Truck Accidents Caused by Soft Road Shoulders in North Carolina

Truck accidents caused by soft road shoulders in North Carolina often result in severe injuries or loss of life. If you’ve been hurt in this type of crash, contact Hardison & Cochran | Injury & Workers Comp Lawyers. Our team understands the complicated liability issues these accidents involve and is ready to pursue the maximum compensation available. Reach out today for a free consultation with a trusted North Carolina truck accident attorney.

How Do Soft Road Shoulders Cause Truck Accidents in North Carolina?

A soft shoulder is an unpaved or loosely compacted section of ground beside the road made of gravel, dirt, or weakened asphalt. These areas can’t support the weight of a commercial truck, especially one weighing up to 80,000 pounds.

When a truck drifts onto this unstable surface, whether from fatigue, avoiding an obstacle, or recovering from a lane departure, the shoulder can collapse under the weight. The difference in height between the pavement and the compressed shoulder can trap the tires, making it extremely difficult to return to the roadway safely.

Attempts to steer back onto the pavement often lead to abrupt overcorrection, causing the truck to tip, roll over, or veer into other lanes. Many rural North Carolina roads lack properly maintained shoulders, creating serious hazards during emergencies that force drivers toward the edge of the road.

Who Can Be Held Liable When Soft Shoulders Cause Truck Accidents?

Several parties may be responsible for a truck accident caused by a soft shoulder. Identifying every liable party increases the available compensation. Potentially responsible parties include:

• Truck Drivers – Drivers must stay in their lanes and use caution near shoulder hazards. When distraction, fatigue, or impairment causes a lane departure, they may be liable.
• Trucking Companies – Companies must train drivers to manage shoulder conditions. If unreasonable schedules lead to fatigue-related drift, the company may share responsibility.
• Government Entities – State and local agencies must maintain safe roads under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 136-45. If they know a shoulder is dangerous but fail to fix it or warn drivers, they may be liable.
• Construction Contractors – Contractors working on or near the roadway must mark or block hazardous areas. Leaving loose materials or drop-offs unprotected can result in liability.

Insurance companies often try shifting responsibility entirely to road conditions. Hardison & Cochran pushes back by showing how training, maintenance, and compliance with safety rules could have prevented the crash.

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Soft Shoulder Truck Accident Cases?

These cases depend on strong evidence showing the dangerous condition and the defendant’s negligence. Quick action is critical because repairs after the crash can erase key proof.

Important evidence includes:

• Photos and measurements of shoulder drop-offs
• Traffic or dashcam video
• Police reconstruction reports
• Road maintenance and repair records
• Prior crashes at the same spot
• Expert input on road design
• Driver logs and hours of service information
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Truck inspection and maintenance records
• Witness statements
• Weather reports
• Complaints submitted to government agencies

A prompt investigation ensures that critical proof is preserved. The firm works with reconstruction specialists and engineers who explain how correct maintenance or warning signs could have prevented the crash.

How Hardison & Cochran Maximizes Soft Shoulder Truck Accident Recoveries

The firm uses proven strategies to strengthen these claims and secure meaningful results for clients.

• Immediate Investigation – Investigators document the shoulder condition before repairs remove evidence. They measure drop-offs, take photos, and preserve material samples.
• Multiple Defendant Strategy – Claims are pursued against every responsible party to expand available compensation. Government agencies, companies, and drivers may all share responsibility.
• Expert Witness Network – Engineers and trucking safety experts offer clear testimony that supports your case.
• Government Entity Experience – The firm understands the requirements for claims under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-291, helping clients navigate specialized procedures and limitations.

The firm’s willingness to take cases to trial often motivates insurers to offer fair settlements instead of risking larger verdicts.

Demand Justice for Soft Shoulder Truck Accidents — Call Hardison & Cochran

For more than 40 years, Hardison & Cochran has handled truck accident cases involving dangerous road shoulders and government negligence. Their case results include multimillion-dollar recoveries such as a $6.4 million award for a family affected by a commercial truck crash and a $3.2 million settlement for a victim injured when a truck lost control on a deteriorated shoulder.

The firm’s client testimonials highlight compassionate, dedicated representation.

“They treated us like family and fought tirelessly against the trucking company’s insurance team.”

Want to know the value of a soft shoulder accident claim? Call Hardison & Cochran or reach out online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer in North Carolina.