Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Information
If you have a Charlotte, North Carolina 18 wheeler accident claim, Charlotte 18 wheeler accident lawyers are here to advocate for you. Call one of the Charlotte 18 wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.
Semi truck, tractor trailer and 18-wheeler accidents are common occurrences on Charlotte roads and highways. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 people die as a result of 18-wheeler accidents and big rig collisions in the United States each year with a substantial number of 18-wheeler truck accidents occurring in Charlotte, North Carolina, every day. Charlotte, being the seventeenth largest city in the United States and the largest city in the State of North Carolina. With a population of approximately 731,424, Charlotte is a growing metropolitan area with a great deal of traffic congestion, 18-wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes on Charlotte highways are inevitable.
Charlotte's central location between the population centers of the northeast and southeast has made it a transportation focal point and primary distribution center, with two major interstate highways, I-85 and I-77, intersecting near the city's center. Charlotte's beltway, designated I-485 is due for completion by 2013. Upon completion, I-485 will have a total circumference of approximately 67 miles (108 km). Within the city, the I-277 loop freeway encircles Charlotte's uptown (usually referred to by its two separate sections, the John Belk Freeway and the Brookshire Freeway) while Charlotte Route 4 links major roads in a loop between I-277 and I-485. Independence Freeway, which carries US 74 and links downtown with the Matthews area is undergoing an expansion and widening in the eastern part of the city. The automobile is the most common form of transportation in Charlotte, with majority of its residents driving to work alone each day, it is unfortunate that traffic accidents occur frequently.
If you find yourself in a Charlotte 18-wheeler accident, then you need a lawyer to advocate aggressively on your behalf. If you have a Charlotte 18 wheeler accident claim, call one of the Charlotte 18 wheeler accident lawyers listed on this site for a free initial consultation.
Charlotte Semi Truck Accident Attorney
Due to the sheer weight difference of a car versus the weight of an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer, accidents that involve commercial vehicles often times result in severe injuries or even death. Compared to the average weight of an automobile, which is only 5,000 pounds, one can easily see how much more dangerous commercial vehicles like an 18 wheeler can be. That is why if you are injured by a semi truck or commercial vehicle in Charlotte, it is important that you choose an experienced Charlotte 18-wheeler accident attorney who knows the truck regulations and laws both nationally and for the State of North Carolina.
Commercial vehicles go by different names such as:
- Big Rig
- 18 Wheeler
- Tractor Trailer
- Semi-Truck
- Lowboy
Charlotte truck accidents caused by an 18-wheeler, big rig, semi truck, tractor trailer, bus or commercial vehicle are common on Charlotte streets, avenues and highways. Many of the semi truck crashes that occur in the city of Charlotte happen along the major Charlotte highways, which include the I-85, I-77, US-601, SH 24, and I-485.
Types of Trucks
The following trucks do specific things and carry certain types of cargo:
- Bob-Tail Trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Refrigerated trucks
- Flat bed trucks
- Logging trucks
Buses are also considered commercial vehicles as well, but as a rule do not haul cargo. Instead a bus is a transportation vehicle that carries children or adults such as a school bus or commercial bus like Greyhound. School bus accidents or commercial bus accidents are common on Charlotte roads and freeways. The causes may vary, but often times the accident is a result of hazardous road conditions or driver negligence.
It is essential to hire a Charlotte bus accident lawyer if you have been involved in the following type of accident:
- Charlotte city buses;
- transportation buses such as Greyhound;
- shuttle bus accidents when driving to and from the airport, such as Charlotte/Douglas International Airport ; and/or,
- casino bus accidents that occur running back and forth from Gastonia.
The ways Charlotte truck accidents happen occur are too numerous to list. Blind spots, rear-ends, sideswipes, head-ons, load overturns, jack-knifes are all possible and can result in fatal wrongful death truck accidents.
