In just the past few months, North Carolina has seen several devastating truck accidents make headlines. For example, on October 13, 2025, a head-on collision between an SUV and a dump truck on Mills Gap Road in Fletcher, NC killed one person – a 17-year-old high school senior driving the SUV. A few weeks before that, on September 30, a dump truck in Pitt County crossed the centerline of NC-30, hit a tree, and burst into flames; the truck’s driver died at the scene in that fiery crash. In Charlotte on September 24, a collision involving two pickup trucks at a busy northside intersection (Reames Road and Metromont Blvd.) left one driver dead and another seriously injured. Earlier in September, in Harnett County, a cement mixer truck collided with a SUV that had run a stop sign – a 34-year-old man and his 5-week-old baby girl in the SUV were tragically killed, and several others were injured. And back in April, a City of Eden dump truck blew through a stop sign and plowed into a crew of utility linemen working on power lines, killing four workers on the job and injuring several others in one horrific moment. Each of these accidents has left families and communities heartbroken. 1 2 3 4 5 6
These stories are sadly not isolated. Large trucks carry tremendous weight and force, so when something goes wrong, the consequences are often catastrophic. For perspective, in 2021 only about 5% of all registered vehicles were large trucks, yet they accounted for 9% of vehicles involved in fatal crashes nationwide. 5,700 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in the U.S. that year – an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase over the past decade. Here in North Carolina, we regularly see how a single moment of negligence (a driver crossing the center line, an overworked trucker nodding off, a missed stop sign, etc.) can have irreversible consequences for innocent people. 7 8
Why These Crashes Happen – and the Law’s Role
You might wonder, aren’t commercial truck drivers supposed to be highly trained and regulated? The answer is yes – there are extensive safety regulations in place. Truck drivers must hold a special Commercial Driver’s License and follow strict Hours-of-Service rules that limit how long they can drive without rest. They are required to conduct vehicle inspections and adhere to speed limits that are often lower for trucks. These precautions exist because regulators know that fatigue, mechanical failures, and other risk factors can make trucks extremely dangerous. However, as these recent North Carolina cases sadly show, even strict rules can’t always prevent disaster. All it takes is a moment of distraction, poor decision-making, or a safety lapse for a routine trip to turn tragic. 7 8 9 10
This is where our legal system comes in. As a personal injury lawyer, my job is to step in after such a tragedy and fight for accountability. My name is Adam Langino, and I’m a trial attorney based here in North Carolina. I have dedicated a large part of my practice to representing individuals and families who have been seriously injured by truck collisions – including cases like the ones described above. I want to explain a bit about who I am, my approach to these cases, and why I believe I can be a good fit to help if you’re facing a similar situation.
Who I Am & My Philosophy
I founded Langino Law PLLC to advocate for people who have been harmed by others’ negligence. Too often, I’ve seen how the law bends in favor of powerful corporations with the wealth and connections to avoid accountability. Their recklessness, greed, and indifference leave families heartbroken and futures shattered. Through my work, I strive to help ordinary people find recourse against those powerful companies and balance the scales of justice.
I’ve handled many catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases in North Carolina (and in Florida, where I’m also licensed), including numerous truck crash claims. I have the knowledge, experience, and courage to stand up to insurance companies and large corporations on behalf of my clients. When a trucking company or its insurer tries to deny responsibility, delay the case, or minimize the payout, I don’t back down. My goal is to level the playing field for you. I know their tactics – I’ve seen trucking companies send their investigators to a crash scene within hours to control the narrative, or insurers try to blame the victim. When you’re dealing with a large trucking firm or its insurer, they have the money and resources to tip the scales a little in their favor…they’ll try to attack the person, attack the family, or drag out the case as long as possible. It’s unfair and it’s cruel. I take it as my duty to not let them escape responsibility.
