Truck Accident Lawyers in Greensboro

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in North Carolina

Truck accidents can be deadly for people in cars, pickup trucks, or SUVs. When a semi tractor-trailer weighing 80,000 lbs. or more collides with a 4,000 lb. passenger vehicle, occupants of the passenger vehicle can suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. If you have been hurt or lost a loved one in a crash involving a large commercial truck, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced truck accident attorney handle your claim.

Understanding your rights and legal options following a truck accident is crucial for securing the compensation you deserve. Comerford Chilson & Moser, L.L.P. is here to help you guide the complexities of truck accident claims and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Call Comerford Chilson & Moser, L.L.P. today at (336) 568-8779 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our truck accident attorney in Greensboro.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Different factors can contribute to truck accidents, and many involve negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. 

Common causes include:

• Speeding: Truck drivers operate on tight time schedules and may travel too fast for conditions. Speeding is dangerous in any vehicle, but even more so in big rigs. Speeding can cause the driver to lose control of the truck and make it even more difficult to stop in an emergency. 
• Distracted driving: Long-haul truckers are on the road for many hours at a time. They may be tempted to text, talk on the phone, check social media, eat, drink, play games, or engage in other forms of driver distraction. 
• Aggressive driving: Because of their long stretches behind the wheel, truck drivers may be prone to aggressive driving behavior. This may include tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and failing to yield the right-of-way to other drivers.
• Fatigued driving: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hour of service regulations are in place to help prevent fatigued driving. Commercial drivers are limited in the number of hours they can drive in a day without a substantial rest break and the number of hours they can drive in a week. When these regulations are violated, it puts others on the road at risk. 
• Truck brake failure: This is a leading cause of truck accidents. Negligent trucking companies or third-party maintenance companies that fail to properly inspect, maintain, and repair truck brake systems can cause serious injuries.
• Driving under the influence of drugs: Trucking companies should routinely administer drug tests to their drivers. However, drug use among truckers is not uncommon, according to a recent study. Based on questionnaires, researchers found that 21.3% of truck drivers surveyed used amphetamines, and overall drug consumption was at 27.6%.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most severe consequences of truck accidents. The force of the collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments. Symptoms may include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory loss.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or full paralysis, significantly altering the victim's quality of life. These injuries demand extensive medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation, and they can prevent individuals from returning to work or participating in everyday activities.
• Broken Bones: The effect of a truck accident can easily result in broken bones. Victims may suffer fractures in their arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body. These injuries often necessitate surgery and prolonged periods of immobilization, affecting the victim's ability to perform daily tasks and work-related duties.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. These injuries are not always immediately apparent and may only become evident hours or days after the accident.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Severe cuts and abrasions are common in truck accidents, often caused by broken glass, metal, and other debris.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological effect of a truck accident can be profound. Victims could experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other emotional issues that require professional treatment.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are complex cases involving state and federal regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Responsible parties for truck accident injuries may include:

• Truck driver whose negligent driving behavior caused the accident
• Trucking company that employed a negligent trucker, failed to maintain its vehicles, pressured drivers into hours of service violations, etc.
• Vehicle maintenance company responsible for faulty maintenance or repairs
• Distribution company that improperly loaded or secured cargo
• Manufacturer responsible for defective parts that malfunctioned and caused a crash

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

Economic Damages

These include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses covers the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any forthcoming medical treatments that are required because of the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries sustained in the accident stop you from working, you can recover compensation for lost earnings. This includes the income you have already lost as well as any future earnings you will be unable to earn because of long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: Truck accidents often lead to substantial damage to vehicles and personal property. Compensation can cover the restoration or replacement costs of your vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Severe injuries often require extensive rehabilitation, which includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of long-term care. These costs can be recovered as part of your economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

These include:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering accounts for the physical pain and emotional pain caused by the accident and the resulting injuries. This can include chronic pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Emotional Distress: Truck accidents can cause significant emotional and psychological trauma. Compensation for emotional distress covers the treatment costs for conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injuries from the accident negatively impact the victim's relationship with their spouse or family, compensation for loss of consortium could be granted.
• Disfigurement and Disability: Permanent disfigurement or disability resulting from a truck accident can drastically alter a victim's life. Compensation can be awarded for the long-term impacts on the victim's appearance and ability to perform daily activities.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorney in Greensboro Today

Our Greensboro truck accident attorneys at Comerford Chilson & Moser can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault and liability. We can secure evidence to support your claim, assess the full extent of your damages, and fight effectively for the compensation you deserve.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a crash involving a large commercial truck, contact us today at (336) 568-8779 to find out how our Greensboro truck accident lawyers can help.