Raleigh Truck Accident Attorney

Fighting For Truck Accident Victims in North Carolina

Sharing the road with other cars can be nerve-wracking. Sharing it with tractor-trailer trucks—subject to large blind spots, tired drivers, runaway behavior, and swerving—can be downright terrifying. Against the momentum of an 80,000-pound semi-truck, your vehicle barely stands a chance. In just one small maneuver, you can get catapulted off the road or worse.

If the accident is not your fault, you and your passengers deserve compensation for any injuries you sustain. The Raleigh truck accident lawyers at Thorp law are devoted to helping victims of injury get all that they are entitled to for injuries sustained in tractor-trailer truck wrecks.

Thorp Law offers a reduced attorney fee on catastrophic injury cases. Start discussing your case with a proven lawyer at no cost and with no obligation. Contact Thorp Law today to get started with our truck accident lawyer in Raleigh.

Hours of Service Regulations for Truck Drivers

It’s no secret that truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accident types a motorist can suffer through. Because of this the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulates truck drivers and their trucks in order to help reduce the number of accidents on the road.

The hours of service regulations are one of these important regulations. Since tired drivers are much more likely to cause an accident either by falling asleep at the wheel or driving more carelessly than they would have if they had been fully awake, these regulations regulate when a truck driver must rest and take breaks in order to make sure drivers are properly rested.

The hours of service regulations state the following:

• Truck drivers can work up to 14-hour in one day, however, only 11 hours can be spent actually driving. The remaining three hours must be spent on meal or rest breaks.
• When the workday ends, drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before returning to work.
• Additionally, drivers must take days off work at regular intervals. If a trucking company is open seven days a week a driver is only allowed to work 70 hours in an eight-day period before taking at least 34 consecutive hours off. If a trucking company is open less than seven days a week than a driver is only allowed to work 60 hours in a seven-day period before taking 34 hours off.

All too often truckers are caught breaking these rules, putting others needlessly at risk. In rarer circumstances, the hours of service regulations are modified in times of national emergencies, such as in the recent COVID-19 crisis. This is done to help get supplies to where they need to go faster. Whatever the cause our firm can help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve after an accident.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work very long hours and could be pressured to meet tight deadlines. Fatigue can affect reaction times and decision-making abilities, leading to accidents.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as using a mobile phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can distract a truck driver’s attention from the road, increasing the risk of collisions.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially in unfavorable weather conditions or on difficult terrain.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucks demand regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. Neglecting necessary repairs or failing to conduct routine inspections may result in mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts.
• Overloading or Improper Loading: Exceeding weight limits or improperly securing cargo can affect a truck’s stability and handling, making it more prone to rollovers and other types of accidents.
• Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication, can impair a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their driving to accommodate these conditions; failure to do so can result in accidents.