As the name implies, a logging truck is a large truck designed primarily for carrying logs of various lengths. Sometimes they will have a single tractor, and in other cases they have multiple.
The logging industry in North Carolina is huge. That means there are a lot of trucks with heavy loads of logs and equipment on highways and back roads in North Carolina. One small mistake securing the logs or missing a piece of safety equipment can lead to a major trucking accident. Similarly, even a moment of distraction for a logging truck driver can lead to tragedy.
Logging Truck Accidents
In North Carolina, common causes of logging truck accidents include:
- Violations of Traffic Laws — Speeding, improper lane usage, and failure to obey traffic signals or signs.
- Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo — The actual logs on logging trucks need to be properly secured, as any loose logs can fall off trucks and into traffic where they can easily cause other crashes.
- Driver Error — Following too closely (tailgating), misjudging the speed or distance of other vehicles, and talking or texting on a cell phone.
- Improper Backing — A logging truck that involves multiple trailers is far more complicated to back out of any space, and drivers can cause accidents when they do not account for the traffic they are backing into.
- Unsafe Road Conditions — Governmental entities are usually tasked with maintaining their roads, and certain defects such as potholes that cause logging truck accidents could make such entities liable in some cases.
- Inclement Weather — While rain, sleet, or snow can be examples of conditions that make driving a logging truck more difficult, the driver remains responsible for operating in a safe manner.
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI) — When it comes to logging trucks, drivers can be charged with DUI if they have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04, or only half the regular legal limit for passenger vehicle operators.
- Defective Parts — A logging truck crash may have been the result of a malfunctioning component within the vehicle, and the manufacturer of the part involved may be liable for a design defect or manufacturing defect.
Who is liable?
Our experience has revealed that many log truck crashes in North Carolina are avoidable if the drivers of these commercial vehicles pay proper attention to the road and other drivers.
Liability can fall on a number of parities for these accidents. For example:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Logging company
- Maintenance company
- Cargo loading companies
- Governmental entities
- Shipping agencies
Common Injuries
Logging truck wrecks can cause very severe injuries, depending on the nature of the wreck. Some of the most common injuries to come from these accidents are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Paralysis
- Major back injuries
- Broken limbs
- Muscle strains
These are just some of the injuries that can occur from a North Carolina logging truck collision. Other major or minor injuries can occur, depending on the severity of the incident.
Why do I need representation?
North Carolina logging truck collision cases are not the same as your traditional car accidents. Logging trucks are likely to cause more severe damage and cause major harm to all involved.
One thing that you need to know is that the insurance company is never on your side. In every single case, the insurer has the goal of paying as little as possible to resolve a claim. Basically, the insurance company wants to pay the least amount of money to settle your claim against them.
It may be beneficial to have a lawyer help handle your settlement negotiations since they are going to have a better understanding of the true value of your personal injury claim.
North Carolina Logging Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash with a logging truck, you need to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Maginnis Law handles North Carolina personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis – meaning that you pay no attorneys’ fees unless we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict or settlement in your case.
Maginnis Law’s lead logging truck accident lawyer, T. Shawn Howard, has experience handling complex logging truck accident cases. He is a million dollar and multi-million-dollar advocate, meaning that he has obtain settlements for his client in excess of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000.
You can contact the Raleigh personal injury attorneys of Maginnis Law at 919.526.0450 or reach out to Mr. Howard directly at 919.480.8525. You can also reach us through email at info@carolionalaw.com or through our contact page.