At the same time, I believe that being a great lawyer is not just about being strong in the courtroom – it’s also about empathy, strategy, and personal commitment. A good attorney must balance pragmatism with a deep sense of humanism. In other words, your lawyer should truly care about you as a person. I take that to heart. I don’t keep my clients at arm’s length – I often meet with you in your home, get to know your family, and really listen to what you’re going through. I find that I can only be a good advocate by connecting with my clients and understanding their pain and goals. When I take on a new case, I personally walk my clients through what to expect in plain English. We might be working together for years (big truck cases can take time), so I want to build trust from day one. I limit the number of cases I handle at once so that each client receives my full attention and effort. If I agree to represent you, it means I believe in you and your case, and I’m prepared to put my resources to forcing accountability.
If you would like to read more about my philosophy toward the practice of law, click here.
How I Handle Truck Collision Cases
Truck accident claims are often far more complex than a regular car wreck. There may be multiple responsible parties – the truck driver, the trucking company or owner, a maintenance contractor, or even a vehicle manufacturer. There are also unique types of evidence involved. From day one, my team moves quickly to preserve evidence. This can include the police accident report, photographs of the scene and vehicles, and any available video footage or 911 tapes. We send spoliation letters to trucking companies to make sure that nothing “goes missing,” such as driver logbooks, on-board computer data, or maintenance records.
One major advantage in truck cases is the technology trucks carry. Modern commercial trucks are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record data about the truck’s movement and the driver’s hours. In fact, federal law mandates ELD use for most trucks to enforce the hours-of-service limits. These devices are like a “black box” – they capture when and how long the truck was moving, stops made, and engine hours. I know how to obtain and interpret ELD data to help prove fault. For example, the ELD data might show that a driver had been on duty for 14 hours straight, or that the truck was speeding prior to impact. If a truck driver’s log shows he covered an impractical distance in a short time (say, 60 miles in 45 minutes), that’s strong evidence of speeding. If the log reveals the driver skipped required rest breaks, it can indicate they were drowsy or fatigued – which is incredibly dangerous. (Studies have shown that being awake for 18+ hours can impair a driver as much as being legally drunk, and that a significant percentage of truck crashes involve fatigued drivers.) In one of my published articles, “What You Need to Know About Drowsy Truck Driving and Collisions,” I highlighted that 13% of commercial truck drivers involved in crashes were found to be fatigued at the time. This is exactly why Hours-of-Service rules exist – and when those rules are violated, I make sure to bring it to light. 7 8 9 10
Beyond the electronic data, I also work with expert witnesses to strengthen my clients’ cases. These often include accident reconstruction experts – professionals (often engineers) who can analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and other forensic evidence to determine how the crash happened. In a truck case, a reconstruction expert might use computer simulations to show, for instance, that the truck was going 20 mph over the speed limit at the time of the collision, or that the truck driver failed to brake or swerve when a slower car was ahead. I may also bring in trucking industry experts who can testify about safety standards. For example, if a trucking company hired an unqualified driver or failed to maintain its brakes, an expert in trucking safety can explain how that violated industry standards or federal regulations. My familiarity with the FMCSA regulations (the federal rules governing trucking) is a key asset – I know what records to ask for and where to find evidence of rule violations. Often in truck cases, uncovering a violation of a safety regulation (like an overloaded truck, an out-of-service order ignored, or an driver without proper license) can significantly strengthen the claim for the injured victims. 7 8 9 10
In short, I leave no stone unturned. My approach is thorough and evidence-based. I build the case as if it is going to trial, even though many cases settle – this way, the trucking company knows we mean business. In fact, preparing a strong case often forces a fair settlement, because the defendants see that we can prove exactly what happened and are ready to present it to a jury. Over my career, I have successfully resolved many claims arising out of truck collisions, securing compensation that helps my clients rebuild their lives.
All my results are posted on my website, so you can see my track record of success. If you would like to see them, click here.