If you live in Charlotte and have a claims for an accident that involved a big rig or an 18 wheeler, your case might be filed in this court:
Mecklenburg County Superior Court
832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 686-0400
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Charlotte and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southern North Carolina, including Asheboro, Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Fayetteville, Forest City, Gastonia, Hamlet, Hickory, Huntersville, India Hook, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lexington, Lincolnton, McAdenville, Monroe, Norwood, Rock Hill, Rockingham, Salisbury, Sanford, Spartanburg, Statesville, Tega Cay, Thomasville, Van Wyck, Weddington, Winston-Salem, York, areas in the vicinity of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and other communities in Mecklenburg County.
Charlotte 18-wheeler accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Charlotte 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Types of Trucks
What is Board Certified in Civil Trial or Personal Injury Trial Law & What are the Requirements?
In the State of North Carolina there are over 70,000 lawyers and in the city of Charlotte there are over 14,000 lawyers. Of course, not all lawyers practice personal injury trial work.
Some states offer Board Certification programs and others do not. The State of North Carolina does have a Board Certification process. This is managed by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization and one of the areas of practice is called "Personal Injury Trial law." This specialty started in 1978.
According to the TBLS, the specialty of Personal Injury Trial Law is defined as: "litigation based on an individual's injury from automobile accidents, professional malpractice, defective products or negligence by another."
The TBLS requirements to become Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law are:
NORTH CAROLINA BOARD OF LEGAL SPECIALIZATION
STANDARDS FOR ATTORNEY CERTIFICATION
PART II
SPECIFIC AREA REQUIREMENTS
SECTION VI
PERSONAL INJURY TRIAL LAW
A. DEFINITION. Personal injury trial law is the practice of law dealing with litigation of claims involving trauma or disability, physical or mental, to a person. It includes, by way of definition, and not limitation, litigation involving personal injury aspects of:
- automobile and other vehicular accident reparations;
- governmental claims;
- professional malpractice claims;
- products liability claims;
- statutory claims;
- insurance contract claims; or
- any negligent or intentional tort claims.
B. SUBSTANTIAL INVOLVEMENT. Applicant must show substantial involvement and special competence in North Carolina personal injury trial law practice by providing such information as may be required by TBLS.
1. Certification.
a. Percentage of Practice Requirement. Applicant must have devoted a minimum of 25% of his or her time practicing personal injury trial law in North Carolina during each year of the 3 years immediately preceding application as defined in Section VI, A of the Specific Area Requirements for Personal Injury Trial Law.
b. Task Requirements. Applicant must provide information as required by TBLS concerning specific tasks he or she has performed in North Carolina personal injury trial law. In evaluating experience, TBLS may take into consideration the nature, complexity, and duration of the tasks handled by applicant.
(1) Applicant must have tried during his or her entire practice, as lead counsel, at least 10 contested civil cases which were submitted to the trier of fact in a court of record in North Carolina. Five of the required 10 cases must have been personal injury jury trials.
2. Recertification. Applicant must have devoted a minimum of 25% of his or her time practicing personal injury trial law in North Carolina during each year of the 5 year period of certification as defined in Section VI, A of the Specific Area Requirements for Personal Injury Trial Law except as provided for in Part I–General Requirements, Section VI, C,1(b).
C. REFERENCE REQUIREMENTS. Applicant must submit a minimum of 5 names and addresses of persons to be contacted as references to attest to his or her competence in personal injury trial law. These persons must be substantially involved in personal injury trial law, and be familiar with applicant’s personal injury trial law practice.
1. Certification. Applicant must submit names of persons with whom he or she has had dealings involving personal injury trial law matters within the 3 years immediately preceding application.
2. Recertification. Applicant must submit names of persons with whom he or she has had dealings involving personal injury trial law matters since certification or the most recent recertification.
3. Reference Types. Applicant must submit the following types of references:
a. Four North Carolina attorneys who are substantially involved in personal injury trial law. Applicant must have tried a personal injury trial law matter with or against one of these attorneys.
b. One judge of any court of record in North Carolina whom applicant has appeared before as an advocate in a personal injury trial law matter.
