North Carolina Truck Accidents Statistics and Information
As drivers, we share the road with all types of vehicles, including large commercial trucks. In fact, North Carolina is one of the states with the highest number of trucks on the road. Many thousands of trucks travel on our roadways. A high number of trucks means that North Carolina also has a large number of truck accidents. It is helpful to understand truck accidents and learn the statistics of truck accidents in North Carolina.
Types of Truck Accidents
Large commercial trucks are also called semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and big rigs. Because of their size and weight, they are prone to a variety of accidents that are different from those in passenger vehicles.
- Jackknife – A jackknife crash happens when a truck cab and truck trailer go in different directions and end up at a 90-degree angle. This type of crash may happen if the truck makes a sudden stop.
- Tire Blowouts – Tire blowouts can cause the driver to lose control of the truck. This may result in a serious crash that involves other vehicles. This is particularly dangerous for inexperienced truck drivers.
- Rear-end Crashes – Rear-end crashes are likely the most common type of big rig accident. When a semi-truck hits a vehicle from behind, it can cause severe damage, regardless of the speed of travel.
- Sideswipes – Semi-trucks have major blind spot areas, making it more difficult to pass, turn, or change lanes. A big truck can hit the sides of vehicles or run cars off the road when they cut them off or make improper turns or lane changes.
- Trucks Losing Their Cargo – When cargo is not properly secured, it can come loose. A load may shift and fall off the truck and into lanes of traffic. This can cause accidents and damage with injuries to other drivers and passengers.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents are caused by many different things. There is often a major or primary cause, along with secondary or contributing factors. When a driver or trucking company is negligent, they are responsible for the damages that result from the crash. Some of the causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Error – Mistakes by the driver are the most common cause of truck accidents. There are many kinds of human errors, such as driving while fatigued, distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, lack of experience or training, texting, and eating, among others.
- Mechanical Failure – Trucks have sophisticated mechanical systems that can fail from time to time. Brake failures and tire blowouts are among the most common types of mechanical issues that happen to big rigs. A major failure can cause the driver to lose control.
- Improper Truck Maintenance – Trucks must have regular servicing and inspections to ensure they are road-worthy. Owners and drivers may fail to provide proper care or maintenance, which could result in accidents on the road.
- Road Conditions – Sometimes, road conditions or weather can cause truck accidents. Slick pavement due to rain, ice, or snow can cause a truck to slide and roll over or jackknife. Poorly maintained roads can also make driving more difficult.
Truck Accident Statistics
Last year, more than 120,000 truck accidents occurred nationwide. In North Carolina, there were close to 7,000 truck crashes. This number is less than the previous year, but it is still a large number. Semi-trucks may weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. A semi with a full load takes more than 500 feet to stop when traveling at a speed of 65 MPH. Truck accidents in North Carolina result in an average of 2,500 injuries a year. Big rig accidents cause about 170 fatalities per year.
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries to other drivers. If you or a loved one was hurt as a result of a truck crash, you may be owed compensation for your damages. Call Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to schedule a free initial consultation.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to maximizing the financial recovery and obtaining justice for every personal injury client injured by another party’s negligence. The issues our personal injury clients may be facing include, but are not limited to, slip and fall injuries, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries, dog bite claims, car and truck accident injuries, motorcycle injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI), nursing home negligence, spinal cord injury, boating accidents, and defective medical device injury. Our personal injury attorneys understand the devastating impact such an injury can have on a person’s life, and that the effects so often go beyond physical pain and suffering. The personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are dedicated to helping clients determine the strength of their claims, and to aggressively pursuing the means necessary to achieve the best possible end result for each client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence
https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-118.html
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