Commercial truck accidents are different from accidents between two cars. Not only do the people involved in truck accidents tend to suffer more serious injuries but these accidents are also treated differently under the law. That is because there are many rules and regulations that trucking companies and truck drivers must adhere to.
A commercial truck is defined as a vehicle that is used for business and/or to transport commercial goods. Big rigs, 18-wheelers, semi trucks, tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, box trucks, freight trucks, delivery trucks are all different names for these giant vehicles. You definitely know one when you see one because they are big — much bigger than the size of a normal car.
It is the size differential that makes big trucks so dangerous, and why there are so many laws that keep truck drivers in check. For example, truck drivers are required to take a certain amount of rest every day. If time logs do not indicate a truck driver had adequate rest leading up to an accident, then he or she could be faulted for the crash. Also, if the truck has not been maintained mechanically in accordance with truck maintenance standards, it could be another cause of a crash.
Commercial vehicle accidents are not uncommon in the state of North Carolina. If you or your loved one have been hurt in a crash with a big rig, you might be able to seek financial restitution by filing a personal injury lawsuit in civil court. Victims hut in such accidents may be able to obtain money to pay for their medical care, compensation for time spent recovering and unable to work, and other kinds of damages.
Source: FindLaw, “Truck accident FAQ,” accessed Jan. 21, 2016