Greensboro Trucking Accident Lawyer

Since commercial trucks are always bigger than regular motor vehicles, when these two vehicles collide, the damage to the passenger vehicle can be horrendous. Additionally, injuries to the occupants of the smaller vehicle can be life-threatening.

Truckers and trucking companies have special commercial transportation rules. Our Greensboro truck accident lawyers understand how to investigate whether these rules have been violated.

Commercial Truck Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, one out of every nine traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from a collision involving a large truck (gross weight greater than 10,000 pounds). In 2008, 4,229 people nationwide died as a result of truck accidents and an additional 90,000 were injured. Approximately 162 of these deaths occurred in North Carolina.

The statistics are alarming:

  • the Fatal Crash Rate for large trucks is 50 percent greater than the rate for all vehicles on the roads;
  • in crashes between passenger vehicles and large trucks, the ratio of occupant fatalities is about 32 to 1;
  • in 1998, ninety-eight percent of the fatalities in two-vehicle crashes involving passenger vehicles and large trucks were occupants of the passenger vehicle;
  • fatalities from large truck crashes have increased approximately 10 percent from 1995 through 1998;
  • of the trucks with out-of-service violations, more than one-third of them have problems with brakes;
  • studies also show that driver fatigue plays a role in large truck crashes and that drivers are more likely to crash after many long hours of driving; and
  • almost 30 percent of large truck drivers involved in fatal crashes in 1998 had at least one prior conviction for speeding.

Common Causes of North Carolina Commercial Truck Accidents

Every day, truckers from out of state travel through North Carolina. They may be hauling cargo on I-95, I-40 or I-85. Unfortunately, some of the common causes below will result in a North Carolina commercial truck accident:

  • Inadequate truck driver training
  • Truck driver fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel)
  • Fraudulent log books due to unworkable schedules and expectations
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Aggressive driving behavior by a truck driver
  • Speeding and other traffic violations
  • Poor vehicle maintenance or improper safety equipment
  • Driver carelessness and negligence
  • Improper loading

No matter the cause, chances are if you are involved in an accident with a truck, you may be dealing with different insurance companies. In truck accidents, a number of parties may be liable (the trucking company, the owner of the cab, the owner of the trailer, etc). Each liable party may have its own insurance company.

Trucking companies, their investigators and their insurance companies begin investigating North Carolina semi truck accidents as soon as they occur; often they are at the scene of the accident within minutes. By quickly hiring a Greensboro truck accident attorney, you give yourself the same advantage. Before you talk to ANY insurance adjuster, contact a truck accident lawyer. Whatever you say, may be used against you later. You risk losing compensation and even losing your claim altogether.

Schlosser & Pritchett – Conscientious Greensboro Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents can happen on your way to work, school or virtually any activity and can instantly change your life. Truck accident injury claims are complicated. The factors in a truck vs. car accident are very different than those in a typical auto accident. The trucking industry has strict regulations that must be followed and it is important that you hire an experienced trucking accident attorney who understands the realities of a trucking accident case in North Carolina.

At Schlosser & Pritchett, we provide aggressive representation by taking a tough stand against the insurance companies. At the same time, we offer compassion and sound legal advice to you. We understand the seriousness of these accidents and the suffering you may be enduring as a result. We work hard to hold the truck driver and potentially the driver’s company responsible for his or her negligent actions.

Call 336.292.4076 or use the convenient online form at the right of the page to submit your information, and we will contact you promptly.