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PERSONAL INJURY

Tractor-Trailer Collisions

Claims involving tractor-trailer collisions are frequently more complex than other automobile crash cases. The sheer size of tractor-trailers (also known as 18-wheelers) means these collisions result in more severe injuries and complex medical issues. These cases may require complex accident reconstructions, expert testimony, and a sophisticated understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations to receive just compensation after a wreck.

Our attorneys have recovered millions on behalf of personal injury victims and their families, including multi-million-dollar settlements for tractor-trailer collisions.

Causes of Tractor-Trailer Collisions

When a trucking company puts a truck driver on the road, the company has a duty to the public to ensure that its drivers are qualified and well-trained and that its company policies encourage safe driving behaviors. They are also responsible for conducting adequate background checks of a driver’s record, including any past alcohol or drug-related driving convictions or loss of commercial driver’s license status.

Unfortunately, many trucking companies fall short of or deliberately ignore this goal. Tractor-trailer drivers are sometimes forced to drive for unreasonably long periods without rest to boost the company’s bottom line with quick deliveries. These drowsy drivers are much more likely to cause a collision on the road, and when truck drivers take drugs or supplements – whether legal or illegal – to stay awake, the risk is even greater.

Unlike many car accident cases, high-impact trucking accident cases need immediate, extensive investigation. For example, your attorney may want to retain an accident reconstruction engineer to immediately perform a skid mark analysis or investigate other physical indications of how the crash occurred at the scene. 

Additionally, “spoliation” letters must be sent to ensure the trucking company does not lose or purposely destroy critical evidence, such as black box data. These letters inform the truck driver’s employer that it must preserve such evidence.

Damages Recoverable

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer collision, North Carolina law allows recovery of several “elements” of monetary damages. Included in those are compensation for (1) past and future medical and pharmaceutical expenses, (2) past and future lost wages, (3) past and future physical pain and mental suffering, (4) permanent injury, and (5) permanent scarring. In handling your case, Maginnis Howard will, if appropriate, work with life care planners, vocational rehabilitation experts, and expert physicians to ensure that your full future medical expenses are thoroughly estimated.

Free Consultations

Reckless tractor-trailer drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. When their negligence causes a collision, the victim must hold the driver and employer financially responsible. 

The North Carolina trucking accident attorneys of Maginnis Howard can assist you with that process. To schedule a free consultation, visit our contact page. Our firm offers a contingency fee arrangement to all victims of tractor-trailer collisions. This means that you pay no attorneys’ fees unless and until we make a recovery on your behalf.