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Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyers
Our Attorneys Help Victims Get the Compensation They Deserve
Big-rigs, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so it's no surprise that when they collide with smaller, lighter passenger vehicles — which typically weigh between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds — the results can be devastating. Sadly, horrific truck-and-passenger-vehicle collisions are a regular occurrence in both North Carolina and across the country, despite regulatory attempts to curtail accidents.
Where Truck Accidents Often Occur in Charlotte
Truck accidents are a notable concern in Charlotte, NC, reflecting a growing trend across urban and suburban areas. These incidents occur with unsettling regularity, often resulting from factors such as congested traffic conditions, the presence of construction zones, and, occasionally, adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the intersection of major transportation routes in the Charlotte area contributes to the frequency of truck accidents, as increased truck traffic heightens the possibility of collisions.
Among the most perilous areas for truck accidents in Charlotte, several roads and intersections stand out for their notorious reputation. The intersection of I-85 with I-77 is particularly dangerous due to the high volume of both truck and passenger vehicle traffic navigating this major crossroads. Additionally, The Brookshire Freeway (I-277) sees frequent truck accidents, attributed to its role as a primary artery circling the city's downtown area, leading to heavy traffic congestion especially during peak hours. Independence Boulevard (US-74) is another hotspot for truck-related incidents, with its mix of local and through traffic, combined with ongoing construction projects, creating challenging driving conditions. These areas are critical focal points for transportation safety initiatives in Charlotte.
Types of Truck Accidents
Large trucks can be involved in many types of motor vehicle accidents, including head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, rear-end accidents, rollovers, blind-spot wrecks, and tire blowouts. However, while some truck accidents can be categorized as common types of crashes made more horrifying by a truck's size and weight, others are unique to large trucks and belong in a nightmarish category all their own.
Examples include:
- Jackknife accidents
- Wide “swinging turn” crashes
- Underride collisions
Common Truck Accident Causes
Truck accidents have a number of causes, the vast majority of which are preventable.
The most common truck accident causes include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drugged driving
- Aggressive driving
- Insufficient driver training
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Negligent trucking company hiring practices
Local Resources for Truck Accidents in Charlotte
Truck accidents in Charlotte pose significant risks due to the city's bustling traffic and major highways. Understanding the resources available to victims can aid in recovery and legal processes.
Emergency Services
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD)
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: 311
- Website: CMPD
Mecklenburg EMS Agency (Medic)
- Emergency: 911
- Non-Emergency: (704) 943-6000
- Website: Mecklenburg EMS Agency
Medical Facilities
Carolinas Medical Center
- Address: 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
- Phone: (704) 355-2000
- Website: Carolinas Medical Center
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
- Address: 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204
- Phone: (704) 384-4000
- Website: Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
Financial Assistance
Crisis Assistance Ministry
- Services: Provides emergency financial assistance and support for families in crisis.
- Address: 500-A Spratt St, Charlotte, NC 28206
- Phone: (704) 371-3001
- Website: Crisis Assistance Ministry
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
- Services: Offers financial aid and support services to individuals and families in need.
- Address: 1123 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28203
- Phone: (704) 370-3262
- Website: Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte
Additional Resources
North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
- Services: Provides information on road conditions, closures, and traffic updates.
- Website: NCDOT
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina
State statute of limitations laws determine just how long you have to file a truck accident lawsuit. In North Carolina, truck accident victims have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in civil court.
Waiting too long to file your lawsuit can seriously damage your case, even if you don't allow the statute of limitations to expire (which would result in the dismissal of the case). Evidence can get misplaced or destroyed, witnesses may become unreachable, and the defense attorney may claim that if your injuries were really serious, you would have acted faster.
Contact us today at (980) 246-2656 to discuss the details of your case.
Injuries Associated with Truck Accidents
Truck crash injuries can be catastrophic. If victims aren’t killed, they are often left with permanent, life-altering injuries.
Some common types of truck accident injuries are:
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Broken or crushed bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis of varying degrees
- Head and brain traumas, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Amputations
- Death
- And More
If you were severely injured in a truck accident caused by a negligent commercial truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to compensation.
Potential Damages in Truck Accident Cases
The effects of a serious truck accident can last a lifetime. Victims may require extensive medical treatment, assistive care, and other support services — the cost of which can quickly mount. Fortunately, in North Carolina, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Accident-related medical expenses, including future medical care and medical-related travel costs
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential, if applicable
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- And more
Truck accident victims injured in crashes caused by intoxicated commercial drivers may also be eligible for a third type of compensation known as punitive damages.
Learn more about how our Charlotte truck accident lawyers can help you by calling (980) 246-2656or contacting us online today!
Consult Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Charlotte
There's a lot at stake after a serious truck accident, which is why attorneys handle truck accident cases differently than a standard vehicle crash. The injuries and other losses in a truck crash are often more serious, leading to the potential for higher financial awards. While minor car accident cases can be handled without legal representation, truck accident cases require significant skill.
Shane Smith Law has helped countless North Carolinians obtain the compensation they deserve after being injured in a truck accident.
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