Trucking accidents in North Carolina involve collisions or incidents that involve large commercial trucks, such as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or big rigs, with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. These types of accidents can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. In North Carolina, trucking accidents are regulated by both state laws and federal regulations, particularly those from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in NC:

1. Driver Fatigue:
   • Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue or even driver drowsiness, which is a common cause of trucking accidents. Despite federal regulations limiting the number of hours a trucker can drive per day, some truckers may violate these rules, leading to dangerous situations.
2. Speeding:
   • Truck drivers may speed, especially when under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Speeding is particularly hazardous for large trucks because they take longer to stop and are harder to maneuver than smaller vehicles.
3. Distracted Driving:
   • Distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone, adjusting GPS, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving, can result in truck accidents.
4. Improper Maintenance:
   • Trucks require regular maintenance, including checks on the brakes, tires, lights, and other crucial safety systems. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can cause accidents. Negligent maintenance or failing to repair broken equipment can contribute to accidents.
5. Overloaded or Unsecured Cargo:
   • Trucks that are overloaded or that have improperly secured cargo can be more prone to tipping over, losing control, or causing a collision. An overloaded truck takes longer to stop and may be more difficult to control, especially on curves or in bad weather.
6. Impairment (Alcohol or Drugs):
   • Alcohol and drug use, including prescription medication, illegal drugs, or even over-the-counter drugs, can impair a truck driver’s ability to drive safely. This can lead to accidents due to slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, or loss of focus.
7. Weather Conditions:
   • Bad weather such as rain, snow, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Trucks, due to their size, are more susceptible to hydroplaning or losing control in adverse weather conditions.
8. Inadequate Training:
   • Truck drivers must have proper training and certifications. Lack of training or insufficient experience in handling large vehicles can lead to accidents, especially in challenging driving conditions or complex traffic situations.
9. Tailgating or Following Too Closely:
   • Large trucks require more space to stop safely. If a trucker follows too closely behind another vehicle, they may not have enough time to stop in case of a sudden brake or collision, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision.
10. Improper Lane Changes or Turning:
    • Trucks have large blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles. Improper lane changes or failing to yield when turning can result in serious crashes, including side-swipe accidents or rollovers.

Types of Trucking Accidents in NC:

1. Rear-End Collisions:
   • A common type of trucking accident where a truck collides with the back of another vehicle, often due to the truck driver not maintaining a safe following distance.
2. Rollover Accidents:
   • Trucks are more likely to roll over in certain situations, particularly when carrying a heavy or improperly secured load, or when the driver loses control due to speeding, sharp turns, or poor road conditions.
3. Jackknife Accidents:
   • A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle with the truck’s cab, causing the vehicle to become unstable and potentially crash into surrounding vehicles or obstacles.
4. Tire Blowouts:
   • A tire blowout on a large truck can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, potentially leading to accidents with other vehicles or causing the truck to veer off the road.
5. Head-On Collisions:
   • A head-on collision with a truck can be particularly deadly due to the size difference between the truck and smaller passenger vehicles. These types of accidents often occur when a truck swerves into oncoming traffic or due to driver error.
6. Side-Impact Collisions:
   • Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone accidents, can occur when a truck makes a turn without properly yielding the right of way or when it strikes another vehicle at an intersection.
7. Underride Accidents:
   • In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer during a collision, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous, and there are federal regulations requiring rear underride guards on trucks to help prevent them.

Injuries from Trucking Accidents in NC:

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, trucking accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Common injuries include:

• Head injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Fractures and broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash or neck injuries
• Amputations
• Burns
• Wrongful death

Legal Aspects of Trucking Accidents in NC:

1. Liability in Trucking Accidents:
   • Truck driver: If the truck driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, driving while fatigued, or distracted), they may be held liable.
   • Trucking company: If the trucking company is responsible for inadequate maintenance, improper training, or encouraging unsafe driving practices, it can be held liable as well.
   • Cargo loader: If the cargo is improperly loaded or secured, the party responsible for loading the truck may be liable for the accident.
   • Vehicle manufacturer: If a mechanical failure or faulty equipment (e.g., brakes or tires) was a cause of the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held responsible.
   • Government or road authorities: In some cases, poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or road defects can contribute to accidents, making government entities or contractors liable.
2. Truck Accident Claims:
   • Victims of trucking accidents can file personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If a loved one is killed in a trucking accident, their family may pursue a wrongful death claim.
   • Trucking accident claims can involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, insurance providers, and third-party vendors, making them more complex than typical car accident claims.
3. Statute of Limitations:
   • In North Carolina, victims of trucking accidents generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, particularly in cases involving government entities or specific circumstances.

Insurance and Regulations:

• Commercial truck insurance: Trucking companies are required to carry higher insurance coverage than typical drivers. The minimum amount of insurance depends on the type of trucking operation (e.g., for-hire trucking, hazardous materials transport).
• FMCSA Regulations: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for truck drivers, including driving hours, weight limits, and maintenance requirements to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.