Charlotte, NC Personal Injury Lawyer

How to Stay Safe from Semi/Tractor-Truck Accidents

 At least 60 people or more were seriously injured recently when an Amtrak train collided with a large semi-truck in Halifax, North Carolina.  CBS News reports that the oversized semi-truck was unsuccessful at an attempted left turn and backed the trailer onto the railroad tracks in order to correct itself. The truck then remained on the tracks as the train approached. The truck and its large load were sitting in the middle of the tracks when the train collided with it and then derailed.

In 2013, 95,000 people were injured in crashes involving large semis or tractor trucks. Of those injured, 71% were occupants of the passenger vehicle involved in the accident with the usually much larger and heavier truck.

The trucking industry is vital to our way of life and our economy. Mail, money, animals and virtually all types of marketable goods are transported around our nation by way of semi or large tractor truck. But the danger these very heavy, speeding loads create is quite real and the personal injury inflicted can be catastrophic for the victims.

 Truck Accident Law and Liability

 Several bodies of law govern the trucking industry. At the federal level, Title 49 Transportation of the Code of Federal Regulations dictates the standards owners and drivers must meet. This Code is critical in determining which party is liable when a trucking accident occurs.

The U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and each state’s own legislature also mandate their own set of trucking regulations.

It can be tricky labeling the correct defendant when a collision with a semi truck occurs. Many different parties may be responsible for the victim’s injuries. These parties may include the driver of the truck, the truck’s owner, the company that leased the truck from the owner, or even the manufacture of the truck’s pieces and parts. It is imperative that victim’s retain the help of a qualified semi-truck accident attorney.

 Truck Accident Causes

 Semis truck collisions happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is as simple as a manufacturing issue – a tire that is poorly made and blows while the truck speeds down a highway. Other times, it is the owner of the truck who is at fault because he or she did not take the time to properly inspect the truck before sending it out onto the roadways.

Unfortunately, it is most often the truck driver who is to blame. The driver is often monetarily incentivized to drive a very long distance in as short a time as possible. A driver may speed or take very wide, dangerous turns to deliver a load quickly.

The driver may not take the proper number or length rest stops and could be under the influence of medications in order to help him or her stay awake for long periods of time.

 How to Stay Safe

 The average weight of a passenger vehicle is almost 4,000 pounds.  The average semi weighs close to 80,000 pounds. When the two collide, the passenger vehicle will almost always sustain serious damage.

To stay safe, consider the following tips:

• Always stay in the semi truck’s line of sight and assume the driver has several blind spots.
• Keep a safe distance from the semi truck whenever possible. The truck’s weight and speed make is very difficult for it to slow down quickly.
• Make a pass by a semi-truck quickly.
• Do not drive next to a semi-truck for long periods of time.

Finally, remember that a collision with a semi-truck can happen quickly and cause very serious injury to all of those involved. If you or someone you know is in need of an experience semi-truck accident attorney, please contact Bice Law today. One of our attorneys would be happy to consult with you at no charge.

Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Bice Law

The personal injury firm of Bice Law will examine your case to determine the type and amount of damages that your injury warrants, including payments for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any permanent disability.  We’ll determine whether an out-of-court settlement or trial is the best strategy to obtain maximum benefits for you or your family. If you have suffered injury or harm because of someone else’s actions, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the personal injury firm of Bice Law serving both North and South Carolina. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, so act quickly.  Call 877-BICE-877 today or submit an online request  to get a free consultation with a  personal injury attorney. We serve families across both North Carolina and South Carolina.