Did a fatal truck accident in Durham, North Carolina, claim the life of someone close to you? If so, you might be wondering how you can seek justice for your loved one and fair compensation for your tragic loss.
At the law firm of Kreger Brodish LLP, we are committed to helping families like yours during tough times such as these. When you come to us for help, our fatal truck accident attorneys will work tirelessly to demand the accountability your loved one deserves and secure the financial support your family needs.
Reach out to us today for a free initial consultation with a Durham deadly truck accident attorney to learn how we can help you move forward.
Fatal Truck Accident Statistics in North Carolina
The following statistics illustrate the prevalence and consequences of crashes involving various types of trucks in North Carolina. In one recent year alone:
- There were 5,171 two-axle, single-unit truck crashes, 38 (0.7 percent) of which were fatal.
- There were 2,162 accidents involving single-unit trucks with at least three axles, 25 (1.2 percent) of which resulted in fatalities.
- Truck/trailer combos were involved in 3,798 crashes, of which 24 (0.6 percent) were fatal.
- There were 317 truck/tractor combo wrecks, with seven (2.2 percent) resulting in fatalities.
- Tractor/semi-trailer trucks were involved in 5,036 crashes, 70 (1.4 percent) of which were fatal.
- Tractor/double trailer rigs were involved in 110 wrecks, one (0.9 percent) of which was fatal.
Most Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents
Fatal truck accidents often occur due to factors that are entirely preventable, such as:
- Driver fatigue – Many truck drivers work long hours without sufficient rest. When drivers are tired, their reaction times slow down, their ability to make quick decisions decreases, and their risk of getting in accidents increases. Some tired truckers cause collisions without taking any evasive actions, dramatically increasing the likelihood of fatalities.
- Speeding – Trucks are large and heavy, making them harder to stop quickly. When truck drivers speed, they need more distance to stop safely and are significantly more likely to crash.
- Distracted driving – Like all drivers, truck drivers can become distracted by mobile phones, eating, or other activities that take their attention off the road. Distractions reduce a driver’s awareness and reaction time, increasing the odds of causing a deadly truck accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe on the road. Failing to maintain brakes, tires, and other critical parts can lead to mechanical failures that cause wrecks.
- Impaired driving – Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications can impair a truck driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Impaired driving is a significant risk factor for fatal truck accidents.
What to Do If You Lost a Loved One in a Truck Accident in Durham
If someone you love died in a fatal semi-truck accident, the path forward might seem overwhelming. As you cope with your loss, it’s important to remember that there are steps you should take to protect your legal rights and prepare for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Here’s what you can do:
- Obtain a copy of the police report for the accident.
- Document your loved one’s final medical expenses related to the accident.
- Keep a record of funeral and burial expenses.
- Secure employment records to show your loved one’s earnings.
- Contact our personal injury attorneys with experience in wrongful death claims.
- Do not discuss the accident details on social media.
- Refrain from providing statements to insurance companies without legal advice.
- Request a copy of the deceased’s death certificate.
- Identify any potential lost benefits, such as pensions or health insurance.
- Do not sign any documents from the trucking companies or their representatives without the advice of your attorney.
Compensation Available in North Carolina Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawsuits
In North Carolina, if someone dies in a trucking accident because of another person’s wrongful actions, certain survivors can pursue a wrongful death claim to secure compensation for:
- The costs of the deceased’s final medical care, treatments, and hospital stays
- The pain and suffering the person experienced before they died
- Reasonable funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the income the person was expected to earn in the future
- The value of the services, protection, care, and assistance the person provided
- The benefits of the person’s society, companionship, comfort, guidance, and advice
In rare cases, surviving family members could also recover punitive damages in wrongful death cases. Punitive damages are a type of monetary award given to claimants to punish the defendant for their wrongful act. These damages are available in exceptional cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly harmful, malicious, or willfully or wantonly negligent, and can only be secured at trial.
How To Prove Fault in a Fatal Truck Accident Case in North Carolina
Gathering the right evidence for your fatal truck accident claim is vital to building a solid case. Your lawyer might use various types of evidence to prove fault in a wrongful death case, such as:
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos of the accident scene
- Videos from traffic cameras and dashcams
- Records of the trucking company’s safety history
- Repair records showing inadequate truck maintenance
- Safety inspections of the truck involved in the accident
- Medical records of the deceased
- Forensic evidence, such as tire tread analysis
- Testimony from experts in accident reconstruction
- Truck driver cell phone records
- Truck driver log books
- Records of the truck driver’s employment history
- Alcohol and drug test results for the truck driver
Statute of Limitations for North Carolina Wrongful Death Claims
North Carolina’s statute of limitations on wrongful death claims gives you limited time to file a lawsuit after a fatal truck accident. Specifically, you have two years from the date of the person’s death to sue. If you wait too long and miss this deadline, you lose the right to be heard in court, likely costing you your right to seek compensation.
That is why it’s so important to contact a Durham truck accident attorney at our law firm as soon as possible. We understand the importance of this strict deadline and are ready to start your claim and file suit promptly while you take the time to grieve properly. Let us manage all the legal details and complete all necessary paperwork before the deadline to preserve your right to fair compensation.
Talk to Our Experienced Fatal Truck Accident Lawyers in Durham Today
The Durham truck accident attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP are ready to help you. Many surviving family members find a degree of comfort when they take action to pursue compensation and a measure of justice for a deceased loved one.
Contact us as soon as you are ready to get started with a free initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your case and how we can support you.
