Fighting for Your Rights in Durham 

Drivers have very little time to react during a truck accident. Events happen so quickly, leaving people frightened. Truck accidents involve massive commercial vehicles that are heavily loaded, and the added weight compounds damage and injuries. These accidents can even prove fatal. If you or a loved one have experienced this devastating event, you need a skilled attorney who understands the complexity of Durham’s personal injury laws. At O’Malley Tunstall PC, our personal injury lawyers will fight for you and work tirelessly to get results. Call 919-277-0150 for a free consultation. 

What Are Some Common Injuries in Truck Accidents?

While each case is unique, and many victims completely recover, some victims of truck accidents find themselves struggling with longer-lasting or even permanent disabilities. The sad reality is that many of the conditions caused by truck accidents cause significant injuries and long-lasting implications or result in wrongful death. The severity of the injuries depends on many factors, like the size and weight of the truck, the speed at which the vehicles were traveling when the crash occurred, and whether there was safety equipment in the car that was struck. 

Some common injuries victims incur from head-on collisions are: 

• Head and brain injuries, such as concussion, skull fracture, or traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis, herniated discs, or nerve damage
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, or strains
• Broken bones, such as ribs, arms, legs, or pelvis
• Burn injuries, such as blisters, scarring, or infection
• Amputation and disfigurement, such as loss of limbs, fingers, or facial features
• Internal injuries, such as bleeding, organ damage, or shock
• Lacerations, such as cuts, bruises, or punctures

What is the Most Common Type  of Truck Accident?

The most terrifying type of truck accident is a Rollover. Large commercial trucks have a higher center of gravity, and when a truck driver makes a sharp turn or is going too fast for the road conditions, there is a much greater chance that the truck will flip or roll over onto its side. Occasionally, rollovers occur due to driver negligence—if the truck driver is tired, driving under the influence, or otherwise reckless. But more frequently, rollovers occur when truck operators are driving responsibly. 

In some instances, rollovers occur due to improper maintenance, or if the truck was improperly loaded, a cargo crew unevenly distributed the weight, and the driver was not at fault. In this case, it is essential that the accident is thoroughly investigated and the cause determined. A dedicated truck accident attorney can help you decide who was at fault and get the compensation you and your family deserve.

How Are Trucking Accidents Investigated?

When you have been injured in a trucking accident, your life has been altered intrinsically. The chaos that engulfs you and your family likely seems overwhelming, and more than anything else, you just want answers. What went wrong? Why did it happen? In a perfect world, the police could answer our questions, but unfortunately, they are not always equipped or have the staff to provide us with all the information we need. When this happens, you need to be able to trust your legal team to pick up the slack. 

Investigating a trucking accident in Durham involves multiple steps. Whether you or a loved one is dealing with a severe injury or permanent disability or if your family is recovering from the tragedy of a wrongful death, at O’Malley Tunstall PC, we work tirelessly for you. No stone is left unturned. 

• We will gather witness statements, including police, tow truck drivers, EMTs, doctors, and nurses who treated you
• Examine police reports, toxicology reports, and autopsy reports (if applicable) 
• We ensure that all evidence will be appropriately preserved. It is vital that the scene is cataloged and that vehicles and other physical evidence are inspected and photographed as quickly as law enforcement allows after the accident occurs
• All commercial trucks have a black box or ECM (engine control module) similar to an airplane’s. The information on these devices is vital to discovering what happened just before and after the accident 
• Obtaining the GPS (global positioning system) information to determine where the driver was in the hours and days before the accident is also significant. This will help determine if the driver was tired to the point where they should not have been on the road. Some trucking companies keep their drivers on the road for far too long. The GPS information can help establish fault

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident in Durham?

Commercial Trucking accidents are more complex than traditional collisions. Frequently, trucking companies try to evade liability for accidents by claiming that drivers are independent contractors and, therefore, personally liable for accidents. However, if the trucking company pays employment taxes such as Social Security or Medicare, the driver is an employee, not a contractor. Additionally, these accidents are often caused by defective parts on trucks that are not properly maintained, a fault of the trucking company that owns the vehicle. A dedicated truck accident lawyer is required to help you negotiate the fair compensation you deserve. 

When Should I Call A Truck Accident Lawyer? 

If you are the victim of a truck accident in Durham, your life may never be the same. In the aftermath of such an accident, you are undoubtedly left with many questions and need someone to help you navigate the complex legal world you now face. At O’Malley Tunstall PC, our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to fighting for you. We will advocate for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Call 919-277-0150 for a free consultation.