Home » Tractor Trailer Accidents
Cardinal Law Partners understands the devastating effects of tractor trailer accidents. The reason is obvious: 18-wheeler trucks are significantly heavier and bigger than standard vehicles and motorcycles. Because of the increased size and weight, these vehicles need a longer distance to come to a full stop. If a car collides with a tractor trailer, the resulting injuries may be severe. Victims may suffer from broken bones, severe neck injuries, amputations, brain damage, paralysis, or even death.
What Are Tractor Trailer Accidents?
A trailer is designed to house one’s cargo and is pulled by the tractor. The latter contains the cab where the driver and/or passenger sits to maneuver the vehicle. Put these two sections together and you get a tractor trailer.
Tractor trailer accidents are caused by various reasons including:
Underride: A passenger car’s driver may fail to spot the trailer in time to stop.- Rear-end collisions: Large trucks need more time to stop. Passenger cars that suddenly stall or stop are frequently rear-ended by tractor trailers.
- Dangerous cargo movement: Overloaded trucks can cause the vehicles to overturn or jackknife.
- Improper maneuvers: Accidents occur when truck drivers fail to stop at a stop sign or stay on their lanes.
- Unsafe stops: The risk of a collision with a passenger car is higher when tractor trailers are stopped on the side of the road.
Understanding The Dangers Of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Research has shown that over 4,000 tractor trailers were involved in fatal crashes in 2015. Large truck drivers typically have a harder time avoiding hazards on the road because they need more space and time to alter the course or perform emergency stops.
Most tractor trailers require over 300 feet to come to a stop from a cruising speed of 60 miles per hour. Additionally, this type of trailer weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Because these trucks are 16 times heavier than the average passenger car, the impact of a collision with such trucks can lead to catastrophic consequences.
It is important to note that many tractor trailers are used to transport flammable, explosive and other types of hazardous cargo. Minor accidents may turn into tragic events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are You A Victim Of A Tractor Trailer Accident?
If you have sustained injuries from a tractor trailer accident that was not your fault, you may seek compensation for current and/or future emotional, financial and physical burdens. Because tractor trailer accident injuries are often devastating, certain trucking companies’ insurance carriers may vigorously defend their clients. For example, the defendant may attempt to shift the blame to the innocent injured victim, e.g., making his or her injuries seem trivial. Additionally, these carriers may conduct private investigations to identify inconsistencies in the victims’ injuries.
It’s a harsh reality; these parties will try every trick in the book to avoid paying injured motorists the compensation they are entitled to. That is why it’s important to hire competent North Carolina tractor trailer accident lawyers to handle your case.
Why Should You Hire Cardinal Law Partners To Defend Your Rights In A Tractor Trailer Accident Case?
Cardinal Law Partners are experienced in the field of tractor trailer accidents. We will put our extensive resources to work for you. Our lawyers work tirelessly to help you seek fair compensation for your damages, including pain and suffering, diminished future earning ability, lost income, and/or future medical expenses. At the end of the day, we want justice to be served against the party responsible for you or your loved one’s accident.
If you or a loved one has lost a family member or was injured in a tractor trailer accident, contact Cardinal Law Partners now to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.