Why I’m a Good Fit for Truck Accident Victims
Choosing a lawyer after a traumatic accident is a very personal decision. You want someone who is experienced and knowledgeable, but also someone you can trust to put your interests first. I strive to be that kind of lawyer. I have years of experience specifically with large truck and catastrophic injury cases, and a track record of results. I know the North Carolina courts and I’m also licensed in Florida (and work with co-counsel nationally), which can be helpful if your accident involves out-of-state companies or insurers. More importantly, I run a small, client-focused practice – when you hire me, you get me. You aren’t handed off to a junior attorney or treated like just another file number. I take personal responsibility for each case I handle. I will keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you’re comfortable with the process. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that if I take joy in the practice of law and show genuine care for my clients, I will be a better advocate for them. I never forget that behind every case file is a human story – a family that may be struggling with grief, trauma, and uncertainty about the future. My promise is to handle your case with the enthusiasm, compassion, and diligence it deserves. 11
At the end of the day, I can’t undo the tragedies that have occurred. But I can help in the aftermath – by seeking accountability, answering your questions, and pursuing the financial compensation you need to secure your family’s future. Holding the at-fault truck driver or company accountable not only helps provide for your needs (such as medical bills, long-term care, lost income, and pain and suffering), it also sends a message that our community will not tolerate carelessness on the road. Often, civil lawsuits push trucking companies to improve their safety practices, so your case could help prevent future accidents as well.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to guide you through the legal process and fight for the accountability you deserve. I invite you to contact me for a free consultation to discuss your situation – I’ll be honest about your options and what I can do to help. You can reach out anytime via my firm’s website contact page (just click the link below). I’m based in Chapel Hill but handle truck accident cases statewide.
Stay safe, and please drive carefully. And if the unthinkable happens, know that there are people like me ready to help.
Contact Langino Law: https://www.langinolaw.com/contact/
Hendersonville Times-News / Blue Ridge Now, “One dead in Fletcher after collision between car and dump truck on Mills Gap Road” (Oct. 13, 2025).
WLOS News 13, “High school senior, 17, killed in head-on crash with dump truck in Fletcher” (Oct. 14, 2025) – identifying the victim as North Henderson High School senior Brianna Henn.
WITN News, “Fiery dump truck crash shuts down Pitt County highway” (Sept. 30, 2025) – report on a dump truck hitting a tree on NC-30 near Greenville, NC, resulting in the driver’s death.
WBTV News, “Truck crash leaves 1 dead, 1 seriously hurt in Charlotte” (Sept. 24, 2025) – report on a pickup truck crash at Reames Rd & Metromont Blvd in Charlotte (one driver, Carl Canipe Jr., was killed).
ABC11 (WTVD), “Driver, 5-week-old baby killed in crash involving cement truck; 3 others injured” (Sept. 12, 2025) – report on a deadly collision on US-421 in Harnett County (Erwin, NC) involving a Dodge SUV and a cement truck.
WDBJ7 News, “Deaths reported in Eden crash involving city vehicle” (Apr. 24, 2025) – news of the City of Eden dump truck accident that killed four linemen (power line workers).
“Truck Crashes in North Carolina: Risks, Rules, Regulations, and Legal Help” –Adam J. Langino, Esq. (discussion of NC trucking regulations and safety issues).
“Large Truck Collisions – The Dangers of Speeding and Distracted Driving” – Adam J. Langino, Esq., Feb. 29, 2024. (Notable statistic: large trucks comprise 9% of vehicles in fatal crashes, despite being only 5% of vehicles on the road.)
“How to Find the ELD Data to Prove the Truck Driver is at Fault” – Adam J. Langino, Esq. (Explains how Electronic Logging Device records and other digital evidence can establish driver fatigue, speeding, and hours-of-service violations in a truck accident case.)
“What You Need to Know About Drowsy Truck Driving and Collisions” –Adam J. Langino, Esq., Jan. 31, 2024. (Highlights the prevalence of fatigue-related truck crashes and the importance of hours-of-service rules; notes that 13% of commercial drivers in crashes were fatigued.)
“What Makes a Good Attorney?” – Adam J. Langino, Esq. (Shares Attorney Langino’s philosophy on the qualities of an effective lawyer, emphasizing pragmatism, compassion, and commitment to clients.)
