Goldsboro Truck Accident Lawyers

Any car accident can be a disastrous event for those involved. However, when colliding with a large commercial truck, these crashes can be especially severe and deadly. Commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, tankers, flatbeds, and more, are notoriously heavy, bulky, difficult to maneuver, and slow to stop. When crashing into a smaller vehicle, it is generally the occupants of the car or SUV who suffer the most. 

Pittman Agner represents those who have been victimized by negligent drivers and other parties, including truck drivers, trucking companies, and the manufacturers of trucks and their equipment. 

Discuss your case in a free evaluation with a Goldsboro truck accident attorney at Pittman Agner. Connect with us online or at (919) 893-0090 to get started. 

What is Considered a Truck Accident?

A truck accident refers to any collision or incident involving a truck, typically a large commercial vehicle, and can cause significant damage, injuries, or fatalities. These accidents can occur due to various reasons, including human error, mechanical failures, environmental factors, or a combination of these.

Below are some common types of truck accidents and how they often happen:

• Jackknife: This occurs when the trailer of a truck swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. It often happens due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover: This happens when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. It can be caused by taking turns too quickly, unbalanced cargo, or abrupt steering maneuvers.
• Mechanical failures: Accidents can occur due to various mechanical failures in trucks, including issues with brakes, steering systems, transmission, or other critical components.
• Underride and override accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle gets trapped under the truck's trailer, usually during sudden stops or rear-end collisions. Override accidents occur when a truck rides over a smaller vehicle.
• Blind spot accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, and accidents can occur when smaller vehicles enter these blind spots, causing the truck driver to collide when changing lanes or making turns.
• Wide turn accidents: Trucks require more space to make turns. Accidents happen when a truck swings wide while turning and collides with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• Cargo-related accidents: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, leading to accidents. Spillage or falling cargo can cause collisions or obstruct roadways.
• Runaway trailer accidents: These accidents occur when the trailer becomes detached from the truck and rolls uncontrollably, posing a serious threat to other vehicles on the road.

Each type of accident may result from various factors, including driver error, weather conditions, mechanical issues, or other external factors. Preventative measures, such as proper maintenance, driver training, and adherence to safety regulations, are crucial in minimizing these accidents and their consequences.

Truck accidents in Wayne County often occur on major roads such as US-70 and I-795, where frequent commercial truck traffic increases the likelihood of collisions. Anyone injured in a big rig accident on these busy routes near Goldsboro may face severe and lasting injuries that require ongoing care and attention. If you have been in a crash involving a semi-truck or need guidance specific to a tractor-trailer accident attorney Goldsboro residents can rely on, our team is here to listen and help you understand your options. Firms handling these complex cases have insight into how local roads and traffic patterns can contribute to serious incidents involving these large vehicles.

Truck Accident Claims in North Carolina

The National Safety Council has reported that 4,842 trucks were involved in fatal traffic accidents in 2020. While this was slightly lower than in 2019, truck accident fatalities have been on the rise since 2011. Furthermore, while trucks represent only four percent of all registered vehicles, they were involved in nine percent of all fatal collisions. In 2020, 4,965 individuals were killed in truck accidents. The majority of these were those in passenger and other smaller vehicles at 71 percent as opposed to truckers. 

Because of the complex factors involved in truck accidents, they require extensive investigation. The trucking industry is subject to state and federal regulations which, if violated, can be the cause of crashes. As mentioned above, truck accidents are also complicated by various entities who may be held liable, all of whom must be investigated to determine fault. These accident claims may require accident reconstruction experts and their testimony in court as well. 

Truck accidents can have many causes, including the following:

• Fatigued truck drivers: Operating beyond allowable hours, lack of rest, or pressure to meet deadlines.
• Drunk or drugged drivers: Impairment from alcohol or drugs can cause slower reaction times and poor judgment.
• Speeding: Exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions increases accident risk.
• Other traffic law violations: Disregarding signals, improper lane changes, or failure to yield the right of way.
• Poor truck maintenance: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or ignored mechanical issues.
• Improperly/overloaded cargo: Overweight or unsecured loads may shift and cause loss of control.
• Defective truck parts (brakes, tires, etc.): Faulty manufacturing or design defects can lead to dangerous failures on the road.
• Faulty road maintenance, design, or construction: Potholes, poor signage, or poorly designed intersections can all contribute to accidents.
• Poorly trained drivers: Inadequate instruction or oversight can leave new drivers unprepared for real-world hazards.

In addition to this, large commercial trucking companies may have their own teams of lawyers working to reduce their liability. These, along with insurance adjusters working for their employers, may do everything possible to shift the fault to you so that your claim can be denied. Because of these multiple factors working against you, you need an experienced team on your side whose only objective is to help you secure maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. 

