Proven Truck Accident Attorneys in North & South Carolina
The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor have a North and South Carolina truck accident attorney here to help motorists injured in accidents involving large trucks. We are not intimidated by trucking companies. We have successfully assisted clients in seeking compensation after accidents caused by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies.
The number of registered large trucks has increased significantly in recent years. More trucks on North Carolina and South Carolina highways mean an increased risk of serious and fatal accidents. Because of the size and weight of 18 wheelers, accidents involving large trucks have a higher severe injuries and fatalities rate than crashes involving only passenger vehicles.
We answer phones 24/7. Call our offices today at (800) 351-3008.
How Truck Accidents Occur
Many truck accidents involve some driver error on the part of the truck driver. The driver may be speeding, driving too fast for road conditions, inattentive to traffic ahead, following too closely, distracted by looking for directions or talking on a phone, or dangerously fatigued. In some instances, a truck may have a defective tire that blows out, or the truck may have brakes out of adjustment because they have not been appropriately maintained.
Once a truck driver loses control of a big rig weighing 80,000 pounds and traveling at high speed, everyone else on the highway is at serious risk. Many different accident scenarios may unfold.
Different Types of Truck Accidents
Head-On Collision
These collisions typically occur when a truck driver or another motorist crosses the center line into an oncoming traffic lane. Drowsy drivers and drunk drivers are more likely to cross into oncoming traffic. The impact of head-on collisions usually causes incapacitating or fatal injuries.
Sideswipes
Tractor-trailers have large blind spots on either side and behind the vehicle. Truck drivers may overlook drivers riding along in an adjacent lane and try to change lanes, causing a sideswipe accident. Sideswipe accidents also occur when trucks drift out of their lanes.
Ran out of Lane or off Road
Trucks may run off the road because the driver was attempting to avoid a collision or because a driver was distracted or nodding off. Accidents involving running off the road may be single-vehicle accidents or may involve multiple vehicles.
Jackknife
A jackknife accident may occur when a truck driver slams on the brakes, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle to the cab, like a pocketknife folding together. An 18 wheeler that jackknifes at high speed may cause a multi-vehicle accident with serious injuries.
Rollover
An 18 wheeler has a higher center of gravity than a passenger vehicle, which increases a truck’s tendency to roll over, particularly if the trailer is improperly loaded or if cargo shifts. A truck driver may swerve to avoid something and then over-correct the steering, losing control of the vehicle. Tanker trucks may be involved in rollover accidents if drivers take a banked curve too quickly and the liquid load shifts suddenly.
Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions are among the most common type of collisions involving large trucks, accounting for nearly a quarter of accidents in the Large Truck Causation Study, a comprehensive federal report on truck crashes. Because of their weight, trucks take a longer distance than smaller vehicles to stop. Truck drivers may fail to detect changing traffic conditions such as work zone congestion ahead that require the truck to brake. A tired or drowsy driver may have slowed reactions that prevent the driver from avoiding a crash.
Underride Accidents
The difference in the height of trucks and cars makes them structurally incompatible, allowing the car’s front end to slide underneath a truck trailer in a collision and crush the auto’s passenger compartment. Underride guards on tractor-trailers are designed to keep car occupants and passenger vehicles from sustaining severe injuries if a car rear-ends a tractor-trailer. But tractor trailers’ rear guards often fail to do their job, exposing car occupants to head injuries, decapitation, and deadly injuries in truck crashes.
Bridge Collision
Bridge strikes involving 18 wheelers are a serious issue, causing injuries and fatalities each year. Bridge strikes are typically avoidable accidents caused by a truck driver’s failure to familiarize himself with the route and pay attention to road signs warning of height restrictions on bridges and overpasses. A driver who strikes a bridge may come to a sudden halt and precipitate a rear-end collision involving other vehicles following behind.
What to do After a Truck Accident
At The Law Offices of Jason E Taylor, we represent people seriously harmed by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies that put profits ahead of traffic safety. Our mission is to help hard-working people who have become truck accident victims through no fault of their own obtain the compensation needed to move forward after a serious accident has turned a life upside down. Suppose you have been harmed by an accident caused by a large truck in North Carolina or South Carolina. In that case, you may be eligible to obtain compensation for your present and future medical expenses, lost income due to injuries, pain, and suffering, and permanent disabilities.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina or South Carolina, call (800) 351-3008 to arrange a free consultation with an experienced South and North Carolina truck accident lawyer. We’ll review the facts of your accident, answer your questions and explain how we can help you.
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