Wilmington Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Lawyer

 

Pella Windows Class Action Case

$25.7 Million

We have recovered a $25.7 million settlement on behalf of our client on a Pella windows class action case.

Chinese Drywall Settlement Case

$24 Million

We have recovered $24 million on the largest individual Chinese drywall settlement case.

Marriott Vacation Club Class Action

$13.3 Million

We have recovered a $13.3 million settlement for Deceptive Trade Practices at Marriott Vacation Club.

  • settlement case.
  • Marriott Vacation Club Class Action $13.3 MillionWe have recovered a $13.3 million settlement for Deceptive Trade Practices at Marriott Vacation Club.
  • Parasailing Accident $9 MillionWe have recovered a $9 million settlement for a wrongful death judgment in North Carolina State Court.
  • Bus Accident $3.1 MillionWe have recovered a $3.1 million settlement that occurred during a trial in a bus collision case.

Truck Wreck Accidents caused by Driver Fatigue

Both federal and state laws regulate the number of hours a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle. These regulations are designed to ensure drivers remain alert, especially when driving long distances. At Rhine Law Firm, P.C., we represent those injured in serious motor vehicle accidents caused by truck driver fatigue. From our office in Wilmington, we represent clients injured on I-40, I-95 and other highways throughout North Carolina.

Our attorneys offer the practical insight and exceptional representation needed to pursue fair and reasonable compensation. Contact us by calling  (910) 772-9960 today.

What Causes Truck Driver Fatigue?

Truck driver fatigue has many causes. Truckers may be under pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. Alternatively, some companies offer premiums to drivers for delivering ahead of schedule, leading some drivers to rush or ignore required rest times.

Quite often, the investigation into what caused an accident requires looking at the truck driver’s logbook. If companies do not check logs or time cards to ensure drivers are following the rules for resting, they can be held accountable. Dishonest drivers who tamper with their log times or falsify them can also be held personally liable should an accident occur.

Federal Regulations: Hours of Service Violations and Truck Accident Claims

One of the critical points regulated by the agency is the hours of service (HOS) rules for truck drivers. For the regulations to work and to lead to higher levels of safety for others sharing the streets, roads, and highways, the driver must adhere to these regulations – but do they? Only an investigation into the facts will reveal whether a truck driver has violated federal HOS regulations. The rules are as follows:

  • 11 hour driving limit after 10 hours off duty.
  • May not operate the truck beyond the 14th consecutive hour of coming on duty.
  • Rest breaks are mandatory.
  • May not operate truck after 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days.
  • May not operate truck after 70 hours on duty after 8 consecutive days on duty (after 34 or more hours off duty).

We invite you to contact our firm at (910) 772-9960 to discuss your case in a free initial consultation. Our lawyers offer candid assessments and dedicated personal service to each client.

Using a Black Box and Other Means to Get Evidence of Hours of Service Violations

Trucks are outfitted with a “black box,” like commercial aircraft. This is a data recorder, called an “electronic control module.” It tracks speed history, excessive RPM, pre-crash data such as when an automatic collision notification system is activated, the vehicle system data prior to the crash, and a range of other data. This information is often a critical piece of evidence in proving a driver was tired and violated federal hours of service regulations. The black box data can reveal that a driver drove hours beyond what was allowed – putting innocent people in harm’s way.

We have used other sources of evidence to prove violations of hours of use. For example, we have used information from unusual places to prove a vehicle was being used at a particular time and date, including speeding tickets, parking receipts, toll booth receipts and the like.

Truck Accident Statistics: The Shocking Truth

In the most recently reported year, the FMCSA reports 411,000 large truck crashes, with 3,424 resulting in at least one fatality, and 82,000 (20 percent) in at least one non-fatal injury. It is difficult to imagine the scope of this nationwide issue, but to put it in perspective, in North Carolina in the same year there were a total of 27 single vehicle fatal truck accidents, and 82 fatal truck accidents that involved multiple vehicles. These are just the accidents that involved at least one death, or about one every three days occurring somewhere in the state.

The number of injuries that year, per the North Carolina Department of Transportation, was a total of 2,482 (includes all sizes of commercial trucks), or almost seven people injured per day. If you or a family member has been injured in such an accident, get legal help you can trust to help you fight for justice and full compensation.

Our Promise to You

  • National Practice with a Local Presence

  • Hundreds of Millions of Dollars Won

  • Over 30 Years of Experience

  • Experienced, Thorough & Dedicated Attorneys

  • Spanish-Speaking Services Available

  • Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Upon Request

Experienced Advocacy in Serious Truck Accident Claims

Investigating these issues requires an experienced hand. Our trucking accident lawyers have decades of experience navigating the complexities of injury claims. We will bring in the appropriate forensic experts, accident reconstruction engineers and medical professionals as needed to maximize the amount of your claim.

We are fully prepared to represent your interests in court, though our thorough preparations often mean success at the negotiating table. If you or a loved one has been injured by truck driver negligence of any kind, put an experienced advocate on your side.

Additional Information

“Joel Rhine and his staff did everything possible to help us in a very dark period of our lives.”

“We were blessed to have them fighting for us and never giving up.”

“Rhine Law Firm has a friendly, caring, professional staff and they worked hard for me.”

“I couldn’t have asked for a better firm to handle my injury claim. If you do not have confidence with your attorney, you need to contact Rhine Law Firm immediately.”

“Rhine Law Firm went out of their way to make sure that my mother-in-law obtains everything she is entitled to in an injury case.”

Proven Truck Accident Case Results

At the Rhine Law Firm, P.C., our goal is to help commercial trucking accident victims obtain the maximum compensation available to help get their lives back on track.

When you consult our firm, we will go to work investigating your circumstances and collecting evidence to build a powerful case on your behalf. We understand the tactics used by truck companies and their insurers to avoid liability, and our personal injury lawyers are fully prepared to help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

Contact our Firm

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation