Call Us 919-240-4054Truck drivers work long hours and suffer serious accidents at an alarming rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, there are approximately 500,000 truck accidents in the U.S. each year. When trucking companies violate hours-of-service rules and expect drivers to exceed legal weekly maximum distances, drivers can become dangerously fatigued and inattentive. Hazardous road conditions and hard-to-maneuver vehicles add to the occupational risks of trucking.
All too often, injuries from North Carolina trucking accidents are catastrophic or fatal. According to Dr. Michael Choo of Paradigm Outcomes, truck drivers are at increased risk for spinal cord and brain injuries – injuries that cause “major disruptions to income and well-being.”
In North Carolina, there are special rules that apply to truck drivers. A semi truck accident lawyer can help you understand these rules. Workers’ compensation law covers truck drivers when they are injured in the state, just as it protects other North Carolina workers. The law also covers truck drivers injured out of state while working for North Carolina-based companies. Even truck drivers who have been told they are independent contractors may be covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Read our blog post with an example of a similar workers’ compensation case, and learn about our Top 10 tips for Workers’ Compensation claims in North Carolina.
Our trucking accident lawyers in Durham, NC have years of experience working with big truck drivers injured on the job. We are well-versed in the special rules that apply to the industry and can help you get the benefits you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.