info@carolinalaw.com
info@carolinalaw.com
Claims involving tractor-trailer collisions are frequently more complex than other automobile crash cases. Weighing up to 80,000 pounds, the sheer size of tractor-trailers (also known as 18-wheelers) results in more severe injuries and complex medical issues. To receive just compensation after a wreck, these cases may require complex accident reconstructions, expert testimony, and a sophisticated understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.
Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of personal injury victims and their families, including multi-million-dollar settlements for tractor-trailer collisions.
Just like car accidents, there are innumerable reasons for collisions. Some of the most common include:
Trucking companies have a duty to the public to ensure their drivers are qualified and adequately trained. Additionally, the company must encourage safe driving practices and conduct background checks on drivers’ records.
Truck drivers, like anyone else on the road, sometimes behave irresponsibly. Negligent behavior such as distracted driving, driving under the influence, and drowsy driving can be catastrophic to themselves and others.
Tractor-trailer drivers are sometimes forced to drive unreasonably long periods without rest to boost the company’s bottom line with quick deliveries. This pressures drivers to operate while drowsy or use drugs or supplements to stay awake. In some cases, drivers may even speed to meet delivery deadlines.
Inclement weather and maintenance issues often contribute to a trucking accident.
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, there were 4,839 tractor/semi-trailer crashes in 2023, with 1,012 injuries and 74 fatalities. Mecklenburg County led the state with 936 tractor-trailer-related collisions, which led to five fatalities and 162 injuries. Wake (Raleigh) County was second in the state with 408 tractor-trailer-associated clashes, which led to two deaths and 63 injuries. Orange County reported 132 total crashes, one fatality, and 19 injuries.
If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, North Carolina law allows recovery of several “elements” of monetary damages. Included in those are compensation for:
In handling your case, Maginnis Howard will, if appropriate, work with life care planners, vocational rehabilitation experts, and expert physicians to ensure that your full future medical expenses are thoroughly estimated.
Unlike many car accident cases, high-impact trucking accident cases need immediate, extensive investigation. For example, your attorney may want to retain an accident reconstruction engineer to immediately perform a skid mark analysis or investigate other physical indications of how the crash occurred at the scene. It is also essential to preserve data available through the truck’s “black box,” as well as any GPS data or onboard video footage.
Additionally, “spoliation” letters must be sent to ensure the trucking company does not lose or purposely destroy critical evidence, such as “black box” data. This stores GPS data, speed, and onboard video footage. Spoliation letters inform the truck driver’s employer that such evidence must be preserved.
Reckless tractor-trailer drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. When their negligence causes a collision, the victim must hold the driver and employer financially responsible.
The North Carolina trucking accident attorneys of Maginnis Howard can assist you with that process. To schedule a free consultation, visit our contact page. We have three conveniently located offices in Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Charlotte. Our firm offers a contingency fee arrangement to all victims of tractor-trailer collisions. This means that you pay no attorneys’ fees unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf.
