Commercial trucks are vital to the North Carolina economy. They transport crucial cargo such as food, medical supplies, and other goods and materials throughout the state and beyond. While we need these trucks on the road, we also need to count on the trucking companies and the drivers they employ to be responsible. If a truck is not adequately maintained, if the cargo is not properly loaded, or if the driver is negligent in any way, others on the road are at risk of severe injury or death.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident in North Carolina, contact Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. Truck accidents are complex and can involve negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the cargo loader, and others. Starting an investigation promptly can improve your chances of securing full and fair compensation for your injuries.
A proven N.C. truck accident attorney from Stewart Law Offices can help you immediately. Call or contact us for your free case review.
Trucking Industry Safety Standards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates rules governing large trucks and buses. This agency issues regulations for truck drivers, trucking manufacturers, and trucking companies. Some states also adopt state-specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles.
Trucking industry safety standards apply to trucks with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,001 pounds or more. Additional safety standards apply to specific vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and tanker trucks weighing above 26,001 pounds. Other specific criteria apply to trucks carrying hazardous materials and vehicles carrying passengers, such as limousines and buses.
FMCSA regulations help ensure commercial truck drivers are properly trained and are also medically and physically qualified to operate large vehicles safely. Specific provisions detail drug and alcohol testing requirements to avoid driver impairment. FMCSA also limits truck drivers’ allowable hours behind the wheel to combat fatigue and prevent drowsy driving accidents.
Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents
Commercial truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons that car crashes do, but the resulting injuries and damages can be much greater. Common causes of truck accidents in North Carolina include:
- Driver distraction
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Driver impairment
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving, such as tailgating or running stop signs or red lights
- Mechanical problems, such as tire or brake issues
Driver distraction or inattention has become one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. Many truck drivers use cell phones, not only for communicating but also for navigating and messaging. When pressed for time, truck drivers can also be distracted by eating and drinking while driving.
Regardless of the cause, truck accidents are vastly more complicated than car accidents. You need an experienced law firm with the resources to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to prove fault and build a solid case for full compensation.
Hire a Qualified Attorney Today
If you were injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, the knowledgeable N.C. truck accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices have the training, experience, and resources to seek compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Call or contact us today for your free consultation