When pursuing a claim involving an 18 wheeler accident attorney, it’s important to remember that cases can involve both state and federal rules regarding trucking operations. If your accident took place near major distribution hubs or on highways such as I-40, having an attorney who understands the regulations applying to commercial vehicles throughout North Carolina will make a difference in your case. That knowledge extends to dealing with national trucking company insurers, as well as the requirements for investigating black box data and driver logs. Our firm has the resources to consult industry professionals and collect the vital evidence needed to support your claim in complicated big rig accident cases.

Common Injuries in Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents

Collisions involving commercial trucks, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers can lead to some of the most severe and life-altering injuries on the road. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often result in greater impact forces, making recovery challenging for victims and their families. Understanding the types of injuries that often follow a big rig accident can help you recognize the importance of obtaining timely medical care and trusted legal guidance.

Many clients come to us after sustaining injuries on highways like US-117, which are frequent routes for both commercial trucks and local traffic in Goldsboro. Accident victims may experience traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, extensive lacerations, or internal organ trauma, each requiring different forms of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Burns and crush injuries are also common, especially in high-speed collisions or multi-vehicle incidents with 18-wheelers.

Common injuries we see after big rig and semi-truck crashes include:

• Severe orthopedic injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and complex musculoskeletal damage.
• Neck and back injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord trauma.
• Head and brain injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries.
• Internal injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs.
• Burns and lacerations: Caused by vehicle fires, road rash, or contact with sharp debris.
• Emotional trauma: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress following a serious collision.

If you have been involved in a collision and require a semi-truck accident attorney Goldsboro area residents trust, our team has the experience to coordinate medical attention, document injuries for your case, and guide you toward securing the resources needed for your recovery. Seeking immediate care at local Goldsboro facilities such as Wayne UNC Health Care can also document the extent of injury, which is crucial in any truck accident claim.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties due to the various factors contributing to the crash. Here are some parties that could potentially be held liable:

• Truck Driver: The driver might be held liable if their actions directly caused the accident. This could include instances of speeding, reckless driving, driver fatigue, driving under the influence, or distracted driving.
• Trucking Company: The company employing the driver could be held responsible if they were negligent in their hiring process, failed to provide adequate training, encouraged or demanded unreasonable schedules leading to driver fatigue, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
• Truck Owner or Lessor: If the truck is owned or leased separately from the company operating it, the owner or lessor could bear liability if the accident resulted from poor maintenance, faulty equipment, or other issues related to the truck's condition.
• Maintenance and Repair Contractors: If a third-party maintenance or repair contractor negligently serviced the truck, resulting in mechanical failure contributing to the accident, they might share liability.
• Cargo Loaders or Shippers: Improperly loaded or secured cargo that leads to an accident could make the cargo loaders or shippers liable, especially if the cargo shift caused the accident.
• Manufacturers of Vehicle Parts: In cases where the accident was caused by a defective part (e.g., brakes, tires), the manufacturer of that specific part might be held liable under product liability laws.
• Government Entities: If the accident occurred due to poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other infrastructure issues, the government entity responsible for road maintenance might be partially liable.

Determining liability often involves a thorough investigation, analyzing evidence, witness statements, police reports, and sometimes expert opinions. Depending on the circumstances, liability might be shared among multiple parties. Legal proceedings involving truck accidents are intricate, often requiring specialized knowledge of both traffic laws and commercial regulations.

Our experienced team at Pittman Agner can properly assess and pursue claims involving these accidents. We are ready to hold the liable parties accountable for their negligent actions and maximize the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Your Rights After a Truck Accident

Experiencing a truck accident can be overwhelming, and it's crucial to understand your legal rights and options. At Pittman Agner, we believe knowledge is power. Our dedicated team of Goldsboro truck accident lawyers is committed to ensuring that you are fully informed about the steps you can take following an accident.

After a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Covering hospital bills, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time off work due to injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Financial relief for the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement costs.

It's important to act quickly after a truck accident, as North Carolina has specific deadlines for filing claims. Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring that you meet all necessary timelines and requirements. Don't navigate this challenging time alone—let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Choose Pittman Agner in Goldsboro for Your Truck Accident Case

When faced with the aftermath of a truck accident, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. We understand the complexities involved in truck accident cases and are committed to providing personalized support to our clients in Goldsboro and beyond. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

• Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully handled numerous truck accident cases, achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Comprehensive investigation: We conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimonies, to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Personalized attention: We believe in treating our clients like family. You receive one-on-one attention and regular updates throughout your case.
• Contingency fee basis: You don’t pay us unless we win your case. This means you can pursue justice without the stress of upfront legal fees.
• Strong negotiators: Our attorneys are skilled negotiators who will advocate firmly with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement for you.

Choosing the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Trust Pittman Agner to guide you through this challenging time and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step towards recovery.

By contacting Pittman Agner, you can put a highly experienced personal injury attorney on your side seeking maximum compensation in these complicated claims. Call (919) 893-0090 today!