Serving clients throughout Southern North Carolina, including Asheboro, Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Fayetteville, Forest City, Gastonia, Hamlet, Hickory, Huntersville, India Hook, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lexington, Lincolnton, McAdenville, Monroe, Norwood, Rock Hill, Rockingham, Salisbury, Sanford, Spartanburg, Statesville, Tega Cay, Thomasville, Van Wyck, Weddington, Winston-Salem, York, areas in the vicinity of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and other communities in Mecklenburg County.
Hiring a Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in an 18 wheeler truck accident in Charlotte, North Carolina, it is recommended that you hire a qualified Charlotte 18-wheeler accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in federal laws and North Carolina state laws regarding trucking regulations. Charlotte, located in Mecklenburg County, is the seventeenth largest city in the United States and the largest city in the State of North Carolina. Therefore, it is not uncommon for truck collisions, wrecks, crashes and injuries to occur due to the high amount of traffic. If you or a loved one have been injured in a Southeast North Carolina truck accident, contact a qualified Charlotte semi truck accident attorney today for a free initial consultation.
Charlotte & North Carolina Professional Associations
In addition to selecting a qualified Charlotte accident & injury lawyer that regularly handles Charlotte big rig truck accident cases, you should also check out the attorney’s credentials. For example, is the attorney a member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, Mecklenburg County Bar Association, or the North Carolina Advocates for Justice? All lawyers that practice Charlotte truck accident litigation must be active members of the State Bar of North Carolina. They may also join other professional organizations, such as:
- North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
- Mecklenburg County Bar Association
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- American Association of Justice1
The Mecklenburg Bar Association (MCBA) is a non-profit corporation organized in 1962 under Chapter 55A of the North Carolina General Statutes. The purposes of the Foundation, as set forth in its Articles of Incorporation, are broadly to engage in any lawful activity for which corporations may be organized under the North Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act and provide educational and professional development services for both the legal profession and the Charlotte community.
Big Rig Accidents Can Be Devastating
When a negligent truck driver makes the decision to get behind the wheel of their semi tractor-trailer, any driver traveling near them is at risk for serious injury or death. The consequences of an 18-wheeler truck a crash along a Charlotte intersection, avenue, or freeway can be devastating, often resulting in very serious injuries that can even lead to death. The sheer force of a speeding 18-wheeler truck is a dangerous weapon that can forever change your life. Under the law if you are involved in such a wreck or an accident, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one have been injured in a commercial truck accident in Charlotte, North Carolina or Mecklenburg County, it is in your best interest to contact a Charlotte big rig truck accident lawyer immediately.
Charlotte 18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys File in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina
When a truck accident occurs and a lawsuit is subsequently filed, the decision of where to file it is called “choice of venue.” The venue chosen can have legal consequences that affect the outcome of your case. Generally, venue in a truck accident case is proper in any of the following locations:
- the county wherein the accident occurred;
- the county wherein the defendant company’s principal place of business is located; or,
- the county wherein the defendant truck driver resides.
Even though your accident may have occurred in Charlotte, the truck company and truck driver will often be from a different state. This is because trucking companies frequently operate in states other than where they are registered. In these cases, the venue where the lawsuit may be filed could be the state where the truck accident occurred, the state where the trucking company is located, or even the state where the trucking company regularly does business, if different. For example, the accident may have occurred in Charlotte, North Carolina, therefore making venue proper in Mecklenburg County, but the claim may be filed against a trucking company from another state. You need a qualified and experienced Charlotte tractor trailer lawyer to decide what the best venue would be in a case like this that crosses state lines.
Some of the courts in the Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, areas include:
Mecklenburg County Superior Court
832 East Fourth St., Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 686-0400
18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serve Charlotte and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southern North Carolina, including Asheboro, Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Fayetteville, Forest City, Gastonia, Hamlet, Hickory, Huntersville, India Hook, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lexington, Lincolnton, McAdenville, Monroe, Norwood, Rock Hill, Rockingham, Salisbury, Sanford, Spartanburg, Statesville, Tega Cay, Thomasville, Van Wyck, Weddington, Winston-Salem, York, areas in the vicinity of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and other communities in Mecklenburg County.
