Greenville Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Greenville, North Carolina, is located in the east-central part of the state, featuring a network of major highways and interstates utilized by thousands of local drivers and commercial trucks daily. Consequently, commercial truck accidents are a significant concern, often leading to severe injuries for motorists. If you were involved in a truck accident in Greenville, our experienced Greenville commercial truck attorney is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At the Ricci Law Firm, we understand the struggles of recovering from a truck accident and pursuing fair compensation from commercial truckers and their insurance companies. With more than 150 years of combined legal experience, our team is ready to provide the compassionate care and professional guidance you deserve to support you during these times. Contact us today for a consultation with a dedicated Greenville truck accident lawyer.

Understanding Common Causes of Commercial Semi-Truck Accidents

Understanding the precise nature of your truck accident is fundamental to building a strong case and securing the compensation you deserve. Our Greenville, NC truck accident attorneys are experienced with various types of commercial vehicle collisions, enabling us to analyze the circumstances and determine liability meticulously. We handle a comprehensive range of truck accident scenarios, each with its unique characteristics and complexities, including:

Jackknife Accidents: These occur when a semi-truck’s trailer swings out, forming a sharp angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions. These incidents can lead to devastating multi-vehicle collisions.
Underride Accidents: A particularly dangerous type of crash where a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, resulting in severe and often fatal injuries. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with proper underride guards and if the driver took appropriate precautions.
Lost Load Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can shift or fall from a truck, creating hazardous road conditions and causing serious accidents. Our team examines cargo loading procedures and compliance with federal regulations.
Highway Accidents: High-speed collisions on interstates like I-85 often involve significant impact forces, leading to catastrophic injuries. We analyze factors such as speed, following distance, and road conditions.
Drowsy Driving Accidents: Truck driver fatigue is a major concern, as long hours and demanding schedules can impair judgment and reaction time. We investigate driver logs and fatigue management practices.
Wide-Turn Accidents: A truck’s large turning radius can create blind spots and hazards for other vehicles, particularly in urban areas. We assess the driver’s adherence to safe turning procedures.
Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have extensive blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see surrounding vehicles. We determine if the driver properly checked their blind spots and used appropriate signaling.
Tire Blowouts: A sudden tire failure can cause a truck to lose control, leading to severe accidents. We investigate tire maintenance records and potential defects.
Truck Rollovers: Often caused by excessive speed on curves or improper cargo loading, rollovers can result in significant damage and injuries. We analyze the truck’s stability and the driver’s actions.
Rear-End Accidents: These can occur when a truck fails to maintain a safe following distance or is struck from behind. We examine factors such as braking distance and traffic conditions.
DUI Accidents: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. We vigorously pursue cases involving impaired truck drivers.

Determining liability in truck accidents is rarely straightforward. It requires investigation to identify all responsible parties, including the truck driver, commercial trucking company, maintenance providers, and/or cargo loaders. Our team conducts thorough investigations, gathering evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and electronic data from the truck’s black box, to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

The Dangers of Commercial Trucking Accidents

The statistics surrounding commercial truck accidents paint a sobering picture of the dangers they present. In the last year of U.S. traffic data, 5,837 large tractor-trailers were involved in fatal crashes, marking a 1.8% increase from the year prior. This translates to an alarming rise in the involvement rate per 100 million miles driven by big rigs.

For the most recent full year of data collection, there were 17,018 truck accidents statewide, according to North Carolina’s 2023 Crash Facts report. Of that number, 176 involved fatalities, and 3,802 led to injuries. The report further breaks down statistics for tractor-trailer accidents, showing 6,057 total accidents, 76 causing fatalities, and 1,138 causing injuries.

Large trucks, while essential to the transportation of goods, represent a disproportionate risk in traffic collisions, accounting for 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes and 10% of total vehicle miles traveled. This heightened risk is due to a combination of factors, including sheer size and weight, their longer stopping distances, and the potential for driver fatigue or impairment.

Identifying Liability in Big Rig Accidents

Establishing liability and proving negligence in Greenville tractor-trailer accidents is a critical step toward securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages. While the truck driver’s actions are a primary focus, liability can extend to multiple parties. Many injury victims mistakenly believe that the police report’s fault designation is the sole determination of responsibility, but the intricacies of trucking regulations and corporate accountability often reveal a more complex picture.

Our experienced commercial truck accident attorneys conduct comprehensive investigations to uncover evidence that may be inaccessible to you, such as:

Driver Records: We review driver logs, medical records, hours of service, and drug/alcohol testing results to identify potential violations of federal and state regulations, or a history of impairment.

Electronic Data Recorder (EDR) Data: Commonly known as a black box, the EDR provides crucial insights into the truck’s speed, braking, and other parameters immediately preceding the collision.

Maintenance Records: We scrutinize maintenance logs to identify any mechanical failures, such as brake defects or tire blowouts, that may have contributed to the accident.

Company Policies and Procedures: We evaluate the trucking company’s hiring, training, and safety protocols to determine if they adhere to industry standards and regulations.

