Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer
At Etheridge Law PLLC, we provide legal representation for individuals injured in truck accidents. Collisions involving tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. Victims frequently endure severe injuries, prolonged medical treatment, and financial hardships.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, you need a skilled Raleigh truck accident attorney by your side. Our firm is dedicated to ensuring that the at-fault parties are held accountable and that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Understanding Tractor-Trailers
Tractor-trailers—also called 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, or big rigs—are a crucial part of the U.S. economy, transporting nearly 75% of all cargo in the country. However, these vehicles can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a typical passenger car weighs only 2,000 to 4,000 pounds. This vast weight difference explains why truck accidents are often deadly or life-altering.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents occur for many reasons, often due to negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or another party. Some of the most common causes include:
1. No-Zones (Blind Spots)
Large trucks have blind spots on every side, often covering entire lanes of traffic. When passenger vehicles travel in these "no-zones," truck drivers may not see them, leading to dangerous collisions.
2. Improper Loading
Cargo that is not properly loaded or secured can shift unexpectedly, causing a truck to roll over or jackknife, endangering nearby motorists.
3. Driver Fatigue & Impairment
Truck drivers often push themselves to meet strict deadlines, leading to dangerous fatigue or impairment. A tired or impaired trucker has slower reaction times and poor judgment, significantly increasing the risk of an accident.
4. Speeding
Due to their massive size, trucks require longer stopping distances than passenger cars. Speeding makes it difficult for a truck driver to stop in time, increasing the risk of serious accidents. Black box data from the truck can often reveal whether the driver was speeding at the time of the crash.
5. Failure to Inspect & Maintain Trucks
Trucking companies and drivers are required to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles. If brakes, tires, steering systems, or other critical components are not properly checked, catastrophic failures can occur.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Due to the sheer force of impact, truck accidents often result in severe and life-changing injuries, including:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord damage & paralysis
Broken bones & fractures
Internal organ injuries
Severe burns & lacerations
Wrongful death cases
If you have sustained injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is critical, even if you don’t feel pain right away. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may take hours or days to appear.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Taking the right steps after a truck accident can help protect your legal rights:
Call 911 – Report the accident and seek medical attention immediately.
Stay at the scene – Unless you need emergency medical care, remain at the accident scene to speak with law enforcement.
Gather evidence – Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.
Do not admit fault – Avoid apologizing or making statements that could be used against you later.
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked for hidden injuries.
Contact Etheridge Law PLLC – A truck accident attorney can handle the legal process while you focus on recovery.
How Etheridge Law PLLC Can Help
Investigating the Crash – We gather crucial evidence, including black box data, truck maintenance records, and driver logs.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Trucking companies have aggressive insurers—we fight to maximize your settlement.
Taking Your Case to Court – If necessary, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.
No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.
Contact Etheridge Law PLLC Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, don’t wait to take action. The sooner we investigate, the stronger your case will be.
Call (910) 668 - 2585 for a Free Consultation.