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Last Modified on Dec 23, 2025
Interchange and merge zone truck accidents on I-85 in Gaston County, NC, often result in severe injuries because drivers must make rapid decisions in fast-moving, high-congestion areas. Tractor-trailers navigating lane shifts, short merge lanes, or sudden slowdowns pose significant risks to nearby motorists.
A collision in these areas may involve questions about visibility, driver behavior, and commercial vehicle operation. Understanding how these crashes occur is essential for evaluating liability and determining whether negligence contributed to the crash.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
When dealing with serious crashes involving big rigs, such as those along I-85, it is critical to work with a dedicated truck accident lawyer and a law firm that has the knowledge and resources to review complicated issues such as commercial driver logs, event data recorders, truck maintenance history, and roadway engineering and design factors that may have contributed to the collision.
The attorneys and staff at Roberts Law Firm, P.A. routinely retain reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and industry professionals to evaluate such issues and others. Roberts Law Firm, P.A has a history of being thorough in its investigations and evidence-driven in its advice, so you can feel confident you are getting the most knowledgeable and reliable support for your truck accident injury claim in North Carolina.
Interchanges and Merge Zones Can Lead to Multi-Vehicle Crashes Involving Trucks
Vehicle merges and interchanges require vehicles traveling at highway speeds to interact with those entering or leaving traffic at very high speeds. Merging or taking an exit on a highway is a very challenging maneuver for a commercial truck due to its length, limited visibility, and long stopping distance. There are also often sudden stops, tight curves, and varying speeds, which can make a driver’s small mistake trigger a chain-reaction crash.
In addition, the high traffic volume on interstates, such as I-85, only increases the risk of a crash. It is important to have a good understanding of the roadway issues at play when evaluating driver error, lane positioning, and whether all reasonable safety measures were taken.
Injuries and Damages Associated With Merge-Area Truck Crashes
Injuries sustained in collisions at interchanges or merge areas usually involve high speeds and a sudden impact. Common personal injuries from these crashes include broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord trauma, internal injuries, and loss of mobility. Emergency and follow-up medical treatment can include hospital care, surgery, rehabilitation, and other aftercare.
Losses can be shown by evidence of lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and the seriousness of the emotional distress experienced. Gathering and reviewing medical evidence, financial records, and professional reports on the causes and consequences of an accident can help a victim better understand the full extent of their losses and long-term needs and inform an injury claim for damages.
Typical Causes of Merges Area Truck Crashes
Multiple circumstances often combine to cause a crash with a tractor-trailer in a highway merge zone. Blind spots in and around large trucks can obscure smaller passenger vehicles. Distracted driving, driver fatigue, or speeding can compound a truck driver’s inability to take evasive action.
In many cases, the drivers of passenger vehicles also contributed to a merge-area crash by failing to yield the right-of-way, merging too slowly, or attempting to change lanes at the last minute. Dash-camera videos, ELD records, witness statements, and roadway design can help identify the causes of a crash and to what degree each party was responsible.
Local Factors on I-85 in Gaston County
High-volume interchanges in I-85 include those near Cox Road, New Hope Road, and US-321. Traffic congestion near these off- and on-ramps may increase merging challenges. Short acceleration lanes and heavy freight traffic can provide limited windows of opportunity to safely enter or exit the highway. Reduced visibility due to curves, on-ramps, or construction patterns can force drivers to quickly adjust their driving.
Assessing local traffic flow, typical peak-hour traffic patterns, and volume and commercial activities in the immediate area may reveal how the environment may have contributed to the collision. Such local considerations can determine liability in truck accidents in Gaston County.
FAQs
How Common Are Serious Truck Crashes on U.S. Highways?
Large-truck accidents happen all across the country. Traveling at high speeds on roadways such as I-85 increases the risk of accidents. There were 5,472 fatalities in large-truck crashes in 2023, and driver-related errors contributed to 33% of all fatal large-truck crashes. Vehicles are merging, changing lanes, and stopping due to congestion.
Crashes must be investigated to assess driver performance, vehicle data, and roadway factors to determine whether negligence is a factor.
Why Are Merge Zones So Dangerous for Passenger Vehicles?
Merge zones can position smaller vehicles beside large trucks whose size and limited visibility create significant danger. Tractor-trailer blind spots account for a substantial share of multi-vehicle crashes, as drivers may not see cars hidden along the trailer’s sides or rear.
Sudden stops, short ramps, or driver distraction can intensify these risks. Determining the cause of a crash often requires analyzing video footage, witness statements, and vehicle positioning to understand how the collision occurred.
What Laws Govern Commercial Truck Operation in North Carolina?
Truck drivers operate under Federal Hours-of-Service laws, 49 C.F.R. § 395. These regulations govern how many hours a driver may drive before taking a break and resting. The goal is to reduce driver fatigue, a leading cause of highway accidents. Drivers must maintain accurate records of their driving time. Typically, this information can be obtained from electronic logging devices, GPS, and company dispatch records.
How Does a Truck’s Stopping Distance Affect Merge-Zone Collisions?
Large commercial trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. At highway speeds, a large truck requires more stopping distance than an average car. The merge zone allows for both of these conditions. Traffic may slow suddenly or get jammed into short acceleration lanes.
A truck that can’t brake fast enough can make a serious impact. Analyzing speed, traffic flow, and available stopping distance can better explain each factor’s role in the crash.
Contact a Gaston County Truck Accident Lawyer
Interchange and merge-zone truck collisions on I-85 in Gaston County can lead to complex questions about liability and long-term recovery. A consultation with Roberts Law Firm, P.A. can provide clarity about available options. If guidance is needed, you can hire a truck accident lawyer from our firm to support your next steps. Book a consultation today.
