Reliable Charlotte Truck Accident Attorneys

By Your Side After an Accident in North Carolina

The highways around Charlotte, North Carolina are packed with tractor-trailers, creating countless opportunities for accidents to occur. When a commercial truck overturns or collides with another vehicle, many people can be injured or killed. The size and weight of semi-trucks make them prone to inflicting serious damage on other, smaller vehicles. A big rig driver is well protected, but when a passenger vehicle crashes with a truck, it is likely to result in serious injuries or death.

If you are involved in a truck accident, it can be physically, mentally, and financially devastating. The injuries and pain, combined with a complex legal system, may feel overwhelming. You need an experienced Charlotte truck accident lawyer to represent you and seek the compensation you are entitled to. At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A., our aggressive legal team has been handling truck accident lawsuits for decades. We know how to investigate your accident, build your case, and guide you through every step of the process while protecting your rights.

Learn more about filing a truck accident claim in North Carolina by contacting our Charlotte personal injury attorney at (704) 377-3737 for a free consultation. We’ve recovered millions for clients successfully and can help you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in NC

Trucking companies and their drivers are legally required to follow specific rules and regulations, such as rules that limit how many hours a driver may operate his or her truck. Unfortunately, drivers are sometimes pressured to exceed their hourly limits in order to complete jobs faster. This leads to fatigued, distracted truckers – and a higher probability of serious accidents.

Other types of reckless or negligent behavior can also lead to serious truck crashes. For example, some truckers abuse drugs or alcohol in an attempt to stay more alert while driving. In other cases, inadequate training or experience is to blame when a preventable collision occurs.

Some common causes of commercial truck accidents in North Carolina include:

• Aggressive driving
• Carelessness and negligence
• Excessive speeding
• Improper and uneven loading of cargo
• Mechanical failure
• Overloading cargo
• Poor vehicle maintenance and unsafe equipment, such as defective brakes

Many truck accident cases involve one or more of the following factors:

• Broadside collisions
• Center lane crossovers
• Head-on collisions
• Jack-knifed trucks
• Lane-change accidents
• Loss of control
• Rear-end collisions

Truck drivers have a dangerous job and a massive vehicle to control. Anyone or a combination of variables that are not up to standard, such as failure to follow federal regulations for motor carriers, can cause a catastrophic truck accident that injures or kills multiple drivers and their passengers.

What Should I Do Immediately After a North Carolina Truck Accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident, taking specific steps immediately is crucial to ensure safety, gather information, and protect your rights. Here’s a guide on what to do after a truck accident:

• Ensure Your Safety

If possible and without risking further injury, move to a safe area away from the traffic. Assess yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries.

• Call for Help

Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the accident. Provide information about injuries and the location of the accident.

• Exchange Information

Exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and license plate numbers with the truck driver. Note the trucking company’s name, if applicable, and any identifiable marks on the truck, like logos or Department of Transportation ID numbers.

If there are witnesses, obtain their names and contact information.

• Document the Scene

Use your smartphone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and any relevant road signs. Write down your recollection of the events leading up to the accident while the details are fresh.

• Do Not Admit Fault

Be cautious about what you say at the scene. Do not admit fault or make statements interpreted as an admission of guilt.

• Cooperate with Law Enforcement

When the police arrive, provide an accurate and truthful account of the accident. Obtain the officers’ names and badge numbers and review the police report for any missing or misinterpreted information before it is officially filed.

• Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and should be identified by a medical professional right away.

• Preserve Evidence

Retain any documents related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. If possible, keep the damaged vehicle in its current condition until it can be thoroughly examined.

• Consult with Our Experienced Charlotte Truck Accident and Injury Attorneys

If you are injured in the accident or have disputes about fault, contact our truck accident attorneys in North Carolina to ensure your legal rights and options are protected from the start.

Remember, your steps immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact future insurance claims or legal actions.

How are North Carolina Truck Accidents and Injuries Different from Other Vehicle Collisions?

Truck accidents in North Carolina can differ from other vehicle collisions in several ways due to the unique characteristics of commercial trucks.

Here are some aspects that distinguish truck accidents from other types of vehicle collisions:

• Severity of Injuries

Due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and smaller vehicles, injuries in truck accidents tend to be more severe. Occupants of smaller vehicles are at greater risk of serious injuries and fatalities.

• Multiple Parties Involved

Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle manufacturer, and potentially others. Determining liability can be more complex than in typical car accidents.

• Regulatory Compliance

The trucking industry is subject to federal and state regulations. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. Violations of these regulations can contribute to accidents.

• Investigation Challenges

Investigating truck accidents can be more challenging than typical car accidents. This may involve examining the truck’s maintenance records, the driver’s logbooks, and compliance with hours-of-service regulations.

• Insurance Coverage

Commercial trucks must carry higher insurance coverage than personal vehicles due to the potential for more significant damages and injuries. Dealing with insurance claims in truck accidents can be more complex.

• Black Box Data

Many commercial trucks have electronic control modules (ECMs), commonly called “black boxes.” These devices record data about the truck’s speed, braking, and other factors leading up to an accident, providing valuable evidence in investigations.

