North Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
Every day, more than 25,000 car crashes occur in this country. Although many of these crashes are minor accidents, more than 40,000 victims are killed each year in vehicle accidents. Whether an accident is nothing more than a fender bender or it is a catastrophic crash that leaves victims fighting for their lives with catastrophic injuries, there is always some level of emotional, physical, and financial toll left on those involved. State laws, including North Carolina, allow victims to pursue financial compensation from the party who is responsible for the accident. In many of these crashes, the driver who is liable is obvious, however, in many others, an extensive investigation needs to take place to make that determination.
Road Debris Crashes
One type of accident that can be difficult to identify the liable party is one caused by road debris. Road debris accidents pose a significant and often overlooked threat to road safety. These incidents occur when objects, materials, or debris litter roadways, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and potentially leading to collisions, injuries, and even fatalities.
Drive down any highway or main road, and you will likely find all types of road debris that has been thrown or fallen off passing vehicles. While many of these items are small and don’t usually pose a hazard to other motorists, there are many items that create dangerous situations for other drivers which can cause them to crash.
Some of the most common causes of road debris accidents include:
- Unsecured cargo: One common cause of road debris accidents is unsecured cargo. When items such as furniture, appliances, construction materials, or debris fall off vehicles, they become dangerous obstacles for other motorists.
- Tire blowouts: Blowouts or tread separation from vehicle tires can generate large chunks of rubber debris on the road. These pieces pose a threat to other drivers and can lead to accidents.
- Construction and maintenance zones: Construction zones and road maintenance areas are prone to debris, including loose gravel, construction equipment, and materials. Drivers must exercise caution when passing through these areas.
- Neglected road maintenance: Poorly maintained roads with potholes, cracks, and deteriorating surfaces can generate loose gravel and debris. This debris can become projectiles when vehicles travel over them.
Any type of item that falls from a vehicle can come smashing through another vehicle’s windshield, causing serious injuries. Items falling on the road can cause a driver to suddenly swerve to avoid hitting it and instead, the driver smashes into another vehicle, New Jersey barrier, or drive off the road. These items can also cause bad damage to another car’s undercarriage.
Statistics show that approximately 75 percent of all road debris accidents are caused by items that fell off vehicles because they were not secured properly or because of poor maintenance on the vehicle itself. These are preventable accidents and only happen because of owner negligence. Every vehicle owner has a duty of care to ensure the vehicle they are driving is working properly, is free from corrosive rust, and has the correct tire pressure.
Any driver hauling items, from a large flat-bed truck to a passenger vehicle with kayaks strapped on roof racks also has a duty of care to other motorists that whatever is being transferred is properly secured.
Contact a North Carolina Injury Lawyer Today
When debris falls from an improperly or unsecured load and causes an accident that injures or kills someone, the victim or victim’s family should contact an experienced North Carolina car accident attorney to see what legal recourse they may have against the negligent driver.
The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled Carolinas injury attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.