Truck Accident

Experienced and Committed Truck Accident Lawyers in North Carolina

A truck accident in North Carolina can be a painful, financially overwhelming, and deeply challenging experience. Injuries and damage in these accidents tend to be serious due to the large size and weight of trucks. Medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle repairs, and lost wages are often significant following a trucking accident. Truck accidents are also often more complex than average car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties that may include the truck driver, the trucking company, and the insurance companies. In light of these complexities and challenges for accident cases involving large trucks, it’s crucial to promptly begin working with an experienced North Carolina truck accident attorney following an accident.

You may incur significant medical costs for the immediate treatment for your truck accident injuries, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and any future medical needs. Apart from physical pain, you may endure emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. There might be loss of earnings due to the inability to work, and a potential loss of future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected. These are all losses for which you may be able to seek compensation. However, trucking companies are prepared to fight against your truck accident claim, so you need to work with knowledgeable truck accident attorneys that are ready to diligently pursue your case and seek fair compensation on your behalf.

Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys at ER Law Trial Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We help truck accident victims in North Carolina navigate the legal process to seek appropriate compensation through truck accident claims. Let us deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and shoulder the legal burdens so you can focus on your recovery and your life.

There are Many Types of Truck Accidents in North Carolina

Truck accidents in North Carolina can take various forms, each with unique circumstances and potential consequences. The type of vehicle operated by the truck driver will affect important considerations in the case. The majority of common types of large trucks involved in North Carolina motor vehicle accidents can be divided into either trucks pulling cargo trailers on many wheels or commercial vehicles on only four wheels that are typically geared towards shorter-range delivery or on-site service functions.

Semi-Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, or Eighteen-Wheelers

Semi-truck accidents, also known as 18-wheeler accidents or tractor-trailer accidents, often lead to serious injuries or fatalities due to the vehicles involved. Tanker trucks behave similarly, carrying explosive cargo. Drivers of these logistics vehicles and their employers have a duty to follow special regulations that limit hours truck drivers spend on the road. These trucking laws are intended to protect the safety of all drivers and passengers using North Carolina’s roadways.

Unfortunately, semi-truck accident statistics show that these important regulations are not always followed by truck drivers and others in the trucking industry. If the truck driver involved in a tractor-trailer crash broke these driving hours regulations in order to meet a difficult delivery schedule, they and their employer might be held liable in your large truck accident claim.

Another party that was responsible for loading or properly securing cargo may also be partially liable for injuries and losses in large truck accident claims, depending on the details of the truck wreck. Improper truck maintenance may be yet another factor affecting large truck accidents.

Trucking companies and their insurance claims adjusters anticipate these types of incidents, and they use their skills and experiences in these cases to fight against personal injury claims arising from these recurring issues. The maximum compensation that may be available for these cases is often very high, and trucking companies prepare accordingly to protect their own interests.

Truck accident victims who have suffered incidents involving tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or similar vehicles should consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer promptly following the truck wreck to explore options for truck accident claims seeking to recover compensation.

Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Other types of service trucks, delivery trucks, dump trucks, or other large industrial vehicles operated by an employee in the course of their work may be involved in commercial vehicle accidents. In such circumstances, the employer or associated company and their insurance company may also be a party to your truck accident claim.

Many commercial motor vehicles carry great mass, which can lead to significant damage or injuries in a commercial truck wreck. Commercial truck accident incidents lead to complex personal injury cases that involve the commercial truck drivers, the trucking companies, other trucking industry organizations involved in loading or maintenance, and the trucking company’s insurance company.

Common Truck Accident Scenarios Involving Semi Trucks and Commercial Trucks

Some of the common types of trucking accidents include:

• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck hits another vehicle from behind, often due to distracted driving or brake failure.
• Direct Collision: This is a head-on collision between a truck and another vehicle, often caused by reckless driving or loss of control.
• Sideswipes: These happen when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, commonly due to improper lane changes or merges.
• Leaving the Lane or the Road: This occurs when a truck veers out of its lane or off the road, potentially due to driver fatigue or distraction.
• Jackknife: This type of accident happens when a tractor-trailer folds in on itself at the hitch, often due to sudden braking or slippery conditions.
• Rollover: Rollovers occur when a truck tips over, which can be caused by taking a turn too fast, sudden maneuvers, or high winds.
• Underride Accidents: These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a passenger car, slides under a tractor-trailer, often leading to severe damage and injuries.
• Head-On Collisions: These are direct impacts between a truck and another vehicle coming from the opposite direction, often due to distracted driving or driving under the influence.

