A Lawyer's Guide to Commercial Trucking Regulations in North Carolina
Raleigh Trucking Accident Lawyer Explains Commercial Trucking Regulations in North Carolina:
Federal trucking regulations are imposed upon every interstate commercial driver that pass through North Carolina. Even with those rules in place, commercial truck and tractor-trailer accidents are in the rise every year. In 2023, commercial trucks caused over 6000 motor vehicle accidents in North Carolina. Of those, 140 people died. So why don’t those rules prevent commercial trucking accidents?
What Trucking Regulations Apply to Commercial Vehicles in North Carolina?
Since trucking is an interstate business, there is a federal agency that promulgates regulations that apply to all commercial vehicles no matter what state they are from, going to, or presently driving in. The regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are the minimum requirements that all truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with.
Common Violations of Trucking Regulations That Cause Accidents in North Carolina
One of the most common causes of commercial trucking accidents is violations of commercial trucking regulations. There are many common types of regulations that can result in serious trucking accidents. Some of the most common FMCSA regulations include the following:
Improperly secured lashings and devices
Failure to Complete Inspections
Improper or Insufficient Training
How Do You Prove Liability for a Trucking Accident in North Carolina?
The majority of these regulations pertain to safety or orderly administration of the roadways. This means that violations of these regulations can be used by Raleigh, North Carolina accident lawyers to help prove liability. This is because a violation of a FMCSA regulation is evidence of negligence under the doctrine of negligence per se, a common law (or judge-made) doctrine which creates automatic liability for certain regulatory or statutory violations. Although the violation of a regulation is just evidence of negligence, a violation of a North Carolina law can automatically establish liability in certain instances.
Read more about North Carolina Trucking Laws.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Trucking Accident Attorneys in Raleigh, NC
If you were injured by a commercial vehicle or tractor-trailer in North Carolina, it is important to speak with an experienced trucking injury attorney who can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve. It is important to note that each case is different, and the specific laws and regulations that apply will depend on the circumstances of the accident. Our Raleigh trucking accident lawyers are ready to evaluate your claim for free.