• Driver Training and Licensing

Commercial truck drivers must undergo specialized training and hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Issues related to the driver’s training and qualifications may play a role in determining liability in a truck accident.

• Cargo Issues

Improperly loaded or secured cargo can contribute to truck accidents. Cargo-related issues, such as shifting loads or overloaded trucks, are specific concerns in the context of commercial vehicles.

• Different Laws and Regulations

Truck accidents are subject to specific laws and regulations that do not apply to regular car accidents. Understanding these regulations is crucial when investigating liability and pursuing legal action.

• Legal Complexity

Due to the numerous parties involved, compliance with regulations, and the potential for severe injuries, legal proceedings related to truck accidents can be more intricate than those for typical car accidents.

It is essential to recognize these distinctions and seek professional guidance if you have been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina. Our experienced Charlotte attorneys can help navigate the complexities of truck accident cases and ensure that your rights are protected.

Our Personal Injury Lawyers In Charlotte Also Focus On The Following Practice Areas:

• Auto Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Commercial Truck Accidents
• Construction Accidents
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Hit & Run Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Orthopedic Injuries
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Premises Liability
• Rideshare Accidents
• Slip & Fall Accidents
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• TBI / Traumatic Brain Injury
• Teenage Driver Accidents
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
• Whiplash Injuries
• Wrongful Death

Truck Accident Lawsuit Settlements

You will need a qualified truck accident attorney in Charlotte who can quickly assess your situation and take the appropriate action to show that the truck driver, or the company that owns the truck, is at fault for your injuries. Your lawyer can potentially file claims for negligence, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.

Your Charlotte truck accident attorney will handle all of the critical details concerning your truck accident claim. However, it can be helpful to have some key background knowledge about truck accident compensation, which may be obtainable by negotiating a settlement or being awarded damages in court.

Here are three important points for plaintiffs to remember about filing a truck accident claim in Charlotte, North Carolina:

• The trucking company will be required to pay your damages only after they have been found liable. Therefore, it is important to know what your own insurance will cover so that your medical bills are paid while your claim is in litigation.
• Certain evidence needs to be preserved for or within a limited amount of time. For this reason, the sooner you contact a Charlotte truck accident attorney and have a case filed, the better your chances will be of obtaining compensation and closure.
• There is a deadline called the “statute of limitations,” which establishes a set amount of time in which to file your claim. Don’t let the statute of limitations run for too long before you consult with a truck accident lawyer in Charlotte. It is important to give your attorney maximum time to research the accident, depose expert medical witnesses and any accident eyewitnesses, and plan your case.

Get started on your case today by calling our truck accident attorneys in Charlotte at (704) 377-3737. Our attorneys can pursue justice on your behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions for Truck Accident in North Carolina

What compensation can you fight for in a truck accident case?

In a truck accident case, you can seek compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Why are truck accidents typically more dangerous than car accidents in Charlotte?

Truck accidents are typically more dangerous than car accidents because of the size and weight of the trucks involved. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is significantly heavier than the average passenger vehicle. Meaning that when a truck collides with a car, the force of the impact can be much greater, leading to more severe injuries and property damage.

What are the different types of truck accidents in Charlotte?

There are several different types of truck accidents, including rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, rollover accidents, underride accidents, and blind spot accidents. Each of these types of accidents can have unique causes and may require different approaches to determine fault and seek compensation.

How is fault determined in a truck accident?

Fault in a truck accident is determined based on the specific circumstances of the case. The investigation may involve reviewing the truck driver’s driving history and compliance with federal regulations, analyzing data from the truck’s black box or other electronic logging devices, examining the scene of the accident, and interviewing witnesses. Ultimately, fault will be determined based on who was negligent or reckless in causing the accident, which could include the truck driver, the trucking company, or other parties involved in the operation or maintenance of the truck.

How common are truck accidents in Charlotte?

Truck accidents are more common than you would think. In 2020 the state of North Carolina had just under 5,000 truck accidents.

What will my attorney need to know about my case?

Your Charlotte attorney will need to know all the details surrounding your truck accident, including the location, time, and date of the accident, the parties involved, any injuries sustained, and any medical treatment you have received. They will also want to review any police reports, witness statements, and medical records related to the accident. Additionally, they may ask about your insurance coverage and any communication you’ve had with insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident.

What are the non-economic damages you can recover in a truck accident?

Non-economic damages that can be recovered in a truck accident case include things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium or companionship.

If the truck that hit me is from another state can I still use a North Carolina attorney?

Yes, you can still use a North Carolina attorney if the truck that hit you is from another state. It’s actually fairly common for trucking companies to operate across state lines, and an attorney who is licensed to practice law in North Carolina can still represent you in a case against an out-of-state trucking company, as long as the accident was in the state.

Can I sue the trucking company for my accident?

Yes, you may be able to sue the trucking company for your accident. In many truck accident cases, the trucking company may be liable for the accident due to factors such as negligent hiring or training, failure to properly maintain the truck, or violation of federal trucking regulations.

Is North Carolina a comparative negligent state?

Yes, North Carolina is a comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.

Related Links:

• Sue A Trucking Company After Being Hit In North Carolina?