Don’t be the victim of a semi driver’s negligence. Hiring a qualified Charlotte 18-wheeler accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one have been injured in a truck collision. Contact a big rig accident lawyer today to ensure you receive expert representation from an attorney who knows how to handle your case.
Types of Trucks on Charlotte Highways
There are many types of commercial trucks found in and around Charlotte, North Carolina. Trucking companies in Charlotte offer a wide variety of vehicle choices. Some Charlotte trucking companies deal with courier and small package delivery as well. Some companies offer bicycle couriers for downtown Metro areas and will also use an assortment of vehicles ranging from cars, vans and pick-up trucks to large tractor-trailers and bobtail trucks.
Types of Trucks Used By Charlotte Trucking Companies:
- 18 Wheeler
- Semi Truck
- Tractor Trailer
- Big Rig
- Semi Trailer
- Box Truck
- Straight Truck
- Flatbed Truck
- Stake Truck
- Bobtail Truck
Be sure to insist on the highest levels of safety by selecting a reputable Charlotte trucking company that uses late model vehicles which are inspected on a regular basis.
When to Hire a Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Charlotte 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Charlotte tractor trailer injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious box truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Charlotte truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Charlotte truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Charlotte tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Charlotte Trucking Companies
Following is a list of trucking companies based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Services offered include container drayage, loose freight drayage, overweight loads, bonded moves, same day delivery.
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. 5600 Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208-3536 (704) 399-2251 Bridge Terminal Transport 725 Lawton Road, Charlotte, NC 28216-3438 (704) 392-9001 Milan Express Inc. 3500 North Graham Street, Charlotte, NC 28206-1625 (704) 332-1633 4-M'S Trucking Inc. 4110 BEATTY DRIVE, Charlotte, NC 28214 (704) 391-2604 |
Mc Leod Trucking & Rigging Co. 3027 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206-2764 (704) 372-3611 Atlantic Trucking Company Inc. 4301 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, NC 28213 (704) 377-0580 Expedited Freight 401 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 660-9000 ACM TRUCKING LLC 5544 TIMBERTOP Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215 (704) 299-8085 |
Some companies deal with the transport of import and export containers through the Port of Wilmington, which is located nearby. |
Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Charlotte and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southern North Carolina, including Asheboro, Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Fayetteville, Forest City, Gastonia, Hamlet, Hickory, Huntersville, India Hook, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lexington, Lincolnton, McAdenville, Monroe, Norwood, Rock Hill, Rockingham, Salisbury, Sanford, Spartanburg, Statesville, Tega Cay, Thomasville, Van Wyck, Weddington, Winston-Salem, York, areas in the vicinity of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and other communities in Mecklenburg County.
Charlotte truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Charlotte truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.
Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyers Represent Injured Truck Drivers
Truck drivers who operate an 18-wheeler truck or big rig on the busy roads and highways of Charlotte such as the I-85, I-77, US-601, SH 24, and I-485, can become injured when a major commercial vehicle collision occurs. Truckers often say, “Ride with me for just one day and you will see what it is like ‘out there’…it’s not always the trucker’s fault…”
It is not uncommon to see a big rig wreck, semi crash or major accident involving semi truck drivers in Charlotte, North Carolina. Within the city, the I-277 loop freeway encircles Charlotte's uptown (usually referred to by its two separate sections, the John Belk Freeway and the Brookshire Freeway) while Charlotte Route 4 links major roads in a loop between I-277 and I-485. The danger of an 18-wheeler truck accident is not just confined to injured people in automobiles, but can end up injuring the truck driver affecting their livelihood and family's livelihood as well as the automobile driver. So, when a Charlotte 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer is contacted, be it by an automobile driver who has been injured or a truck driver that has been injured at the dangerous hands of another, you will need an expert Charlotte truck injury lawyer to fight for your rights.
The Semi Truck Driver is Not Always at Fault
When an 18-wheeler is moving down a Charlotte road or highway, such as the I-85, I-485, US-601, US-21, US-74, SH 24, SH 27, or I-77 at high speeds, it is nearly unstoppable and can easily turn a motorist's everyday commute into a lethal situation. Although a passenger car is lightweight, in comparison, and can easily maneuver in and out of lanes on Charlotte highways, it is no match for a big rig truck. If the two vehicles are unable to avoid a collision, wreck or crash, the driver of the passenger car will be lucky to escape with their life.
