910-469-4768 
Commercial trucks are enormous, powerful vehicles. When they’re hauling cargo, they can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. That’s why these vehicles need to be handled with extreme caution and care. Even a simple mistake by a truck driver or trucking company can lead to a disaster on the road. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Talk to a Jacksonville, North Carolina truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your legal rights.
At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we understand the toll that a truck accident can take, and we’re here to help. Our Jacksonville, N.C., personal injury lawyers have decades of experience standing up for crash victims like yourself. For three generations, we’ve fought for the rights of our friends and neighbors in Onslow County. Our skilled legal team will manage all the details of your truck accident claim from start to finish. The only thing you need to do is focus on your recovery.
For a free consultation, call us or contact us online. We can talk over the phone or even meet in-person at a place that’s convenient for you. There is no charge for us to start working on your case, and you only pay us if we recover money for you.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated?
Unlike typical accidents involving two passenger cars, truck accident claims can be complicated by dangerous cargo, numerous liable parties, extensive regulations, and many other issues.
Some of the key reasons that truck accident claims can be complex include:
- Far more devastation to sort through. Commercial truck accidents are often horrible events that destroy other vehicles on the road, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. These large trucks can hit multiple vehicles with immense force, scattering debris so that it’s challenging for investigators to know exactly what happened. As part of a big rig accident investigation, police and others will need to turn to on-board diagnostics and many other forms of evidence to figure out what happened.
- Cargo complications. Semi-trucks are usually carrying cargo that belongs to someone else. This can be anything from food and supplies to heavy equipment and flammable chemicals. An 18-wheeler investigation will need to look into what caused the accident, how the cargo was involved, and who ultimately bears responsibility.
- Federal and state regulations. Truck drivers and companies operate under strict government oversight covering everything from maintenance requirements and cargo loading requirements to how much rest drivers must get. As part of a truck accident case, you’ll need a lawyer who understands how these rules could impact your claim.
- Multiple liable parties. In a typical car accident, two drivers and two insurance companies may be involved. However, in a truck accident, things can get far more complicated. The driver, the company that hired the driver, the company that owns the truck, the cargo owner, the cargo loaders, the truck mechanics, a truck parts manufacturer, and many others may contribute to the accident. As part of a claim for truck accident compensation, any investigation will need to determine who was at fault and how much responsibility they bear.
- Multiple insurance companies. In a truck accident, a claim may involve many insurance policies. The insurers for drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and many others may be liable. This means you’ll need to understand exactly who was responsible for the accident and what role they played. Insurers may try to push blame on each other and you. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C., to fight for what’s right.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident in Jacksonville, NC?
There are many parties involved before a truck even gets on the road, from truck manufacturers to cargo loaders. Some of the parties that may be responsible for a truck accident in Onslow County include:
- The semi-truck driver. The driver is ultimately responsible for a truck when it’s on the road. Drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent can be held responsible for the damage they cause.
- The company that hired the driver. A trucking company that employs the driver may also be liable. As part of its duties under the law, the company needs to hire drivers who meet legal requirements, and the company must monitor driver performance for problems.
- The company that owns the truck or trailer. If a problem with a truck or trailer causes an accident, the company that owns the equipment could be liable for any injuries.
- Those who loaded the cargo. Loading and balancing cargo is a demanding job that needs to be done right. If loaders don’t balance and secure the cargo correctly, a devastating accident could result.
- Maintenance and parts companies. Commercial trucks operate under heavy loads, and it takes regular maintenance and quality parts to make sure things operate smoothly. When companies fail to get the maintenance they need, or a truck’s part fails at a key moment, the result can be a serious accident.
These are only a few of the parties that may be held responsible after a truck accident. If you have questions about who could be held responsible in your case, speak with a truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C., today.
910-469-4768 
