Concord Truck Accident Lawyer

Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles are the largest on the road and have the potential to cause unrivaled havoc when involved in an accident. And while most truckers are responsible drivers who are well aware of their responsibilities, that is, unfortunately, not always the case. In fact, in 2021 alone, there were over 15,000 truck accidents in North Carolina, resulting in over 150 deaths and almost 4,000 injuries.

At the Olsinski Law Firm, our dedicated Concord truck accident lawyers have decades of experience connecting accident victims and their families with the compensation they need—and deserve. Through strategic settlement negotiations, we can resolve most of our clients’ cases without the need for a trial; however, as experienced litigators, we’re always ready to head into court and try a case in front of a jury.

Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, often leading to severe injuries and even death. Concord truck accidents are frequently caused by several factors, described in more detail below:

Driver Fatigue: The leading cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long hours on the road, often under pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines, can lead to fatigue, impairing a driver's reaction time, decision-making ability, and overall performance.

Distracted Driving: As with all motor vehicle accidents, distracted driving poses a major risk. Truck drivers may be distracted by their GPS, cell phones, or even eating while driving, leading to accidents.

Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can become unstable, making them harder to control and increasing the risk of accidents.

Equipment Failure: Poorly maintained trucks or faulty equipment can lead to critical failures on the road, resulting in accidents. This could include anything from brake failures to tire blowouts.

Speeding and Reckless Driving: The size and weight of trucks make it more difficult to control at high speeds. Reckless driving behaviors such as sudden lane changes, tailgating, and speeding often contribute to truck accidents.

Impaired Driving: Some truck drivers rely on alcohol or prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs to combat the effects of boredom and fatigue. While these substances may temporarily heighten a driver’s awareness, it comes at a great cost to their judgment at reaction time. Truckers may also experience more severe fatigue once the drugs or alcohol wears off.

Of course, sometimes, truck accidents are the result of a simple but preventable mistake. Regardless of the causes, the Concord truck wreck attorneys at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, are committed to helping you navigate the complex legal issues that frequently come up in these cases.

In North Carolina, a trucking company can be held liable for the negligent actions of its drivers under a legal theory known as "respondeat superior." This doctrine holds employers responsible for wrongful actions committed by their employees as long as the employee was acting within the scope of their job duties. This means that if a truck driver causes an accident while working, the trucking company could be held liable for the resulting damages.

However, one important thing to consider is whether the truck driver was an actual employee of the company rather than an independent contractor. Generally, companies are not liable for the negligent actions of independent contractors, although there are exceptions.

The trucking company could also be directly liable if it contributed to the accident through its own negligence. Examples include hiring an unqualified driver, failing to properly train or supervise drivers, not performing regular vehicle inspections, or encouraging unsafe practices like speeding or skipping mandatory rest periods.

If you or someone you love was recently seriously hurt in a truck accident, the experienced Concord truck accident lawyers at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can help. We have a long history of holding drivers accountable for their negligent actions and know what it takes to negotiate fair settlement offers on behalf of our clients. We provide free consultations to all accident victims, during which we will answer your questions and explain how we can help connect you to the money damages you need to ensure you aren’t left with the bill for a truck driver’s negligence. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Concord personal injury lawyer, give us a call at 704-405-2580. You can also reach our Cabarrus County car accident attorneys at 704-918-4747. We represent clients in Concord and Kannapolis, as well as in Mecklenburg, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, and Union Counties.