How Are Truck Accident Claims More Complex? | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

NC truck accident lawyerDealing with any type of vehicle accident injury claim can be difficult, but those claims that involve trucks can be especially complex. There are different types of evidence to examine and evaluate, as well as verifying whether or not federal truck regulations were adhered to. There is also the additional issue of whether or not there is more than one party who may be responsible for the damages the victim should receive.

Evidence

One of the major pieces of evidence which can help a North Carolina truck accident attorney is the maintenance records that trucking companies are required to keep on all their vehicles. These records may hold the answer to what caused the crash and who is liable. For example, if the records show the truck was long overdue for brake maintenance and the truck crash occurred because the brakes failed, these records could be used as evidence against the company since they reveal the negligence of the company.

 

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There are also logs that truck drivers are required to keep which track the number of hours per day they drive, whether they take their mandatory breaks, and whether they take the mandatory number of hours/days off. These regulations have all been set by the federal government and it is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) which oversees enforcement of all these rules.

There are also rules and regulations about how cargo should be packed in order to prevent accidents, such as rollovers. Any breaking of these rules and regulations makes for strong evidence in a truck accident claim.

Negligent Parties

Unlike passenger vehicle accidents, truck accidents usually have more than one at-fault party. Depending on the cause of the accident, the truck driver may be one of the parties who is named in the crash, such as in accidents caused by distracted or fatigued driving. However, the truck driver is often employed by a transportation company who will also likely be held responsible. This is because the law allows victims who are injured by a negligent employee can hold their employer liable.

Contact a Carolina Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has been injured in a truck accident, contact a seasoned North Carolina truck accident attorney to discuss what legal recourse you may have. Even if it is not entirely clear who is the at-fault party, a Carolinas injury attorney will be able to determine which party or parties are liable. At Shapiro & Appleton, our injury attorneys have represented numerous truck accident victims and have the legal expertise to handle these complex cases with positive results. Call 757-663-5031 for a free case evaluation.