Truck Accident Lawyer in Greenville, NC
After a truck accident in Greenville, NC, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills, lost income, and the pain of serious injuries. You may also face pressure from insurance companies to looking to settle quickly, often for far less than you deserve.
It’s important to have an experienced Greenville truck accident lawyer on your side. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation!
Why You Need a Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are more complex than typical car accidents. Large commercial trucks are subject to strict federal and state regulations. Multiple parties may share fault for a truck collision. A skilled lawyer knows how to handle these complex cases.
Knowledge of Trucking Regulations
A Greenville truck accident lawyer understands the complex trucking regulations that govern commercial vehicles. Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
These regulations cover everything from driver work hours and vehicle maintenance to cargo securement and driver qualifications. A knowledgeable lawyer will know how to investigate whether these rules were broken and how to use that information to strengthen your claim.
Determining Liability for Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a truck accident can be much more complicated than in a typical car crash. The truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loaders, and even the manufacturer of truck parts may share blame for the collision.
A Greenville truck accident attorney has the experience and resources to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf.
How a Greenville Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
When you hire a Greenville truck accident attorney from NC Car Accident Lawyers, you gain a powerful ally in your corner. Our legal team understands the unique challenges of truck accident cases and is committed to providing the comprehensive support you need during this difficult time. From the moment you contact us, we’ll begin working to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation for your losses.
Gathering Evidence
One of the most important steps we take is gathering evidence. Truck accident cases often involve critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements. We know how to obtain and preserve this evidence to build the strongest case possible. Our team may also work with accident reconstruction experts.
Calculating Damages
Calculating the true value of your damages after a truck accident is another crucial task. Insurance companies often try to minimize your injuries and pay out as little as possible. Our Greenville truck accident lawyers will carefully evaluate your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. We take into account both current and future costs, so you’re not left struggling down the road.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Negotiating with insurance companies can be stressful and intimidating. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line, not your best interests. When you have a skilled Greenville truck accident lawyer on your side, you won’t have to deal with these negotiations alone. We handle all communication with the insurance companies and protect your rights throughout the process.
Trial-Ready Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our team is always prepared to take your case to court. We have extensive trial experience and will aggressively advocate for you in front of a judge and jury. Our goal is to make sure you have the best possible chance at recovering the compensation you need to heal and move forward with your life.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Greenville, NC
Being involved in a semi-truck accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Knowing what steps to take in the aftermath can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a truck accident in Greenville, NC.
Check for Injuries
First and foremost, prioritize your safety and check for injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously injured, call 911 right away. Your health and safety should always come first. It’s important to remember that some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
Contact the Police
Next, contact law enforcement and report the accident. In North Carolina, you’re legally required to report accidents that involve injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Police officers will investigate the scene and create an accident report, which will be an important piece of evidence in your case.
Exchange Information
After you’ve contacted law enforcement, exchange information with the other driver. Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and the name of their trucking company. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information as well. This information will be essential when it comes time to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Document the Accident
Documenting the scene is also crucial. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can help paint a clear picture of what happened and may be key in proving your case later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Truck accident injuries can be severe and may not show symptoms right away. A medical professional can properly assess your injuries and ensure you get the treatment you need. Having a medical record also helps link your injuries to the accident.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Greenville, NC
Contact a Greenville truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Truck accident cases can be complex, and evidence can disappear quickly. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we’re ready to step in and start building your case right away. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin working to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Types of Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
After a truck accident, victims often face a long road to recovery: physically, emotionally, and financially. Our truck accident lawyers in Greenville, NC, will fight for the maximum compensation.
Medical Expenses
One of the most immediate and significant expenses you may face after a truck accident is medical bills. These can include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care. In many cases, truck accident injuries are severe and require long-term treatment.
Lost Wages
Another key category of damages is lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you have the right to recover compensation for the income you’ve lost. This includes not only wages you’ve already missed but also any loss of future earning capacity.
Property Damage
Truck accidents often cause significant property damage. Your car may be completely totaled. Beyond your vehicle, other personal property, such as cell phones, laptops, or valuable items in your car, may also be damaged in the crash.
You can recover money for the cost of vehicle repairs or the fair market value of a totaled car. You can also seek compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged belongings.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are designed to compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. These damages can include not just physical pain, but also mental anguish, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Because these damages don’t come with a specific dollar amount, they can be more challenging to prove, but they’re just as important. Our legal team will present compelling evidence to demonstrate how the accident has affected your life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate you for your losses, but to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. In North Carolina, punitive damages can be awarded if the at-fault party’s actions involved fraud, malice, or willful or wanton conduct.
North Carolina law usually limits punitive damages to three times the amount of compensatory damages (like medical expenses and lost wages) or $250,000, whichever is greater. However, if the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, there is no cap on punitive damages.
Wrongful Death Claim After a Tractor-Trailer Accident
When a truck accident tragically results in the loss of a loved one, the pain and grief can be overwhelming. No family should have to face the emotional and financial aftermath of such a tragedy alone. In North Carolina, the law allows certain family members to file a wrongful death claim against the responsible parties. While no legal action can truly make up for your loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide some measure of justice and help ease the financial burdens caused by the accident.
A wrongful death claim can help recover damages for funeral and burial expenses, the lost income your loved one would have provided, medical bills related to the final injury, and the pain and suffering your family has endured. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we know how devastating these cases are, and we’re here to handle the legal work with compassion and care.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina
Truck accidents are often the result of a combination of factors. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than typical vehicles, even small mistakes can have catastrophic consequences. Here are some of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents in Greenville and across North Carolina.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours under tight deadlines, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving. Federal regulations limit the number of hours drivers can be on the road, but these rules are sometimes ignored or violated, increasing the risk of an accident.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers, like all drivers, can become distracted by things like cell phones, GPS devices, or even eating and drinking behind the wheel. When a truck driver takes their attention off the road, the consequences can be devastating.
Improper Loading and Cargo Securement
Trucks that are improperly loaded or have unsecured cargo can be extremely dangerous. Shifting or falling cargo can make a truck unstable or cause items to spill onto the road, leading to serious accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Because of their size and weight, trucks require more time and distance to stop safely. When truck drivers speed, tailgate, or drive aggressively, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Mechanical Failures
Poor maintenance or defective truck parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering components, can lead to serious accidents. Trucking companies have a legal duty to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and safe for the road.
The Deadline for a Truck Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina
North Carolina’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is three years from the accident date. The statute of limitations for wrongful death cases is two years from the date of death.
If you don’t file your lawsuit within the timeframe, you can lose your right to seek compensation. Some circumstances can affect the deadline for legal action. It’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Our Greenville, NC, Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Greenville, NC, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Let our experienced team at NC Car Accident Lawyers fight for you. We’re here to provide the guidance, support, and tireless advocacy you need.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your case. Call 864-561-6247 or complete our online form for a free case review.
