What Do I Do if I Have Been in a Trucking Accident in Concord, North Carolina?
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, you should first seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and you may not realize the extent of your injuries until days or weeks after the accident.
If you can, document as much of the accident as possible. Take pictures of the accident scene, the vehicles involved and your injuries. Get contact information and statements from witnesses, a copy of the police report, and any other evidence you feel may help build your claim and prove that the other driver was at fault and establish your damages.
Truck accidents often involve serious damages and multiple liable parties. If you believe the accident occurred due to the negligence of the driver or truck company, contact a lawyer with the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor as soon as you can. Our lawyers have years of experience handling the complexity of truck accident cases. We can help you strengthen your case and recover compensation for your damages.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Concord, NC
There are many different causes of truck accidents. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigue
- Reckless driving
- Poor weather conditions
No matter the cause of your accident, you should contact an accident lawyer to discuss your case. You may be entitled to compensation, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Trucking Regulations in Concord, North Carolina
If you’re traveling along I-85 or I-485, you’ve likely seen trucks of all shapes and sizes. Driving alongside a truck, especially during rush hour, probably strikes a small amount of fear in you. The good news is that there are federal and state regulations for large commercial vehicles and trucking companies.
Federal and state regulations were created to improve the safety of other vehicles on the roads. If a truck driver or trucking company violates one of these regulations and you are involved in an accident, you may hold both liable for your injuries.
Federal Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has interstate rules and regulations for trucks, drivers, and trucking companies. These include:
- Requirements for rest breaks and driver logs
- Vehicle inspections
- Drug and alcohol testing of truck drivers
- Insurance coverage minimums
North Carolina Regulations
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has several intrastate regulations and traffic laws for trucks that operate in the state. These regulations are designed to keep truck drivers and other motorists safe on the roads. Some of these regulations include:
- Truck weight limits
- Truck size restrictions
- Designated highways
- Truck speed limits
Additionally, according to North Carolina law, truck drivers must immediately notify the nearest police department, local county sheriff’s office, or the NC State Highway Patrol of any collision that causes injury, death or results in an estimated property damage of at least $1,000.
Liable Parties in a Concord Truck Accident Claim
Only the truck driver will be held liable for the accident in some accidents. In other accidents, multiple parties may be held responsible. The responsible parties in your accident will depend on the facts of your case. Some of the parties that may be held liable in a truck accident include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck manufacturer
- The owner of the truck
- A government entity
- The loaders or shippers of the truck’s cargo
An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate your accident and determine who was at fault. Once liability has been determined, we can help you get the compensation you deserve from the liable parties.
Contributory Negligence in North Carolina
North Carolina follows the doctrine of contributory negligence. Under this doctrine, you can not recover damages from the other parties if you are even 1% at fault for the accident.
For example, let’s say you are involved in an accident with a truck. The truck driver was speeding and ran a red light, but you were not paying attention and rolled through a stop sign. The truck driver will be liable for the accident, but you may be held partially responsible because you were not paying attention. In a case like this, you may be barred from recovering any compensation if your lack of attention was a proximate cause of the collision.
Compensation for Your Injuries
The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the facts of your case. You may be able to recover compensatory damages, which include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful Death Claim
Similar to car accident cases, if your loved one was killed in a trucking accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim allows certain family members to recover damages for their losses, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
How Can a Concord Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Concord truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor can help you get the compensation you deserve. We will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Our goal is to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Contact our Concord Truck Accident Attorneys
Contact the experienced attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today. Our Concord truck accident lawyers have extensive experience in accidents involving large trucks. We value the attorney-client relationship and will review your personal injury case for free to help you get your deserved compensation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
