Truck Accident Attorneys in Wadesboro NC

Because semi-trucks and big rigs are so much larger and heavier than any other vehicles on the road, they present a significant hazard to occupants of smaller vehicles. Accidents involving commercial trucks can leave victims with life-threatening injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term losses. Victims also face the added stress of going up against deep-pocketed trucking companies, a web of insurance providers, and many other potentially liable parties.

If you have been hurt in a crash, you need a knowledgeable Wadesboro truck accident lawyer on your side. At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience successfully handling complex truck accident claims. We work quickly to investigate these wrecks, identify all possible sources of compensation, and demand the maximum payment you deserve.

Our trusted advocates will do everything we can to hold negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you move forward with your life after a serious truck accident.

What Makes Truck Accidents So Complicated?

Several factors tend to make big rig accidents especially complicated, including:

• More significant damage and injuries – Because of the substantial size and weight difference between trucks and most passenger vehicles, truck accidents tend to cause more catastrophic injuries and serious property damage.
• More potentially liable parties – In addition to negligent truck drivers, there are several other parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident. This includes the driver’s employer, whoever loaded the vehicle, the company responsible for maintenance and repairs, and the truck’s manufacturer. Any of these other parties may be financially liable for damage caused by a truck crash.
• More expensive and complex insurance claims – Trucks and truck drivers are often covered by high-dollar insurance policies. In addition, other potentially liable parties may have insurance policies of their own. This creates a complex web of insurance, with adjusters doing everything they can to shift blame, minimize your claim, and protect their bottom line.
• More complicated traffic laws – There are a variety of state and federal laws that are unique to the trucking industry. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Wadesboro can help you understand how these laws could apply to your situation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Crash in Wadesboro?

Many truck drivers work for companies that own fleets of vehicles, which they use to haul cargo on behalf of countless other entities. Any of the parties involved in the operation of one of these commercial trucks could be held responsible for a crash, including:

• Truck drivers if they are impaired, distracted, reckless, or otherwise negligent behind the wheel
• Trucking companies if they fail to properly maintain the vehicles they own or fail to properly screen or train the truck drivers they hire
• Truck mechanics if they are negligent in their responsibilities to inspect, maintain, and repair trucks as necessary
• Truck manufacturers if any defective components are contributing factors in a collision
• Cargo loading teams if improperly loaded freight contribute to instability that leads to a truck accident

What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Truck accidents in Wadesboro happen often due to the long hauls of commercial truckers. Highway 74, Highway 52, and other rural logging and agriculture roads here in Wadesboro mean accidents will happen.

Wadesboro truck accidents are frequently caused by:

• Fatigued trucker accidents
• Impaired truck driver accidents
• Distracted drivers; using GPS, cell phones, or eating
• Mechanical malfunction or brake failure

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Wadesboro

• Jackknife – A jackknife truck accident occurs when a truck trailer swings out from the direction of travel and toward the truck cab, causing the cab and trailer to fold together like the blade and handle of a pocketknife. Jackknife accidents can happen due to factors such as improper braking by the truck driver, slick road surfaces, a tire blowout on the trailer, or unbalanced or shifting cargo in the trailer, for example.
• T-Bone – A T-bone accident, also known as a side-impact or broadside collision, occurs when the front of a truck collides with the side of another vehicle, causing the vehicle to form a T shape. Truck drivers can cause a T-bone accident when they run a red light or stop sign or fail to yield the right-of-way when making a wide turn.
• Rollover – A rollover accident occurs when a truck flips onto its side or roof. Truck rollover accidents can happen due to causes such as jackknifing, improper braking, brake or tire failure, speeding, or unbalanced or shifting cargo that can topple the truck.
• Sideswipe Collisions – A sideswipe collision occurs when the side of a truck bumps or scrapes along the side of another vehicle. Sideswipes usually happen when a truck driver fails to signal or check their mirrors and blind spots before moving into an adjacent lane already occupied by another vehicle.
• Head-On Collisions – A head-on collision involves the front of two vehicles impacting. Head-on collisions can occur when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic, ends up on the wrong side of the road after going through an intersection, or travels the wrong way down a one-way street.
• Rear-End Collisions – A rear-end collision occurs when the front of a truck strikes the back of another vehicle. Rear-end 18-wheeler accidents usually happen because a truck driver tailgates the car ahead or speeds, giving the truck driver insufficient time to bring their heavier truck to a stop if the vehicle ahead brakes.
• Under-Ride Accidents – An under-ride accident is a truck accident where a passenger vehicle or motorcycle gets wedged underneath the trailer. An underride accident may occur in a sideswipe collision or a rear-end accident where the passenger vehicle crashes underneath the trailer’s rear overhang.
• Wide Turns – Due to their size, commercial trucks must turn wide when navigating a turn through narrow intersections. Failing to follow the correct wide-turn procedure, such as not confirming a clear path or swinging left before turning right, can lead to a collision between a truck and another vehicle.
• Tire Blowouts – A truck can suffer a tire blowout that causes the driver to lose control of their vehicle. Tire blowouts may occur when the trucking company fails to replace worn or damaged tires, or the truck carries cargo exceeding weight limits.
• No Zone Accidents – A “no zone” accident is a big rig accident where the truck collides with a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot or “no zone.” Commercial trucks have blind spots stretching several feet in front and behind the truck, along the length of the trailer on the driver’s side, and extending into two lanes on the passenger side.
• Unsecured Cargo or Lost Loads – Unsafe cargo loading can also lead to a semi-truck accident in several ways. Excessive cargo weight, unbalanced weight, or unsecured cargo that shifts during travel can cause the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle, while unsecured cargo can also fall out of the truck and hit other vehicles or create a collision hazard for oncoming traffic.

Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

The best way to determine how much compensation you could recover after a wreck is to consult with a seasoned Wadesboro truck accident lawyer. An attorney from Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC can review the following factors to determine the full value of your claim:

• Any medical expenses you incurred through the treatment of your injuries
• Potential future medical costs if you require long-term care
• Any wages you lose due to time away from work
• The estimated value of any losses in your future earning capacity
• Your pain, suffering, and psychological distress
• Any losses you experience in your overall quality of life
• Punitive damages (in rare cases involving extreme negligence)

Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

If you plan to file a truck accident lawsuit in Wadesboro or anywhere else in North Carolina, state law says you have a three-year window to do so. This three-year period begins on the date of your injury.

Three years may sound like plenty of time to file a lawsuit, but the complex nature of a truck accident claim means everything can take much longer than you might expect. No matter how straightforward you think your case may be, it’s always a good idea to act quickly to protect your rights.

If you do not file your lawsuit before the three-year deadline expires, you will essentially lose your right to demand compensation in court. A dedicated Wadesboro truck accident attorney can help you manage important dates and documents to ensure your ability to recover compensation is not compromised by preventable mistakes.

Our Wadesboro Truck Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our truck accident attorneys in Wadesboro have earned a reputation for helping people like you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and more. We can take immediate action in your case to ensure your rights are protected from the beginning.

Our seasoned legal team knows the tactics trucking companies and their insurance providers will use to deny responsibility and limit the amount of money you can recover. We can craft a solid strategy to fight back on your behalf.

We offer free, confidential consultations to answer your most important questions. So you have nothing to lose when you reach out for more information. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.

Wadesboro Truck Accident FAQs