Gastonia Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Gastonia, NC

Truck accidents can be much more complicated than traditional car crashes. Oftentimes, more than one person or entity can be held liable for the incident. Whether they involve large trucking companies on Interstate 85 or small delivery trucks driving around Gastonia’s commercial areas, truck accidents involve complex processes. If you were injured or suffered other damages in an accident, a Gastonia truck accident lawyer can help you.

About Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

At Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, we serve people all over Gastonia and other communities in Gaston County. We believe in providing professional legal counsel while guiding our clients through difficult times. Our law firm also helps clients understand how the law can affect their future. Serving North and South Carolina for over 10 years, we take pride in providing our clients with personalized service and paying attention to them when they need it most.

Understanding Gastonia Truck Accidents

In 2025, there were 5,313 large trucks involved in accidents throughout North Carolina. Of these, 122 were in fatal crashes, and 5,191 were in non-fatal crashes. Some of those incidents took place on major highways, which Gastonia has its own fair share of.

Being located right on Interstate 85 means that many big trucks driving through Charlotte, Greenville, Atlanta, and other Southeast destinations also go through Gastonia. Driving down local roads near Franklin Boulevard, Cox Road, New Hope Road, and U.S. Highway 321 brings a higher probability of being involved in an accident with a large truck.

Another factor that makes truck accidents unique is that there may be more parties that are responsible for an accident than just the driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or manufacturers could also be responsible, or some combination of them all, depending on the circumstances.

The biggest defense that trucking companies have against this is claiming that the driver was an independent contractor. This is often a central issue in litigation, as the rules on liability shift if the driver is found to be an independent contractor.

Also, trucks are much larger than the average passenger vehicle. A tractor-trailer that is fully loaded can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

Federal Truck Accident Laws

Big trucks aren’t just regulated by the state of North Carolina; they must also follow federal trucking regulations. These and related laws cover:

• Hours of operation (Federal laws generally require that a driver should not exceed a certain amount of hours within a specified timeframe.)
• Maintenance requirements
• Weight requirements
• Qualifications and restrictions for drivers
• Cargo-loading requirements

Sometimes, proof of these violations can be used to hold a truck driver or trucking company accountable for an accident. These parties not only have to follow federal laws, but they must also obey state laws as well. Like all motorists in North Carolina, truck drivers must follow the state’s speeding laws. Driving any vehicle on a highway in a way that puts people or property at risk is against the law.

Since both state and federal laws apply to truck accidents, the counsel of someone well-versed in them is critical. A Gastonia truck accident attorney can explain how these laws may affect your potential truck accident claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Just like other road accidents, truck accidents can occur for several reasons. However, some causes are more common than others. Some of the most common include: 

• Exhaustion from spending too many hours driving
• Driver distraction, such as using a cell phone or other technology in the truck
• Loading errors or improperly balanced/unloaded trailers
• Speeding/aggressive driving
• Brake failure, blowout, or other mechanical defects
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

Often, several issues contribute to a truck accident. A thorough review of evidence like electronic logging devices, maintenance logs, and driver qualification documents typically sheds light on the precise causes of an accident.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer

If a crash involving a commercial truck has affected you or someone you care about, it could be beneficial to hire a truck accident lawyer. Truck accidents can involve:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company that employs them
• The company that loaded the truck
• The company that maintains the truck
• Multiple insurance companies

FAQs

What Is the Three-Collision Rule?

The three-collision rule states that, essentially, there are three collisions that take place when you are involved in an accident. First is your vehicle hitting another vehicle or object. Secondly, there’s a collision between yourself and the interior of your vehicle, including seat belts, airbags, and seats. Finally, there’s the collision between your internal organs and other structures in your body.

What Happens When a Truck Driver Gets in an Accident?

When a truck driver is involved in a collision, their immediate legal obligations involve stopping, reporting the crash, and cooperating with the authorities. In addition, the trucking company is likely to carry out its own investigation of the event. Also, federal authorities are expected to examine driver logs, inspection details, and electronic monitoring information. Truck driver negligence isn’t always the cause of a crash.

How Long After an Accident Do You Have to File a Claim in NC?

North Carolina allows three years from the date of a motor vehicle accident to file a claim for most personal injury cases, as stated in N. C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52. Property damage claims also have a three-year deadline. If you fail to file a claim by the deadline, you may be prohibited from seeking compensation through the courts.

How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

There really is no typical settlement amount that can be applied to every truck accident claim. Some truck accident claims settle for relatively low amounts. Claims involving catastrophic injuries have resulted in significant settlements and jury verdicts. Each claim is analyzed individually based on the specific facts and damages incurred.

Contact Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC

If you were injured in a truck accident, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, PLLC, can seek the compensation you need. Contact us today for a consultation.