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What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident in Durham

Tractor-trailer accidents in Durham can have devastating consequences, leading to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complex legal battles. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it's crucial to understand your rights, the potential causes, and the steps you can take to protect your interests.

Common Causes of Durham Tractor Trailer Accidents

Durham's busy roadways and the sheer size and weight of tractor trailers can create a perfect storm for accidents. Some of the most common causes of these incidents include:

Driver Fatigue: Long-haul truckers are often under intense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to extended hours behind the wheel and increased risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Distracted Driving: Just like passenger vehicle operators, truck drivers can become distracted by cell phones, in-cab technology, or other activities, compromising their ability to react to changing road conditions.

Improper Maintenance: Tractor trailers require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety. Neglecting these crucial tasks can result in mechanical failures that contribute to accidents.

Inclement Weather: Durham's unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, snow, and ice, can make it challenging for even the most experienced truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Reckless Driving: Speeding, sudden lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors by both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators can increase the likelihood of collisions.

Common Injuries in Durham Truck Accidents

The sheer size and weight of tractor trailers involved in accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in smaller vehicles. Some of the most common injuries sustained in Durham truck accidents include:
  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The immense force of a collision can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation below the point of injury.
  • Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can easily lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of the body, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
  • Internal Organ Damage: The immense force of a collision can cause severe internal injuries, including ruptured organs, internal bleeding, and life-threatening complications.
  • Severe Burns: In the event of a fire or explosion, truck accident victims may sustain devastating burn injuries that can require extensive treatment and leave lasting scars.

Liability in Durham Commercial Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a Durham tractor trailer accident can be a complex process, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potential liable parties may include:
  • The Truck Driver: If the driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired operation, contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.
  • The Trucking Company: Employers have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and operating well-maintained vehicles. Failure to uphold these responsibilities can make the company liable.
  • The Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure or design defect in the tractor trailer caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
  • Third-Party Entities: Other parties, such as cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or government entities responsible for road conditions, may also bear some liability.

Damages Recoverable in a Durham Big Rig Accident

Victims of Durham tractor trailer accidents may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:
  • Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for injuries sustained in the accident.
  • Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be able to recover compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: Victims may be awarded damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from their injuries.
  • Property Damage: Compensation may be available for the repair or replacement of the victim's vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
  • Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a fatality, the victim's family may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional anguish.

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Durham, NC

If you've been involved in a Durham tractor trailer accident, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, the process of filing a claim can be complex, and it's recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer.

When filing a claim, you'll need to gather relevant evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Your attorney will also handle communication with the insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Why Choose Tien Law Firm for Your Durham Truck Accident Claim

At Tien Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges and complexities of Durham tractor trailer accidents. Our Durham truck accident attorney has more than a decade of personal injury experience and Tien Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our client from large insurance companies. Our Durham truck accident lawyer has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients.

We take a personalized approach to every case, taking the time to understand the specific details of your accident and your individual needs. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our deep knowledge of North Carolina's personal injury laws, makes us the ideal choice to handle your Durham truck accident claim.

Contact Our Durham Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer

Don't face the aftermath of a devastating tractor trailer accident alone. Contact our Durham truck accident lawyer today to learn more about your options and how we can help you navigate this difficult process.