A driver of a passenger vehicle could easily be killed as a result of veering out of his lane and then smashing into a tractor trailer truck let's say on the I-277, which is a loop freeway encircles Charlotte's uptown while Charlotte Route 4 links major roads in a loop between I-277 and I-485. If the trucker tried to avoid hitting the passenger car but was unable to avoid the wreck or crash, then this would be a case where the accident was caused by the driver of the passenger vehicle and therefore the trucker would not be at fault.
Truck Driver Facts
- Two of your fellow truck drivers die each day in accidents
- 33,000 people driving large trucks are injured each year
- 6.3% of U.S truck drivers are injured each year.
Injured Truckers Need Legal Representation
A qualified Charlotte 18-wheeler accident attorney should offer a free case review. If they decide to take on your legal matter, they should not require an up-front fee. Truckers with a trucking injury claim are generally taken on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your Charlotte truck accident attorney is only paid if you receive compensation for your injuries.
Injured Truckers Need to Know Their Rights
As a trucker, you have rights you need to be aware of. It is not uncommon for aggressive insurance companies to contact you shortly after the accident in an effort to try to get you to settle quickly and convince you that you want the matter to go away. In many cases, injuries are not so quick to heal. Many times the injuries can be permanent, long-lasting, and career-threatening. That is why you need a competent Charlotte truck accident lawyer that is not only prepared to mediate a resolution, but also prepared to take your case to court.
When Negligence Changes a Trucker's Life
Qualified Charlotte truck accident lawyers know exactly how to provide nationwide representation for truckers injured in trucking accidents caused by a variety of negligent acts and mechanical malfunctions, including:
- Rear-end, Head-On Crashes and Jackknives
- Poor Maintenance, including Tires and Brakes
- Driver Fatigue
- Unsecured Loads
- Aggressive Driving
- DWI/Drug Use
- Lack of Reflectors and Poor Visibility
Since trucking laws are governed by hundreds of regulations, litigation can be very complex. Hiring a semi truck accident attorney who specializes in the numerous trucking laws throughout the United States is essential for a successful verdict outcome. For more information about trucking laws or to schedule an appointment with an experienced commercial truck injury lawyer, contact a truck injury attorney today.
When an 18 Wheeler accident occurs, your Charlotte truck accident lawyer will check the truck driver’s credentials to see if he/she attended an accredited Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) school. In Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the most well known schools is Charlotte Truck Driver Training School, 4830 Hovis Road, Charlotte, NC 28208-1511,(704) 393-3000, although there are many others throughout the country. See the Nationwide List of Accredited CDL Schools for a more comprehensive list.
Resources for Truck Drivers |
Trucking Schools (earn your CDL):
Helms Driving School
Trans Tech - Charlotte Diesel Driving School
Charlotte Truck Driver Training School |
Occupational Health Care Facilities
Gaston Memorial Hospital
Presbyterian Urgent Care Center
Advance Occupational Health Services |
Companies that provide towing services for big rigs: |
Dixie Towing Services |
Towboat Us/LKN Towing
Creason's Auto Repairs & Wrecker Service |
Contact a Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer for a free initial consultation. |
Truck Accident Attorneys for Injured Truckers Serve Charlotte and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Southern North Carolina, including Asheboro, Charlotte, Concord, Davidson, Fayetteville, Forest City, Gastonia, Hamlet, Hickory, Huntersville, India Hook, Kannapolis, Kings Mountain, Lake Wylie, Lexington, Lincolnton, McAdenville, Monroe, Norwood, Rock Hill, Rockingham, Salisbury, Sanford, Spartanburg, Statesville, Tega Cay, Thomasville, Van Wyck, Weddington, Winston-Salem, York, areas in the vicinity of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and other communities in Mecklenburg County.
Charlotte truck accident attorneys for injured truckers are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Charlotte 18 wheeler accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.