Common Causes of Truck Accidents in North Carolina
Causes of truck accidents in Duplin County: speeding, driver fatigue, unbalanced loads, distracted or impaired driving, poor training, poor maintenance.
In North Carolina, truck accidents often happen due to a combination of factors, including mistakes made by drivers, such as getting distracted, driving too fast, or being too tired. Other reasons include trucks not being appropriately maintained or carrying excessive loads. However, the role of weather cannot be overlooked, as it can significantly contribute to accidents. It’s important for drivers to be cautious and prepared for adverse weather conditions to avoid accidents.
Understanding the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Duplin County
Big trucks, like delivery trucks, garbage trucks, semi-trailers, and 18-wheelers, travel all over North Carolina—including places like Duplin County. Truck drivers in North Carolina have to follow special state and federal rules. These rules talk about how long they can drive, how to report crashes, and how heavy or big the trucks can be. If these rules are not followed, drivers or trucking companies can get in big trouble and have to pay fines. Contact us today.
Types of Truck Accidents
Some accidents that involve big trucks include:
- Rollover accidents: The truck tips over on its side or roof.
- Unsecured load accidents: The cargo isn’t tied down properly and falls or moves.
- Jack-knife accidents: The trailer folds in, forming the shape of a jackknife.
- Tire blowouts: The tires burst while driving.
- Under-ride accidents: Small cars get stuck under the truck.
- Hazardous material accidents: Dangerous materials spill in a crash.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?
Here are some common reasons for truck accidents:
- Driving under the influence: If a truck driver has used drugs or alcohol, they may not react quickly or make safe choices.
- Distracted driving: Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, or changing the radio distracts drivers from the road.
- Driver fatigue: Drivers who work for too many hours without rest can get sleepy or even fall asleep at the wheel.
- Speeding: Drivers might go too fast to meet delivery deadlines.
- Poorly loaded cargo: If cargo isn’t loaded right, it can move or tip the truck.
- Equipment problems: Trucks that aren’t checked or repaired may have brake or tire failures.
- Bad weather: Rain, fog, and ice make driving more dangerous by making it slippery or hard to see.
- Not enough experience: New or untrained drivers might make mistakes with big trucks.
Key Trucking Rules in North Carolina
- Hours of Service (HOS): Truck drivers can only drive for a certain number of hours in a row. For example, they can drive 11 hours after taking 10 hours off and can’t work more than 70 hours in 8 days. State drivers may have a few different rules.
- Accident Reporting: Serious truck crashes must be reported to police right away. If anyone dies, it must be reported to the Public Service Commission within 24 hours. All accidents must be reported to the right agencies within 15–30 days.
- Truck Size and Weight: There are strict rules on how wide, tall, long, and heavy trucks can be. Bigger or heavier trucks need special permits.
- Licensing: Drivers must have a special license called a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Other rules: Trucks must have regular safety checks, carry safety equipment, follow rules for carrying dangerous materials, and have insurance.
What Happens If Truck Drivers Break the Rules?
- Fines: Drivers or companies may have to pay a lot of money.
- Out of Service: Breaking the rules can stop trucks or drivers from working until everything is fixed.
- Legal Trouble: The company or driver may have to pay for damage or injuries if there’s an accident.
Who Is Responsible in a Truck Accident?
It’s not always easy to figure out who caused a truck accident. Here’s who might be responsible:
- Truck driver: If the driver was tired, distracted, or under the influence.
- Trucking company: If they made the driver work too much or didn’t check for drugs and alcohol.
- Loading company: If cargo wasn’t loaded safely.
- Truck manufacturer: If a broken or faulty part caused the crash.
- Other people: Sometimes, people who fix trucks, work at weight stations, or other companies can also be part of the problem.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Duplin County or Nearby?
Getting hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault can be really tough. You might have big medical bills, lose pay from missing work, and deal with pain from your injuries. Most people only go through something like this once in their life, so it can feel confusing and stressful.
Talk to a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was hurt in a truck accident, talk to a lawyer who knows these cases. The team at Thompson & Thompson P.C. has helped many truck accident victims. They can figure out what happened, find out who is responsible, and help you get money for your injuries. Schedule an appointment today by calling us or using our online form. Don’t face the insurance companies alone. Rely on Thompson and Thompson for a strong personal injury defense. To start building your case, contact our office today for a case analysis.