Truck Accident Lawyer in Durham, North Carolina: Fighting for Your Rights
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in Durham, NC, you’re likely facing serious injuries, emotional stress, and financial challenges. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and often cause life-changing injuries when they’re involved in crashes. An experienced Durham truck accident lawyer from North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers can fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’re here to support you through every step of the legal process. Commercial truck accidents are more complex than regular car crashes because they involve multiple parties and federal regulations. That’s why having the right legal team matters.
Contact us today for a free case review!
What to Do After a Truck Crash in Durham, NC
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but the actions you take immediately following the crash can impact your health, your claim, and your future. Here are the most important steps to take after a tractor-trailer accident.
Call 911
Always report the accident. Law enforcement will arrive to secure the scene, assist those who are injured, and file a police report. This report will be a crucial piece of evidence in your truck accident case.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries take time to show symptoms, and having a medical record is important for your personal injury claim.
Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, and other important details. Get contact information from witnesses, and note the name of the trucking company and any identifying information on the truck.
Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company or Insurance Adjusters
The insurance company may contact you soon after the crash. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept any offers before speaking to a Durham truck accident lawyer. Insurance companies are focused on minimizing their payout, not helping you.
Contact a Durham Truck Accident Attorney
Call our Durham truck accident lawyers as soon as possible. We’ll help protect your rights and begin building your case right away.
Why Hire a Durham Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident claims are complicated. They often involve multiple parties, federal trucking regulations, and serious injuries. Here’s how a skilled Durham truck accident lawyer can help you.
Gathering Evidence
We know how to gather the evidence needed to prove your case. This may include:
- Truck driver logs
- Black box (event data recorder) data
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Trucking company hiring and training records
- Photos and video from the scene
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Expert analysis and accident reconstruction
We understand the nuances of trucking laws and federal regulations and will carefully investigate to uncover any safety violations. We work tirelessly to hold truck drivers and truck companies accountable.
Settlement Negotiation
Insurance companies fight to minimize payouts to truck accident victims. You need a skilled legal advocate to deal with truck companies and insurers. We will calculate the full value of your damages and negotiate with the insurance companies so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Lawsuit Representation
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. We have experience handling truck accident trials and know how to present a strong case to a jury. Whether in settlement talks or in court, we will fight for the best possible outcome for you.
Compensation in Truck Accident Claims
Semi-truck accidents often result in devastating injuries. A Durham truck accident lawyer can help you pursue full compensation for all of your losses.
Medical Bills
This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and future medical expenses if you need ongoing care.
Lost Wages and Lost Earning Capacity
You can seek damages for lost wages from missing work during your recovery. If you cannot work anymore or are forced to take a lower-paying job because of your injuries, you can recover compensation for future lost income.
Property Damage
You can be compensated for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the truck crash.
Pain and Suffering
Truck crashes often cause significant physical pain and emotional trauma. While this type of damage doesn’t come with receipts or bills, it’s still a vital part of your claim. You may also be compensated for mental anguish, PTSD, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the truck driver or company acted with extreme negligence, such as drunk driving or knowingly violating safety regulations, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Wrongful Death Claims and Fatal Truck Crashes
Losing a loved one in a fatal truck accident is devastating. The pain, grief, and sudden changes a family faces can be overwhelming. In North Carolina, certain family members can file a wrongful death claim if the truck crash was caused by negligence.
While no amount of money can ever replace a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit can help ease the financial burden of funeral costs, lost income, and medical bills. A compassionate and experienced Durham truck accident lawyer will fight for the accountability and compensation your family deserves.
Who Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident?
More than one party can be liable for a North Carolina truck accident. This is one of the reasons why trucking accident claims are more complex than typical car crashes.
Uncovering all responsible parties is key to getting the maximum compensation. A Durham truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and pursue claims against everyone who played a role in causing your accident.
Truck Driver
If the truck driver was fatigued, speeding, or under the influence, they may be held responsible. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets limits on driving hours and many other rules. Drivers who break these regulations can be held responsible.
Truck Company
The truck company may be liable for negligent hiring, poor training, improper vehicle maintenance, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules. In many cases, trucking companies are also responsible for the actions of their drivers.
Manufacturer
If a faulty truck part—such as brakes, tires, or steering components—caused or contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be held accountable under product liability laws.
Truck Loaders or Cargo Companies
Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or falling debris. A third-party cargo company responsible for loading the truck may share liability.
Truck Accident FAQs
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of your truck accident case depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Your medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income from time off work
- Whether your injuries affect your ability to work in the future
- Damage to your vehicle and other property
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Every case is different. Some truck accident claims may be worth tens of thousands of dollars, while others, especially those involving serious or permanent injuries, can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. A Durham truck accident lawyer can help you understand what your specific case may be worth after reviewing all the details.
What is the deadline for a truck accident lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is two years from the victim’s death.
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation, even if your injuries are serious. That’s why it’s important to talk to a Durham truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
How much does a Durham truck accident attorney cost?
At North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers, we understand that most people can’t afford to pay an attorney out of pocket, especially after a serious accident. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis.
There are no upfront costs when hiring a Durham truck accident attorney, and you only pay us if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict
We also offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in reaching out to discuss your case. If you choose to work with us, we’ll handle everything from start to finish while you focus on healing.
Will my truck accident case go to court?
Most truck accident cases do not go to court. In many situations, your Durham truck accident lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company or trucking company without the need for a trial.
However, if the other side refuses to offer a reasonable settlement or if there’s a dispute about who is at fault, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court. If that happens, your lawyer will handle everything, from filing the lawsuit to presenting your case.
We prepare every case as if it might go to trial. That way, we’re always ready to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that means negotiating a strong settlement or going to court on your behalf.
Get Help from a Durham Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accidents are life-changing. You don’t have to face this difficult time alone. Let an experienced Durham truck accident lawyer at North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers stand up for you. We’ve helped countless victims get the justice and compensation they need to move forward.
From investigating the crash and dealing with the trucking company to negotiating your settlement or representing you in court, we’re with you every step of the way.
Call 864-561-6247 today or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We’re ready to help you get the answers and support you deserve.