Each type of truck accident carries its own risks and challenges, emphasizing the need for safe driving practices and adherence to traffic laws. Our experienced truck accident lawyers at ER Law can evaluate your unique truck accident case and work with you to seek appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.

What To Do Following a Truck Accident in North Carolina

If you are involved in a truck accident, follow these critical steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the first priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to seek appropriate treatment from a medical professional, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. For example, whiplash, varieties of concussion, or other forms of traumatic brain injury may take time to become symptomatic. Medical treatment can also create documentation in the form of medical records that can support your case to seek compensation for trucking accident injuries.
2. Call the Police: A police report can provide valuable evidence for your case. Provide them with an accurate account of the truck crash incident.
3. Exchange Information: Secure the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance information.
4. Document the Scene: Take pictures of the scene, damages, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, secure their contact information and statements. Coordinate with your attorney to review and follow up on this evidence and these witnesses.
5. Do Not Admit Fault or Give Statements to Insurance Adjusters: Anything you say to an insurance claims adjuster can be used against you. It’s wise to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer before providing any statements, and you should typically have your attorney handle insurance company conversations beyond reporting the incident to your insurer per the terms of your insurance policy.
6. Contact a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer: An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and advocate for the compensation you need.
7. Follow Up With Medical Treatment: Continue your medical treatment as advised by your doctor. This not only aids in your recovery, but also documents the extent of your injuries.

At ER Law Trial Lawyers, we offer a free consultation so we can promptly assess your truck accident case and guide you regarding your case strategy and next steps. Often, multiple parties are involved in truck accident cases, and many times these trucking companies and other parties know very well how to seek their interests — which can harm your interests.

Your MedPay supplemental insurance coverage may cover some of your initial expenses if you chose to purchase it. Whereas many other states require or allow Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, North Carolina insurance companies do not offer PIP.

By consulting an experienced truck accident attorney early in your case, you can often avoid common missteps while protecting your interests. We invite you to contact us today to schedule your complimentary case evaluation.

Types of Injuries from Truck Accidents in North Carolina

Truck accidents often lead to severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers and other types of commercial motor vehicles. Trucking accidents tend to involve more catastrophically-injured victims and fatalities than auto accidents involving only passenger vehicles. The following are some of the common types of injuries:

• Neck and Back Injuries: These can range from strains and sprains to serious spinal cord damage, potentially leading to chronic pain or paralysis.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): These serious injuries can occur from a sudden jolt or impact to the head, leading to cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, or other long-term effects.
• Shoulder Injuries: These can include fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage, which may require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in any part of the body, but are especially common in the limbs during truck accidents.
• Cuts and Lacerations: These can range from minor scrapes to deep wounds, possibly leading to significant blood loss or infection.
• Burns: These can occur if a collision involves a fire or explosion, leading to painful and potentially disfiguring injuries.
• Amputations: In severe cases, a limb may be so badly damaged that it needs to be surgically removed.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, seek medical attention immediately, then consult with an experienced North Carolina truck accident attorney to understand your legal rights.

Accidents Involving Commercial Vehicles in North Carolina

Beyond the dangers related to the size and mass of tractor trailers and other large trucks, their commercial nature involves many important considerations that add significant complexity to North Carolina truck accident claims. Accidents involving commercial motor vehicles come with several unique concerns and considerations that can significantly influence one’s truck accident case:

• Driver Fatigue: Fatigue is a significant issue in the trucking industry due to long hours on the road. Fatigue leads to reduced reaction times and accidents.
• Contributory Negligence Law: North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning if the victim is even slightly at fault (1% or more), they may be barred from recovering damages.
• Federal and State Regulations: Trucking accidents involve the application of both state and federal laws, including regulations on service hours, maintenance requirements, and cargo load limits.
• Multiple Potential Defendants: Liability in a truck accident can extend beyond the truck driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, and even parts manufacturers.
• Complexity of Evidence: Proving fault often requires extensive investigation and evidence, including driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and expert testimony.
• Severe Injuries: Due to the size and weight of many commercial trucks, victims often suffer severe injuries, leading to substantial medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Insurance Issues: Commercial vehicles usually carry higher insurance policies than regular cars, which can lead to more aggressive defense tactics by the insurance companies for trucking companies.

