging truck with multiple trailers is far more complicated to back out of any space, and drivers can cause accidents when they do not account for the traffic they are backing into.
- Unsafe Road Conditions — Governmental entities are usually tasked with maintaining their roads, and certain defects, such as potholes that cause logging truck accidents, could make such entities liable in some cases.
- Inclement Weather—While rain, sleet, or snow can make driving any vehicle more difficult, the driver remains responsible for operating in a safe manner.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — Drivers can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04 or only half the regular legal limit for passenger vehicle operators.
- Defective Parts — A logging truck crash may have resulted from a malfunctioning component within the vehicle, and the manufacturer of the part involved may be liable for a design defect or manufacturing defect.
Who is Liable?
Our experience has revealed that many log truck crashes in North Carolina are avoidable if the drivers of these commercial vehicles pay proper attention to the road and other drivers.
Liability can fall on several parities for these accidents. For example:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Logging company
- Maintenance company
- Cargo loading companies
- Governmental entities
- Shipping agencies
Common Injuries
Logging truck wrecks can cause very severe injuries, depending on the nature of the wreck. Some of the most common injuries to come from these accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Paralysis
- Major back injuries
- Broken limbs
- Muscle strains
These are just some of the injuries that can occur in a North Carolina logging truck collision. Depending on the severity of the incident, other major or minor injuries can also occur.
Why Hire an Attorney?
North Carolina logging truck collision cases are not the same as your traditional car accidents. Logging trucks will likely cause more severe damage and cause significant harm to all involved.
One thing that you need to know is that the insurance company is never on your side. In every single case, the insurer aims to pay as little as possible to resolve a claim. The insurance company wants to spend the least money to settle your claim against them.
It may be beneficial to have a lawyer help handle your settlement negotiations since they will have a better understanding of the true value of your personal injury claim.
North Carolina Logging Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash with a logging truck, you need to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Maginnis Howard handles North and South Carolina personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict or settlement in your case.
Maginnis Howard’s personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling complex accident cases. Our attorneys have recovered millions for car, motorcycle, and tractor-trailer collision victims.
Contact the Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville personal injury attorneys of Maginnis Howard for a free consultation.
FAQ
According to the experienced Philadelphia Truck Accident Attorneys of Mattiacci Law, the top types of logging truck accidents are:
1. Jackknife: This dangerous maneuver occurs when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, leading to a loss of control and posing a significant risk of collision.
2. Rollover: A rollover happens when the truck tips onto its side or roof, often resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and potential harm to the driver and others on the road.
3. Underride: This hazardous situation occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer, which can lead to devastating consequences for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
4. Tire Blowout: A tire blowout results in a sudden tire failure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which can potentially lead to accidents or skidding off the road.
5. Wide Turn: During a wide turn, the truck swings out into adjoining lanes, which can create an increased risk of accidents with nearby vehicles or obstacles as the driver navigates the turn.
