Commercial trucks are vital to the North Carolina economy. They transport crucial cargo such as food, medical supplies, and other goods and materials throughout the state and beyond. While we need these trucks on the road, we also need to count on the trucking companies and the drivers they employ to be responsible. If a truck is not adequately maintained, if the cargo is not properly loaded, or if the driver is negligent in any way, others on the road are at risk of severe injury or death. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), North Carolina recorded 4,992 non-fatal truck crashes and 135 fatal crashes in 2024 involving large trucks.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident in North Carolina, contact Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. Truck accidents are complex and can involve negligence on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, the cargo loader, and others. Starting an investigation promptly can improve your chances of securing full and fair compensation for your injuries.
A proven Charlotte truck accident attorney from Stewart Law Offices can help you immediately. Call or contact us for your free case review.
Trucking Industry Safety Standards
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) creates rules governing large trucks and buses. This agency issues regulations for truck drivers, trucking manufacturers, and trucking companies. Some states also adopt state-specific requirements for commercial motor vehicles.
Trucking industry safety standards apply to trucks with a GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of 10,001 pounds or more. Additional safety standards apply to specific vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, and tanker trucks weighing above 26,001 pounds. Other specific criteria apply to trucks carrying hazardous materials and vehicles carrying passengers, such as limousines and buses.
FMCSA regulations help ensure commercial truck drivers are properly trained and are also medically and physically qualified to operate large vehicles safely. Specific provisions detail drug and alcohol testing requirements to avoid driver impairment. FMCSA also limits truck drivers’ allowable hours behind the wheel to combat fatigue and prevent drowsy driving accidents.
Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents
Commercial truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons that car crashes do, but the resulting injuries and damages can be much greater. Common causes of truck accidents in North Carolina include:
- Driver distraction
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Driver impairment
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving, such as tailgating or running stop signs or red lights
- Mechanical problems, such as tire or brake issues
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Improper cargo loading and distribution
- Poor visibility in bad weather conditions
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Improper lane changes
Driver distraction or inattention has become one of the leading causes of commercial truck accidents. Many truck drivers use cell phones, not only for communicating but also for navigating and messaging. When pressed for time, truck drivers can also be distracted by eating and drinking while driving.
Regardless of the cause, truck accidents are vastly more complicated than car accidents. You need an experienced law firm with the resources to thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident to prove fault and build a solid case for full compensation.
Critical Mechanical Failures and Maintenance Violations
Mechanical defects are a significant factor in severe commercial trucking accidents, with more than half of the involved trucks having at least one safety violation. The most common issues found are with brakes and lighting. The presence of defective brakes alone nearly doubles the likelihood of a crash, while severe mechanical problems can triple the risk compared to vehicles that are properly maintained.
Frequent mechanical failures include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Steering
- Lighting
- Suspension
- Load securement
Despite existing safety regulations, unsafe trucks persist on North Carolina roads, often due to pressures to cut costs, minimize downtime, inadequate inspections, and the falsification of maintenance records.
Hire a Qualified Attorney Today
If you were injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, the knowledgeable North Carolina truck accident attorneys at Stewart Law Offices have the training, experience, and resources to seek compensation for the losses you have suffered.
Call or contact us today for your free consultation