What are the Most Common Semi-Truck Regulation Violations that Lead to Accidents in North Carolina? 

At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our Charlotte truck accident attorneys know North Carolina roadways are no strangers to semi-truck collisions. According to the North Carolina Traffic Crash Facts, 5,036 semi-truck collisions throughout the state last year led to 1,182 injuries and 70 fatalities. When each crash occurs, investigators from multiple agencies must determine who was liable for the crash, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, or another third party.

While some crash causes are more obvious than others, like those involving an impaired truck driver or a truck driver following too closely, others are more subtle.  Unlike passenger vehicle drivers, semi-truck drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, including hours of service, maintenance standards, and driver qualifications.

Violations of these trucking industry requirements add another layer of negligence to these catastrophic crashes. Here, we discuss some of the most common violations that cause severe injuries and tragic fatalities on North Carolina roadways.

Which FMCSA Regulation Violations Cause Significant Crashes in North Carolina?

It is crucial for trucking industry professionals to follow FMCSA regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users. These regulations are established to mitigate risks associated with commercial trucking. Adherence to these guidelines helps prevent accidents and enhances the overall efficiency of the transportation industry.

Some of the most common FMCSA regulation violations that lead to crashes in North Carolina include, but are not limited to:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Violations

Drivers exceeding the maximum allowed driving hours without taking required breaks, leading to fatigue-related accidents.

• Improper Truck Maintenance

Failure to properly maintain the truck, including brakes, tires, and other critical systems, resulting in mechanical failures on the road.

• Overloading

Exceeding weight limits can make trucks more challenging to control and more prone to rollovers or brake failures.

• Speeding

Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can reduce the driver’s ability to stop or maneuver safely.

• Inadequate Driver Training

Drivers are not adequately trained or certified to handle semi-trucks, leading to errors in judgment and operation.

• Faulty Logbooks

Inaccurate or falsified logbooks that hide the true extent of hours driven or rest periods taken contribute to driver fatigue.

• Drug and Alcohol Violations

Drivers operating semi-trucks under the influence of drugs or alcohol impair their ability to drive safely.

• Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, making the truck unstable and increasing the risk of accidents.

• Failure to Adhere to Traffic Laws

Ignoring traffic signals, signs, and other road rules leads to collisions with other vehicles.

• Distracted Driving

Mobile devices or other distractions while driving divert attention from the road.

• Inadequate Lighting and Reflectors

Failure to maintain proper lighting and reflectors makes the truck less visible to other motorists, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

• Defective Equipment

The use of substandard or faulty equipment, including brakes, tires, and lights, increases the likelihood of accidents.

When semi-truck accidents occur in North Carolina, multiple parties may be liable due to the complex nature of the trucking industry and the various entities involved. This multi-faceted liability underscores the need for thorough investigations to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable, and victims receive appropriate compensation. We can help.

Have You Been Injured or Lost a Loved One in a North Carolina Semi-Truck Accident?

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident caused by negligence in North Carolina, our personal injury attorneys in Charlotte at Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., want to hear your story during a free consultation. Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.

We provide unique legal services tailored to each client’s needs and do not get paid unless you do.

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