Rutherford County's road network, while essential for local and interstate commerce, can present unique challenges that sometimes contribute to both the causes and severity of trucking accidents. We think understanding these factors can help drivers be more aware and potentially avoid dangerous situations involving 18-wheelers on our roadways.
Major Highways: US Highway 74 is a primary east-west route through Rutherford County, connecting Charlotte to Asheville. This busy corridor sees heavy truck traffic, increasing the potential for accidents. The mix of local and long-distance traffic, combined with varying speed limits, can create hazardous conditions.
Rural Roads: Many of Rutherford County's roads are rural, with narrow lanes and limited shoulders. This can be challenging for large trucks, especially when navigating turns or when the driver is unfamiliar with the terrain. Roads like NC-108 and NC-221 pass through areas where trucks may encounter unexpected wildlife or agricultural equipment.
Intersections: The county has numerous intersections where local roads meet major highways. Anyone who has driven through Rutherfordton or neighboring Shelby in Cleveland County NC knows how traffic can back up at times. These junctions can be particularly dangerous for trucking accidents, especially if sight lines are limited, at night, or when the weather conditions aren’t all that great.
Topography: Rutherford County's location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains means some roads have relatively steep grades and sharp curves. Coming down the mountain from Ashville, truckers regularly ride their brakes too much or fail to upshift and downshift properly, resulting in problems down the road in Rutherfordton. When that involves large trucks with heavy loads, a brake failure at the wrong time is not unusual
Weather Conditions: Rutherfordton experiences a range of weather conditions, from summer thunderstorms to winter ice and snow. These conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, factors that are especially dangerous for large trucks with longer stopping distances.
Road Maintenance: While local authorities work to maintain roads in our area, issues like potholes, uneven surfaces, or inadequate signage can contribute to trucking accidents. This is particularly relevant on less-traveled rural roads that may not receive as frequent maintenance.
Traffic Patterns: Rutherford County's mix of residential, agricultural, and industrial areas creates diverse and sometimes problematic traffic patterns. Trucks regularly need to navigate through areas with heavy local traffic, school zones, or around large agricultural vehicles, increasing the risk of collisions.
Construction Zones: While necessary, ongoing road improvements can create hazards. Narrow lanes, sudden stops, and changing traffic patterns in construction zones can make it especially challenging for large trucks to navigate safely.
Local Industry: Rutherford County's industries, including manufacturing and agriculture, generate significant truck traffic on local roads. This increased presence of large vehicles and farm equipment, especially on roads not primarily designed for heavy truck use, can contribute to accident risks.
If you've been involved in a trucking accident in Rutherford County, we think it's important to consider how these local road conditions might have contributed to the accident and your resulting injuries and damages.
The lawyers at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert are familiar with the community, the various road conditions, and how things like construction and traffic backups can factor into a serious trucking accident case. We provide a free case evaluation for trucking accidents, motorcycle wrecks, car accidents, and personal injury claims.
Remember, while road conditions can contribute to accidents, other factors, including driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and even drunk driving, also play significant roles in trucking accidents. You deserve a comprehensive review of your individual fact pattern to determine the cause and who is responsible and possibly legally liable for your trucking accident.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Rutherford County, call us today at (704) 396-5155 or fill out our online contact form to get started. Your path to justice and fair compensation begins with a single step – reaching out to our dedicated team of Rutherford County accident lawyers.