For these reasons, it is crucial for victims of accidents involving tractor-trailers or other commercial vehicles to consult with a skilled truck accident attorney who understands these complexities and can effectively advocate for their rights.

Proving Fault Can Involve Multiple Parties in Truck Accident Cases

Proving fault in a North Carolina truck accident case involves demonstrating several key elements:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the truck driver or other responsible party had a legal duty to drive safely and follow all applicable regulations.
2. Breach of Duty: Prove that the responsible party violated this duty, such as by driving recklessly, exceeding service hours, or failing to maintain the vehicle properly.
3. Causation: Establish a direct link between the breach of duty and the accident.
4. Damages: Demonstrate that you suffered actual losses due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, or pain and suffering.

These elements together constitute negligence. In order to successfully claim compensation, you and your attorney must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly caused your injuries and led to your losses.

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, parts manufacturers, and insurance companies. Each of these parties may bear some level of responsibility for the accident, adding to the complexity of the case.

For example, the trucking company could be held liable for pushing drivers to exceed service hours, or a maintenance provider could be at fault for failing to properly inspect and repair the truck. Under North Carolina’s contributory negligence rules, this complexity multiplies.

Given this complexity, it’s vital to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can thoroughly investigate the accident, gather and analyze relevant evidence, identify potentially liable parties, and effectively advocate for your rights and interests.

Seeking Damages Following a Truck Accident Case

In a truck accident case, victims can potentially recover two main types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are quantifiable costs directly related to the accident. Large truck accidents often lead to higher economic damage amounts than accidents involving only passenger vehicles. Economic damages can include:

• Medical Expenses: This could cover emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and projected future medical care needed due to the accident.
• Lost Wages: If you cannot work due to their injuries, you may be compensated for lost income. This often also includes reduced earning capacity or lost future wages if you are unable to return to your previous job in the same capacity, or at all. Our truck accident lawyers at ER Law can work with you and your doctors to estimate the lost income applicable to your trucking accident claim.
• Property Damage: These damages cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged property.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify, as they are related to the physical and emotional impact of the accident. As with economic damages, these tend to be higher than those of more standard passenger car collisions due to the serious accidents often involved with large trucks. Noneconomic damages may include:

• Pain and Suffering: This is compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and related injuries.
• Loss of Enjoyment: If the victim’s quality of life has been negatively affected — for example, if they can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed — they may be compensated for this loss.
• Mental Anguish: This covers psychological effects such as stress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The experienced truck accident attorneys at ER Law Trial Lawyers can assess and evaluate both economic and noneconomic damages in relation to one’s trucking accident in North Carolina, helping victims to pursue the full compensation they need.

Seek Immediate Assistance from an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident attorney at our firm can provide crucial assistance to a person who has suffered a truck accident in several ways:

• Initial Consultation: Our personal injury attorneys at ER Law offer free initial consultations to discuss the specifics of your case and direct you on the right course of action.
• Investigation: Your lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the liable parties and gather evidence to support your trucking claim, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and expert witness testimony.
• Claim Preparation: Your attorney can help you prepare and file your truck accident claim, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Our attorneys can handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies involved, working to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
• Legal Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can represent you in court after filing a truck accident lawsuit, presenting your case effectively and advocating for your rights.

Given the complexities and potential challenges of truck accident cases, it’s crucial to promptly contact a truck accident attorney at ER Law Trial Lawyers to request a free consultation shortly following an accident involving a tractor-trailer or a commercial truck. This allows us to assess your options and start the investigation process while evidence is still fresh, positioning us to take timely action to protect your rights and interests.

Schedule a Free Consultation with ER Law Trial Lawyers in Greensboro, North Carolina to Discuss Your Truck Accident Case

Protect your interests and move forward confidently by partnering with a skilled North Carolina truck accident lawyer right from the start of your case. With ER Law Trial Lawyers, you are in capable hands. We are ready to fiercely advocate on your behalf to seek appropriate compensation to cover your medical bills, lost income, vehicle expenses, and noneconomic damages. We are prepared to listen, evaluate your needs, and diligently seek solutions for your future.

Contact us today at (336) 904-9000 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation so we can thoroughly discuss your personal injury case. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can assist you in understanding the complete extent of your damages. We will examine the specifics surrounding the incident that led to your injury and devise your case strategy.

For your convenience, we are available to discuss your case via phone, over Zoom, or in-person at either of our offices in Reidsville or Greensboro, North Carolina. We proudly serve North Carolina residents in both Guilford County and Rockingham County.

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