Truck Accident Lawyers in High Point

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in North Carolina

Trucks are currently clogging highways and creating bottlenecks all over the U.S. This increase in commercial truck traffic is due to the recent spike in online shopping and disruptions to global supply chains. More trucks on the road means more truck accidents. In a collision with a fully loaded, 80,000 lb. 18-wheeler, occupants of a passenger vehicle may suffer serious or fatal injuries.

Navigating the aftermath of such a traumatic affair can be overwhelming, but our High Point truck accident lawyers at Comerford Chilson & Moser, L.L.P., are here to help. We are committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.

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

What Are the Recent Statistics on Truck Accidents?

• In a recent year in the U.S., more than 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, as stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• 68% of people killed in large truck crashes in 2020 were occupants of cars and passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• 16% of the people who died were motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians. 
• Truck accident fatalities increased by 28% from 2009. 
• 97% of people killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger vehicle and a large truck were occupants of the passenger vehicles. 
• Large truck crashes were responsible for 10% of all traffic fatalities. 

How Do Truck Accidents Occur?

Crashes involving large commercial trucks can occur in different ways. Common types of truck accidents include:

• Rollovers: Big rigs are more prone to roll over than smaller passenger vehicles. Improper loading of cargo can cause instability. Speeding, reckless driving, misjudging curves, under-inflated tires, and brake failure can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and lead to a rollover. Truck rollovers can block several lanes of a highway, leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
• Jackknifing: This occurs when the trailer swings out from the cab, so it resembles the angle of a folding pocket knife. It can happen when a driver is traveling too fast for conditions, taking a turn too quickly, or braking improperly. Like a rollover, a jackknifed truck can block lanes of traffic, causing other vehicles to crash. 
• T-bone collisions: This type of crash can occur when a driver runs a red light, or a stop sign and hits another vehicle traveling through an intersection with the right of way. Side impact accidents are particularly dangerous for the occupant sitting on the side that is hit. T-bone crashes become significantly more serious when a commercial truck is involved. 
• Underrides: Semi tractor-trailers have much higher ground clearance than passenger vehicles. Rear and side underride accidents can occur when a much smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a big rig. This can shear off the roof of the vehicle or crush the passenger compartment, causing catastrophic or fatal injuries. 
• Rear-end collisions: This type of crash may qualify as a fender bender if it involves two passenger vehicles in slow-moving traffic. When a large commercial truck weighing 80,000 lbs. rear-ends a 4,000 lb. passenger car, it can have catastrophic consequences for the people in the smaller vehicle. Truckers may rear-end other vehicles because of faulty brakes, fatigued driving, distracted driving, or for other reasons. 

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Common injuries may include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries are common in truck accidents and can vary from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have long-term impacts on cognitive function, memory, and personality, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: The effect of a truck crash can cause significant damage to the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often necessitate lifelong medical care and can dramatically alter a person's quality of life.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a truck accident can cause multiple fractures and broken bones. These injuries may require surgical intervention, physical therapy, and an extended recovery period.
• Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, like damage to organs or internal bleeding, are common in severe truck accidents. These injuries can be life-threatening and often demand immediate and intensive medical treatment.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a very common injury in truck accidents caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Victims of truck accidents often suffer from deep cuts and lacerations, which can result in significant blood loss and require surgical intervention to repair.

Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?

There may be several potentially liable parties in a truck accident case. These may include the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party company responsible for maintenance and repair of the vehicle, a company responsible for properly loading the cargo, or a defective parts manufacturer. 

Our High Point truck accident attorneys at Comerford Chilson & Moser can thoroughly investigate your accident to determine fault and liability and secure evidence to support your claim. 

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Truck Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical expenses includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments that are related to the injuries sustained in the accident.
• Lost Wages: If the injuries from a truck accident stop you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings. This includes not only the income you have already lost but also any future wages you may be unable to earn because of your injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress that were caused by the accident. This can include compensation for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property Damage: Compensation for property damage covers the cost of restoring or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: In instances where the truck accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, you could be qualified to loss of consortium damages.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the truck driver's behavior was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages could be granted. These damages are intended to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent similar manners in the future.

Contact Our High Point Truck Accident Lawyers Today

At Comerford Chilson & Moser, L.L.P., we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal services to truck accident victims in High Point and the surrounding areas. Our High Point truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate fiercely. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your recovery and justice.

If you have been seriously injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, call our High Point truck accident attorneys at (336) 568-8779 to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay us no fees until we recover compensation for you.