A portion of Interstate 95 was shut down for several hours after a fatal truck accident took place on Thursday, May 18th in Johnston County. The deadly collision, which occurred at about 3:45 p.m., resulted in two fatalities, three injuries, and a two-hour closure of all southbound lanes of I-95 as well as one northbound lane in the area of Exit 81 near Four Oaks.
I was hit by a box truck. What should I do next?
According to a local source, a northbound box truck drifted across the median, plowed through the cable barrier, and collided head-first with an oncoming Toyota Tacoma pickup that was towing a utility trailer.
The impact caused the trailer to come unhitched and rolled to a stop in the middle of the interstate where it was hit by an SUV.
Both occupants of the Tacoma died at the scene. The occupants of the box truck were transported to WakeMed via ambulance in serious condition.
The sole occupant of the SUV received minor injuries.
This accident remains under investigation by the North Carolina Highway Patrol at this time.
The North Carolina truck accident lawyers at the law firm of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp have more than forty years of experience handling serious truck crashes. We are dedicated to pursuing the maximum amount of financial compensation for our injured clients and their families. We work on a contingency fee, which means that you pay nothing upfront unless we win your case. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
Accidents Involving Box Trucks
Box trucks are classed by weight and regulated just like any other large commercial truck. Although they occupy a variety of weight classes, a standard box truck is always going to be much heavier and much larger than a passenger vehicle.
The size and weight of a box truck, combined with its large blind spots, make them a potential danger to those around them. Regrettably, commercial trucks, including box trucks, are frequently involved in accidents that leave victims with serious and even fatal injuries. In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that these trucks were involved in 9% of all fatal traffic collisions that year and were responsible for injuries to roughly 151,000 victims.
What Should I Do After a Collision With a Box Truck?
After a crash with a box truck, the first thing you need to do is get prompt medical care. It is not unusual for the victims of box truck accidents to sustain serious injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. Even if you think you are unharmed, you could be in shock, which reduces your capacity for registering pain and could be masking the severity of your injuries.
After you notify local law enforcement, take pictures of the scene and write down as much information as you can. This should include the names and contact details of everyone involved in the incident as well as any eyewitnesses. Then, as soon as you are able to do so, you should reach out to an experienced North Carolina box truck injury lawyer. The sooner you work with a lawyer, the sooner they can get to work finding and preserving evidence that could be critical to the success of your personal injury claim before the trucking company alters or destroys it.
How Will a Truck Accident Attorney Help My Case?
In order to prove that the other driver is liable for your box truck accident, you will have to show that:
- They owed you a duty of care
- They violated this duty by acting negligently, such as driving while drunk, speeding, running a red light, or texting behind the wheel
- This violation was the proximate cause of your accident. A direct link has to be made between the other driver’s negligence and your accident
- The accident caused you to sustain damages. This can be proven with official medical documents including medical bills, physician’s notes, medical records, and more.
Were You Injured in a Truck Crash?
To speak to an experienced North Carolina personal injury attorney regarding your box truck accident case, contact the law offices of Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp by calling (833) 997-1774. We offer a free and confidential case review to all prospective clients.