Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers Dedicated to Recovering Compensation on Behalf of Accident Victims in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties
No one likes sharing the road with semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Whether you are driving on Interstate 85, Route 29, NC 73 or the Kannapolis Parkway, you’re bound to encounter more trucks than you’d prefer. However, your hesitations about driving around semi-truck are completely reasonable because these vehicles are responsible for some of the most serious—and often fatal—traffic accidents.
At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team of Kannapolis truck accident lawyers has more than a decade of experience recovering meaningful compensation on behalf of truck accident victims. We understand what makes truck drivers and their employers liable for an accident and how to effectively pursue a claim against even the largest trucking companies.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Kannapolis, NC
Truck accidents, like other motor vehicle collisions, can have any number of causes. However, as a general rule, trucking accidents don’t happen when truckers pay attention, follow the rules of the road, and obey all traffic laws. Thus, while driver negligence is the most cited cause of accidents, there are many different types of negligent driving that can lead to a truck accident.
One of the leading causes is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often have to cover long distances under tight deadlines, leading to extended hours of operation. Despite regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), such as the Hours-of-Service rules, fatigue remains a persistent issue.
Distracted driving is another significant cause of truck accidents. Distractions can be anything from phone use, eating, using a navigation system, or adjusting the radio. In the fast-paced traffic on North Carolina's roads, a momentary lapse in attention can be disastrous—especially when an 80,000-pound truck is involved.
Speeding and reckless driving, often in an attempt to meet delivery deadlines, also contribute to the frequency of these accidents. High speeds limit the driver's ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extend the distance necessary to stop a vehicle and increase the distance a vehicle travels as the driver tries to react to an upcoming hazard.
There are also a few non-driver-related causes. For example, equipment failure, which includes inadequate vehicle maintenance or defective parts, can lead to truck accidents. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential, but failures can still occur, resulting in devastating accidents. Lastly, improper loading of cargo can also cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, for example, if cargo is not secured properly or is unbalanced.
Who Is Liable in a Kannapolis Truck Accident?
In any personal injury lawsuit, it is important to identify all potentially liable parties. In the context of a truck accident, the usual focus is on the truck driver. However, it is also important to determine whether the trucking company is also responsible for your injuries.
North Carolina law uses a theory called vicarious liability to impose liability on an employer for the negligent actions of their employees. Thus, if a truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the crash, the trucking company, as well as the driver, may be liable to you for your injuries.
Have You Been Injured in a Kannapolis Truck Accident?
If you or someone you care about was recently injured in a truck accident in Kannapolis, NC, reach out to the dedicated injury lawyers at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC. Our dedicated team of Kannapolis trucking accident lawyers has decades of combined experience aggressively advocating on behalf of accident victims. At the same time, we are sensitive to the fact that this is a very challenging time in your life, which is why we always cater our representation to your unique needs. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Cabarrus County or Rowan County, give us a call at 704-405-2580 or 704-918-4747. We also represent clients in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, and Union Counties.
