Truck accidents can be devastating. They are often more serious than accidents involving smaller vehicles due to the sheer size and weight of trucks. In North Carolina, these types of crashes happen far too often, leading to severe injuries, damage, and sometimes loss of life. To understand why truck accidents occur, it is important to look at the most common causes that lead to these dangerous events on the road. This knowledge can help drivers, both of trucks and other vehicles, stay safer while driving. Phillips & McCrea, PLLC provides dedicated legal representation to help clients navigate the complexities of truck accident cases and secure the compensation they deserve.
Driver Fatigue is a Major Concern
One of the leading causes of truck accidents in North Carolina is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are often required to cover long distances over extended periods, making fatigue a significant issue. The job demands can push drivers to continue driving even when they are extremely tired. Many truckers drive through the night or work irregular hours, which can disrupt their natural sleep cycle. When a driver is exhausted, their reaction times slow down, and they may have trouble staying alert. In some cases, drivers might even fall asleep behind the wheel. This greatly increases the chance of an accident, especially on highways where trucks travel at higher speeds.
Federal regulations do set limits on how long truck drivers can be on the road without taking a break, but sometimes these rules are ignored or pushed to the limit. When a truck driver is fatigued, their ability to make quick decisions is reduced. This can lead to accidents that could have been prevented if the driver was well-rested and focused.
Distracted Driving Leads to Serious Crashes
Distracted driving is another common cause of truck accidents in North Carolina. Just like drivers of smaller vehicles, truck drivers can be distracted by things such as phones, GPS devices, or even eating while driving. A momentary distraction can lead to a major accident, especially when operating a large truck. Trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, so if a driver is distracted and doesn’t react in time, it can lead to a rear-end collision or even a pileup.
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Michael Phillips
Marcel McCrea
Natalie Andruczyk
In recent years, the use of mobile phones has become one of the biggest distractions on the road. Even though there are laws in place that prohibit texting while driving, some drivers still do it. Truck drivers may also use their phones to check maps or communicate with dispatchers. However, taking their eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can have deadly consequences. Staying focused is essential for all drivers, but it is even more critical for truck drivers due to the size and weight of their vehicles.
Improperly Loaded Cargo Can Cause Trucks to Lose Control
How a truck’s cargo is loaded plays a big role in preventing accidents. If cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift while the truck is moving. This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Improperly loaded cargo may also make it harder for the truck to stop or turn safely, leading to accidents in tight spots or on curves. When the load is too heavy, the truck might struggle to slow down or maintain balance, making the risk of a crash higher.
There are strict regulations on how cargo should be loaded and secured on trucks, but accidents still happen when these rules are not followed. Overloading trucks, for example, can put too much stress on the brakes, leading to brake failure and causing a collision. This is why it’s important for trucking companies and drivers to ensure that cargo is loaded correctly and safely before starting a trip.
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Speeding Makes Stopping Difficult
Speeding is another significant cause of truck accidents in North Carolina. Trucks need more time to stop than smaller vehicles, and when a truck is speeding, it becomes even harder for the driver to stop in time to avoid a crash. Speed limits are in place for a reason, but sometimes truck drivers may speed to meet tight delivery deadlines or to cover more miles in a shorter amount of time. This dangerous behavior can result in rear-end collisions, rollovers, or crashes with other vehicles.
When a truck is traveling too fast, it’s not just about the ability to stop. Speeding also makes it harder to control the vehicle when turning or changing lanes. Trucks are more likely to tip over or jackknife when going too fast, especially around sharp curves or during bad weather. By following speed limits and adjusting their speed based on road conditions, truck drivers can greatly reduce the risk of causing an accident.
Weather Conditions Can Lead to Dangerous Driving
North Carolina experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, and these can contribute to truck accidents. Rain, snow, fog, and ice all make driving more hazardous. Trucks are already harder to control than smaller vehicles, and when the roads are slick or visibility is reduced, the danger increases. Drivers must slow down and be extra cautious when the weather is bad, but not all drivers adjust their driving accordingly.
For example, if a truck driver continues to drive at normal speeds during a heavy rainstorm, the risk of hydroplaning or losing control is much higher. Likewise, icy roads can make it difficult for trucks to stop, leading to rear-end collisions or sliding off the road. Truck drivers need to be trained to handle difficult weather conditions, and they must take extra precautions when bad weather strikes.
I have worked and referred cases to Attorney Marcel McCrea in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a number of years. His zealous advocacy, keen attention to details, and client care are particularly noteworthy. He has been especially helpful in some complicated personal injury matters that I have referred to his firm. I highly recommend Marcel McCrea and Phillips and McCrea, PLLC for anyone looking for excellent attorneys.” - Frantz Jacques Phillips and McCrea do great work. When I had my car accident they were very diligent in showing me the process. They took care of all the necessary paperwork and negotiation in my personal injury claim. They were both passionate and determined to get me my settlement. I am eternally grateful. Definitely 5 star lawyers in my book." - Osmund Marcellin I was recently injured in a car accident. I hired Attorney Marcel McCrea of Phillips and McCrea, PLLC in Charlotte, NC to help me with my personal injury matter and to recover for my medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. - S. Jackson
Before hiring the firm, I tried to negotiate with the insurance company on my own and got no where. Marcel McCrea did an excellent job and helped me to recover much more than I expected. Marcel and his staff exceeded my expectations and provided great customer service. I highly recommend the firm!"
Mechanical Failures Can Lead to Serious Accidents
Sometimes truck accidents happen due to mechanical failures. Trucks are large, complex machines, and they need to be maintained regularly to ensure they are safe to drive. Brake failure, tire blowouts, or engine problems can all lead to accidents. If a truck is not properly inspected and maintained, these mechanical issues can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
Brake failure is one of the most common mechanical problems that can lead to a crash. Trucks rely on powerful brakes to stop, but when the brakes fail, the driver may not be able to slow down in time to avoid an accident. Tire blowouts can also cause the truck to swerve uncontrollably, leading to a collision with another vehicle or an obstacle on the road.
Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working order, but sometimes regular maintenance is skipped due to time or cost concerns. This negligence can lead to dangerous situations on the road and put both the truck driver and others at risk.
Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers
In some cases, truck accidents happen because the driver lacks the necessary experience or training to handle the vehicle properly. Driving a truck is not the same as driving a car. It requires special skills and knowledge to operate such a large vehicle safely. Truck drivers need to understand how to maneuver the truck, handle its size, and deal with difficult situations like poor weather or heavy traffic.
When a truck driver is inexperienced or poorly trained, they may not know how to react in certain situations. This can lead to accidents that could have been avoided if the driver had received proper training. Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are fully trained before they hit the road, but unfortunately, this does not always happen.
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What To Do if You Are Involved in a Truck Accident in North Carolina
If you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident, it is essential to seek legal advice. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries and significant property damage, which can lead to costly medical bills, lost wages, and emotional stress. Because of the complexities involved in truck accident cases, it is important to have guidance from someone who understands how these accidents occur and what the law says about them.
Truck accidents are different from regular car accidents in many ways. They may involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the company that loaded the cargo. Determining who is at fault can be complicated, and it requires careful investigation. Having the right support can make a big difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
At Phillips & McCrea, PLLC, our team is dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents. We understand how these crashes happen and can help you navigate the legal process during this difficult time. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, contact us today to discuss your case. You don’t have to go through this alone. Call us now or visit our website to learn more about how we can assist you.