Trucking Accidents

Commercial trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, freight trucks, semis - No matter what they are called, we have to share the road with them daily. North Carolina serious trucking accident lawyer, Alesia M. Vick provides help when trucking accidents happen. With the amount of traffic on our roadways, road accidents are inevitable and when you add commercial trucks into the equation, the dynamics change dramatically.  

A fully loaded freight truck or commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. With its sheer weight and size, a commercial truck can cause considerable damage when it collides with a passenger vehicle or other commercial trucks. The resulting collision will almost certainly cause serious personal injury or death. Unfortunately, trucking accidents are becoming increasingly more common. 

Shocking Statistics Regarding Commercial Truck Accidents:

• There were over 139,000 accidents involving commercial truck accidents in 2009, with over 4,800 fatalities
• Over 58,000 of these accidents involved semis
• Trucking negligence was a determining factor in almost 85% of these accidents

Navigating Inherent Road Safety Factors: Why Trucking Accidents Still Happen Despite Stringent Laws

Due to the hazards involved with these “big rigs,” there are numerous federal, state, and local laws in place that limit operations. The federal government and state of North Carolina work to regulate the kind of cargo as well as the quantity that can be transported. In addition, it is mandatory for commercial truck drivers to maintain accurate sleep and cargo logs.

Unfortunately, as with any regulation, there are those who ignore or choose to find ways around these requirements. Weight, size, and speed alone, make commercial trucks dangerous enough. When operated under the wrong conditions - sleep deprived drivers, unsafe or faulty equipment, and unsecured cargo, these trucks become extremely unsafe.

It is estimated that one out of every five commercial truck drivers operates their semis while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When sleep deprivation, faulty equipment or unsecured cargo is added into the equation, it is a certain recipe for disaster. This type of blatant trucking negligence requires an attorney to ensure the victims and their families’ rights are not ignored. You can be certain that the trucking companies and drivers will have their own attorneys that specialize in these matters and so should you.

If you or a loved one is involved in one of these commercial truck accidents, you need an attorney that truly understands the laws and regulations governing their operation, as well as your rights. Contact our office for a free and comprehensive trucking accident case evaluation.