Every year, there are more than 6 million auto accidents in the United States in which more than 2 million people are injured, and North Carolina is no stranger to these accidents. Though accidents can happen anywhere, from highways and surface streets to parking lots and driveways, there are local roads in every state and county that are known to be more dangerous than others. In North Carolina, Interstate 40 (I40) is known as the deadliest highway for travel, especially in the summer, according to a recent study. From 2015-2017, there were 61 fatalities on the highway, which is known to be one of the most traveled roads in the state.
I40 travels through the Great Smoky and Black mountains in Western North Carolina, the farmlands of Eastern North Carolina, and more. The highway was given the nickname “Death Valley,” however, particularly in the area where I40 and Business Interstate 85 splits because of the high number of fatalities. One major problem that makes this highway more dangerous is that the southbound lanes merge from the right and exit to the left, meaning that traffic must merge to the other side of the freeway. Drivers can easily get into accidents if they’re not careful to check their blind spots and signal before crossing over multiple lanes.
Local authorities also report that speeding is one of the contributing factors in most serious crashes. Speeding is a leading cause of all auto accidents, though it can be especially deadly in truck accidents. Because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks like tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers, the higher the speed trucks travel at, the more forceful the impact. Speeding can prevent drivers from responding to hazards like stopped traffic or construction sites in time, and it can also cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially when making turns.
Serious injuries truck accidents can cause include:
- Broken bones
- Loss of limbs
- Spinal cord and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Loss of senses like hearing or sight
When truck drivers lose control of their vehicles as a result of speeding, they can cause more damage than other cars not only because of their size but also because of the cargo they’re carrying. Cargo that flies off the back of trucks or topples out during a rollover can injure oncoming drivers and passengers and even cause fires and explosions, depending on the nature of the cargo. Authorities recommend that vehicles driving on I40 practice safe driving habits by avoiding speeding and distractions and making sure to be aware of other vehicles that are behaving recklessly.
Serving Clients in Raleigh & Throughout North Carolina
As a locally-based, client-focused law firm, Thorp Law is committed to serving injured clients and families in Raleigh and throughout the great state of North Carolina with whatever injury matter they’re facing, including catastrophic injuries suffered in truck accidents. We’re knowledgeable on the dangerous local roads, state laws, and the various insurance companies that typically try to undermine claims. This inside knowledge gives us the ability to provide clients with personalized attention and understanding. Many law firms are so big that they don’t have the time to serve their clients’ needs on an individual level – our firm believes clients deserve quality one-on-one services during this trying time in their lives.
Through our years of experience and track record of success, we’ve been able to recover the following damages for clients after truck accidents:
- Medical bills, including the costs of ambulance rides, surgeries, hospital stays, medical equipment, physical therapy, and more
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical care that can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in future costs. Our team is dedicated to providing clients with a safe and secure future by aiming for the maximum amount of compensation available. We’re here to help our community through hard times.
Call (919) 373-3390, or contact us online to learn more about how Thorp Law’s dedicated truck accident attorney can help you. No case is too complex or daunting for us, including catastrophic injury cases.