Understanding Truck Accident Laws in Concord

North Carolina has strict regulations that dictate the way commercial truck drivers should do their job and behave on the road. The aim of these laws is to reduce the likelihood of collisions occurring. Here’s everything you need to know about truck accident laws in our state and how a Concord truck crash attorney can help in the event of an incident.

Most Important Truck Accident Laws in Concord

Truck accidents still occur frequently in North Carolina and across the U.S. The number of large truck crashes went up 26 percent from 2020 to 2021, reaching 523,796 collisions. According to the National Safety Council, 5,837 large trucks are involved in fatal crashes each year.

Concord drivers need to be familiar with a few important truck operation and accident laws. Anyone who wants to gain in-depth understanding of these legal stipulations should consider a consultation with a Concord truck accident lawyer, as they can shed more light on the regulatory framework and the consequences of not adhering to it.

A few of the most prominent truck accident laws in Concord focus on the following:

  • Hours of service: North Carolina observes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours of service. A driver can work a maximum of 14 hours, consisting of 11 hours of driving after they’ve had 10 consecutive hours off duty. Truck drivers can drive a maximum of 70 hours in eight consecutive days. 
  • Truck accident reporting: Whenever an accident involving a heavy commercial vehicle occurs, the driver will have a reporting obligation. If the accident has had significant consequences in the form of property damage, law enforcement will have to be notified. Whenever a truck accident causes fatalities, the Public Service Commission will have to be notified in 24 hours. If no fatalities occur, the reporting deadline to the Public Service Commission is extended to 15 days.
  • Insurance laws and regulations: Commercial vehicle companies operating in Concord and North Carolina are legally obliged to obtain insurance coverage. The absolute minimum is getting insurance that covers property damage, and bodily injuries.

How Is Responsibility Established?

Who is deemed legally responsible whenever an accident involving a large commercial vehicle occurs? Does the liability fall with the driver or the trucking company itself? Is it possible to hold a third party accountable?

a lawyer knows how to navigate legal statutes to win the maximum compensation possible

The specifics of the accident will have to be examined carefully before a decision is made. Depending on the circumstances, the driver, the trucking company, or even the company responsible for truck maintenance could be held accountable for the crash.

North Carolina is an at-fault state. This means that the insurance company of the party that caused the accident will have to cover damages. Keep in mind, however, that contributory negligence also applies to crashes in the state. If your actions have contributed to some extent to the crash, the compensation you’re entitled to will be reduced by the respective percentage.

Another very important legal stipulation that is considered when fault is determined is vicarious liability. The term refers to indirect responsibility for the actions of another person. This means that even if a truck driver’s actions have caused a crash, the company that employs them could still be held accountable for the accident.

Reach Out to a Concord Truck Crash Attorney Right Away!

Because there are various truck accident laws and  stipulations and some complexities related to establishing fault, consulting with a Concord truck accident attorney becomes incredibly important. Your lawyer will examine all evidence and even interview witnesses to get a good understanding of the crash. Based on their professional know-how, they will recommend the course of action that will help for the recovery of optimal compensation.

You’ll get to file a claim against the party directly responsible for the crash but there may be other opportunities worth pursuing, as well. For example, a malfunction or a defective truck component could lead to the filing of a product liability claim. If potholes on the road caused the accident, you may be capable of filing a claim against the governmental entity responsible for road maintenance.

Call 704-706-2689 today and you’ll benefit from a free consultation with our knowledgeable truck accident lawyers. 

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