Cargo Loading and Securement: We investigate whether the cargo was properly loaded and secured, as improperly loaded cargo can lead to rollovers or lost load accidents.
Expert Witness Testimony: We collaborate with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and industry professionals to provide compelling evidence and opinions.

By gathering and analyzing this information, we can construct a comprehensive understanding of the accident’s causes and identify all parties who may share liability.

Most Hazardous Roads for Truckers in Greenville, NC

Truckers frequently navigate Greenville using key routes like U.S. Highways 264, 13, and 11 and State Highway 43. While essential for commerce, these roads can present dangers for large trucks. Highways are naturally prone to heavy traffic, and the increased volume of vehicles inherently raises the risk of accidents. Greenville’s growth means a mix of local commuters and through-traffic, including commercial trucks. This diversity in traffic patterns and speeds can create hazardous situations.

Specifically, areas along U.S. 264 intersecting with major local roads can be problematic due to high traffic volume and complex interchanges. Additionally, sections of U.S. 13 and 11, which run through both urban and rural areas, experience variations in road conditions and traffic speeds, which can be challenging for large trucks maneuvering. Highway 43, being a state highway, can also have areas with narrower lanes and older infrastructure.

Complex intersections and interchanges along these routes can contribute to potential hazards, creating confusion and increasing the risk of collisions, especially for trucks with limited maneuverability. Periods of heavy traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can lead to increased stress and frustration for drivers, potentially contributing to accidents. Some sections of these highways may have varying road conditions, including uneven surfaces, potholes, or narrow lanes, which can pose challenges for large trucks. The speed differences between local traffic and through traffic, including large trucks, can increase the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents.

What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Greenville, NC

Following a truck accident in Pitt County or Greenville, your first concern should be safety. If you are unable to move without causing further injury, remain still and await assistance. If you can move safely, check on the well-being of others and provide aid without endangering yourself or them. Regardless of the apparent severity of the accident, contact law enforcement to generate an official police report.

While at the scene, document as much as possible: photograph the position of the vehicles, all vehicle damage, road conditions, road markings, traffic signals, and any security or traffic cameras. Record the license plate and identifying information of all vehicles, and obtain the other driver’s license, insurance, and registration details. Limit communication with other involved parties when exchanging contact and insurance information.

Refrain from discussing the accident’s cause or admitting fault, and only mention that you intend to seek medical evaluation. Schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not manifest immediately.

Hiring a Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

After a commercial truck accident in Greenville, NC, securing legal representation from a truck accident lawyer is crucial. A seasoned attorney will thoroughly investigate, gathering evidence such as truck maintenance logs, driver records, and black box data. They understand the intricacies of state and federal trucking laws, ensuring all responsible parties—including trucking companies, insurance providers, and manufacturers—are held accountable. This knowledge levels the playing field against powerful corporations and their legal teams, maximizing your chances of fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Hiring a local Greenville, NC, attorney with experience in commercial truck accidents offers distinct advantages, as they possess familiarity with North Carolina’s legal system and regional courts and can effectively navigate the complexities of your case. They will handle all communication with insurance companies, protect your rights, and build a strong case to pursue the full extent of your damages. This allows you to focus on recovery while they advocate for your best interests, ensuring you receive the compensation necessary to rebuild your life. Even if you think it is too late to hire a lawyer after an accident, contact us for a free case consultation to see what we can do for you.

Our Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers Help You Get Justice

Our commercial truck accident lawyers are dedicated to securing justice for those injured due to the negligence of trucking companies and drivers. When selecting legal representation, examining a firm’s case results is essential. A history of successful settlements and verdicts in truck accident cases demonstrates their ability to navigate the complexities involved and achieve favorable outcomes. To truly understand our approach and learn more about us, explore our firm’s long-standing commitment to client advocacy, our experienced legal team, and our unwavering dedication to fighting for your rights. We believe in building strong client relationships based on trust and transparency.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of empowering our clients with knowledge, which is why we provide a wealth of valuable resources, including detailed information on your legal rights, the intricacies of the legal process, and practical steps to take immediately following an accident. These resources are designed to equip you with the understanding necessary to make informed decisions and confidently pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand that navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, which is why we are here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to begin your journey towards receiving the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Get Help From Our Greenville Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Today

A commercial truck accident can drastically alter your life, leaving you grappling with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. The road to recovery is often long and arduous, with mounting medical bills and lost income compounding the trauma. If you are seeking to regain control and a more stable future, Ricci Law Firm, P.A. is ready to assist. We understand the complexities of these cases and are committed to fighting for your rightful compensation, alleviating the financial burden, and paving the way for a better future.

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you incur no out-of-pocket expenses. We only receive payment upon securing a successful settlement or trial verdict. This demonstrates our confidence in our ability to deliver favorable outcomes for our clients. When you are ready, contact us today for a free case consultation in Greenville and Pitt County. Our experienced and dedicated legal team is ready to help you restore your life after a commercial truck accident.