North Carolina Trucking Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several respects, which is why you should seek representation from a North Carolina trucking accident lawyer when you are the victim of a big-rig crash. A lawyer who understands these differences is better prepared to mount a persuasive and decisive case in your favor. Some of the truck-vs.-car differences include—
- Greater weight and size—The mass and weight of an 18-wheeler adds responsibility to the operator and increases the risk of serious injury or death to others in wrecks.
- Less maneuverability—The relatively clumsy physics of a truck in motion reduces the operator's ability to avoid accidents.
- Tougher laws—Authorities recognize the dangers of truck wrecks and have created stringent rules for truckers and trucking companies that affect their liability in wrecks.
- Liable parties—Truck accident lawsuits are often more complicated due to the number of liable parties involved.
Types of trucking accidents
The unique structure of the big rig truck—its size, weight, height, load, balance, articulation, and limited visibility—are all factors that contribute to truck accidents such as those described below that a North Carolina truck accident lawyer typically sees.
Rollover accidents
Trucks are at risk of a rollover because of their high centers of gravity. Stability decreases when the weight of a vehicle is high off the ground. A truck tipping over is dangerous to nearby vehicles, which are sometimes crushed under the weight of a truck in a rollover.
Rear-end collisions
The force of a big rig in motion results in disaster when the truck cannot stop or swerve in time to prevent impact. An 18-wheeler takes considerably longer to slow, stop, or swerve than does a car. Many accidents result from the truck's lack of maneuverability, while its greater force guarantees greater destruction in impacts. 18 wheeler accident attorneys in North Carolina can see a variety of cases involving such catastrophic scenarios.
Cornering accidents
Trucks inherently possess three cornering problems:
- Due to the high center of gravity, trucks are inclined to roll over in cornering.
- Trucks have limited visibility, making it hard for the trucker to see pedestrians, bikers, or cars that may be beside the rig in a cornering situation.
- The truck's size makes it hard to calculate the required turning radius. Objects or people on the corner often end up under or crushed by the truck.
Jackknifing wrecks
Jackknifing occurs when the trailer, which is much heavier than the cab of the truck, shoves forward as the driver tries to brake under adverse conditions. The trailer shoves into the cab, twisting it backwards, like a closing jackknife. With the cab facing backward, the trucker loses control completely as the rig plows forward into slower traffic or crosses the median into oncoming traffic.
Load-related accidents
The primary purpose of a truck is to carry a load. But each load introduces risks such as—
- Caustic spills, either through leakage, puncture, or complete loss in a tip-over accident
- Flammable or explosive loads affected by heat, vibration, or a crash
- Shifting or falling loads that were not properly secured or that shift in heavy winds
- Parts of loads breaking loose and becoming projectiles
The role of North Carolina trucking accident attorneys and our law firm
Our North Carolina trucking accident law firm seeks out all potentially liable parties in order to maximize your compensation. We pay attention to the unique details and circumstances of your accident and use those details to your advantage in every way possible to recover the full amount of all your damages.
Contact a North Carolina trucking accident lawyer
Whether you suffered a personal injury or loss of a loved one in a truck accident, the North Carolina trucking accident attorneys at Marcari, Russotto, Spencer & Balaban, PC can help. Call us today at 1-888-351-1058 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our North Carolina trucking accident lawyers.
