Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | September 17, 2025 | Trucking Accident
When a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be devastating. Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—far more than the average car. Victims often face life-changing injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term financial hardship. One of the first and most important questions after a truck accident in North Carolina is: Who is legally responsible?
Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple potentially liable parties. Understanding liability in these cases is critical for recovering fair compensation.
Why Truck Accident Liability Is More Complicated Than Car Accidents
In a two-car collision, liability usually falls on one or both drivers. Truck accidents, however, can involve a web of different parties, each of whom may share responsibility. That’s because trucks are part of the commercial transportation industry, where multiple companies may be involved in owning, operating, loading, or maintaining the vehicle.
In North Carolina—where the law follows the strict contributory negligence rule—these complexities are especially important. If the trucking company or insurer can prove that you were even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. That makes identifying and proving liability in a North Carolina truck accident case even more critical.
Potentially Liable Parties in a North Carolina Truck Accident
1. The Truck Driver
The driver is often the first party examined in any truck crash. They may be liable if they were:
- Speeding or driving aggressively
- Distracted by a phone, GPS, or other device
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving while fatigued or violating federal hours-of-service limits
Truck drivers are held to higher safety standards than passenger vehicle drivers, which means even small lapses can establish liability.
2. The Trucking Company
The company that employs or contracts with the driver may also share liability. Trucking companies are responsible for:
- Hiring qualified, properly licensed drivers
- Providing adequate training
- Enforcing federal trucking regulations
- Maintaining safe driving schedules that do not push drivers to break hours-of-service rules
If a “rogue trucking company” cut corners to increase profits, ignored safety regulations, or failed to properly monitor drivers, it could be held accountable.
3. The Truck Owner or Leasing Company
Sometimes, the driver does not own the truck. Instead, the vehicle is leased from another company. In these cases, the truck owner may be liable for failing to keep the vehicle safe, ensure proper inspections, or make necessary repairs.
4. Cargo Loaders and Shippers
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo is a common cause of truck accidents. If the cargo shifts, falls, or causes the truck to overturn, the loading company or shipper may be held responsible. Examples include:
- Overloaded trucks
- Uneven weight distribution
- Failing to secure hazardous materials safely
5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers
If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash—such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or steering failures—the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be held liable under product liability law.
6. Maintenance and Repair Contractors
Commercial trucks must undergo routine inspections and maintenance. If a third-party maintenance provider failed to perform adequate repairs or overlooked a mechanical issue, they could share responsibility.
7. Government Entities
In rare cases, a government agency may be responsible—for example, if a crash occurred due to defective road design, inadequate signage, or poor road maintenance. These cases can be complex because special legal rules apply when suing a government entity in North Carolina.
How Liability Is Determined in a Truck Accident
Determining liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation. Evidence in these cases may include:
- Police accident reports
- The truck’s black box data recorder (which tracks speed, braking, and hours of operation)
- Driver logs and hours-of-service records
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Cargo loading documentation
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Eyewitness testimony
Because trucking companies and insurers act quickly to protect their interests, victims should seek legal help immediately to preserve critical evidence.
Common Defenses Used by Trucking Companies and Insurers
Insurance companies representing trucking companies are notorious for fighting claims aggressively. They may argue that:
- The accident was caused by the other driver (you).
- Weather conditions were to blame.
- A mechanical defect absolves the company of liability.
- You were even partially at fault (which, under contributory negligence, would bar recovery in NC).
This is why having an experienced attorney to counter these arguments and build a strong case is essential.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover?
If you prove liability, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)
Truck accident cases often result in higher settlements and verdicts compared to car accidents, given the severity of injuries and the potential for multiple liable parties with significant insurance coverage.
FAQs About Truck Accident Liability in North Carolina
Who is most often responsible for truck accidents?
While truck drivers are often found at fault, trucking companies are frequently held liable as well due to unsafe practices, poor training, or regulatory violations.
What happens if more than one party is responsible?
Multiple parties may share liability. In that case, claims can be made against each responsible party, potentially increasing the total compensation available.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault?
North Carolina follows pure contributory negligence. If you are found even 1% responsible, you may not recover damages. This makes it especially important to work with an attorney who can fight back against unfair blame.
Do trucking companies have bigger insurance policies than regular drivers?
Yes. Federal law requires trucking companies to carry much higher minimum liability insurance than passenger vehicles—sometimes millions of dollars in coverage.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in NC?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in North Carolina is generally three years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it is typically two years. There are some exceptions, however, so it’s important to consult with an experienced injury attorney.
Can I sue both the truck driver and the trucking company?
Yes. In many cases, both the driver and the company employing them may be held liable, depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help you pursue claims against all responsible parties.
What if the truck accident was caused by bad weather?
Bad weather alone does not eliminate liability. Drivers are required to adjust their speed and driving behavior to match road and weather conditions. If they failed to do so, they may still be responsible.
Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?
Ultimately, compensation for medical bills may come from the at-fault party’s insurance. However, while your case is pending, bills may be covered by your health insurance, MedPay coverage, or other benefits. An attorney can help coordinate these payments and help ensure you are reimbursed.
What is the role of the truck’s black box in proving liability?
The black box records valuable data such as speed, braking, steering input, and hours of service. This evidence is often critical in proving whether the driver or company violated federal safety rules.
How long do truck accident cases usually take to resolve?
It depends. Some cases may settle within months, while others can take years if a lawsuit is filed or they go to trial. The complexity of multiple liable parties and insurance companies often extends the timeline.
Do I need a lawyer to handle a truck accident claim in North Carolina?
It’s highly recommended. Trucking companies and their insurers have powerful legal teams. Without experienced representation, it is extremely difficult to uncover all liable parties, preserve evidence, and fight back against contributory negligence defenses.
Why You Need an Experienced North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident liability cases are complex, high-stakes battles. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters working to minimize payouts. Victims deserve someone just as experienced fighting for them. An attorney can:
- Investigate and identify all liable parties
- Preserve critical evidence before it disappears
- Work with accident reconstruction experts
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers
- Take your case to court if necessary
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have decades of experience handling truck accident cases across North Carolina. We know how to uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
Our experienced North Carolina truck accident attorneys frequently handle complex investigations into tractor-trailer and other truck accidents to prove liability and pursue maximum compensation for our clients. We often bring in accident reconstructionists, secure black box data, and consult with federal trucking regulations experts in our investigations. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review.
We’re proud to handle truck accident cases across North Carolina, including in Raleigh, Durham, Goldsboro, Greenville, and Charlotte.
Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face the trucking company and its insurers alone. Call Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
When Justice Counts™, count on the truck accident lawyers at Riddle & Riddle.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042