Charlotte Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

When tragic truck accidents happen on Charlotte's roads, you require more than just legal help – you need a Charlotte fatal truck accident lawyer who is both caring and highly skilled. In a busy city like Charlotte, these accidents can lead to terrible outcomes, including loss of life, severe injuries, and emotional distress for victims and their families. By having an experienced attorney who specializes in this field, you can work towards justice, financial assistance, and finding closure during these difficult times.

The personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, have extensive experience handling these legally complex and emotionally daunting wrongful death cases. Contact our office at 704-405-2580 to schedule a consultation with a Charlotte fatal truck accident attorney on our team.

Most recent data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates an increase in fatal truck accidents in 2021, marking an 18% surge from 2020 and a 49% jump over the past decade. The rate of large trucks being part of fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled also rose 7% compared to the previous year and soared by 22% over the last ten years.

The most common cause of truck accidents in Charlotte can be attributed to several factors, but one prominent contributor is driver error. A Charlotte vehicle accident attorney can help you determine liability and secure compensation after an accident.

Truck driver negligence is a primary cause of fatal truck accidents. Some of the ways truck drivers may be negligent include the following:

Fatigue

Truck drivers often have demanding schedules, and fatigue is a significant problem. Long hours behind the wheel can lead to drowsy driving, impairing a driver's reaction time and decision-making ability.

Speeding

Speeding is a common factor in truck accidents. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them less maneuverable, and higher speeds increase the likelihood of accidents and reduce the chances of avoiding collisions.

Impaired Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a grave concern for all drivers, including truckers. Impaired judgment and reduced motor skills can lead to accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distractions, such as texting or using a mobile phone while driving, can divert a truck driver's attention from the road and lead to accidents.

Inadequate Training

Inexperienced or improperly trained truck drivers may struggle to handle their vehicles in various situations, increasing the risk of accidents.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Neglected or poorly maintained trucks are more likely to experience mechanical failures on the road, which can lead to serious accidents.

According to data from the FMCSA, vehicle-related factors played a role in 4 percent of fatal accidents involving big trucks and 2 percent of those involving regular passenger vehicles.

The most common issues for large trucks in deadly crashes were problems with their tires and brake systems, each responsible for approximately 1 percent of the incidents. Similarly, tire issues were the most frequently identified vehicle-related problem for passenger vehicles in fatal accidents, accounting for about 1 percent.

This data emphasizes that issues with tires and brake systems can significantly contribute to Charlotte truck accidents, particularly for large trucks. It highlights the importance of regular vehicle maintenance and safety inspections to prevent such incidents.

Environmental factors can be pivotal in causing deadly truck accidents in North Carolina. Adverse weather conditions like heavy rain, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents. Slippery roads due to ice or rain can lead to trucks losing control. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or inadequate signage, can also create hazards. Steep grades or sharp curves on mountainous roads pose challenges for truckers, especially if their brakes fail. When combined with driver error or mechanical issues, environmental factors can lead to tragic accidents. Staying vigilant and adjusting driving behavior in response to these conditions is crucial for road safety.

Addressing these factors through improved driver training, stricter regulations, regular vehicle maintenance, and promoting safety-conscious practices within the trucking industry are essential to reducing fatal truck accidents on our roads.

In Charlotte, liability, or responsibility, for a wrongful death resulting from a truck accident can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident.

Truck Driver

If the truck driver's negligence, such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence, contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.

Trucking Company

The trucking company that employs the driver can be held responsible if they fail to train, supervise, or monitor their drivers properly or violate federal regulations.

Vehicle Manufacturer

The manufacturer may be held liable if a defect in the truck's design or manufacturing contributed to the accident.

Maintenance Provider

If inadequate maintenance or repairs to the truck were a factor in the accident, the company responsible for maintaining the truck may be held responsible.

Other Parties

Liability may also extend to other parties, such as cargo loaders or shippers if their actions or negligence played a role in the accident.

It's essential to contact a Charlotte fatal truck accident lawyer to help you determine liability after losing a loved one in a tragic accident.

If you have recently lost a loved one in a Charlotte truck accident, it’s undoubtedly an extremely difficult time for you and your family. And while nothing can reverse the impact the accident will have on the rest of your lives, pursuing a wrongful death claim may connect you with meaningful compensation to ensure you aren’t also left with the financial burden. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our compassionate team of Charlotte fatal truck accident attorneys are immediately available to speak with you and discus your case. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call 704-405-2850, or connect with us through our secure online contact form.