If you or a loved one was hurt in a commercial truck accident in North Carolina, it’s normal to have questions. Getting answers as soon as possible is vital to protecting your legal rights. Truck accidents remain a serious concern in North Carolina and across the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), North Carolina recorded 4,992 non-fatal crashes and 135 fatal crashes involving large trucks in 2024.
Below, Stewart Law Offices answers some of the most common questions you should ask an attorney about your truck accident claim. For specific advice about your case, call or contact our proven North Carolina truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
The size and weight differences between large trucks and passenger vehicles can lead to devastating consequences in collisions. Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while passenger vehicles typically weigh between 2,500 and 4,200 pounds. This massive weight difference explains why, according to FMCSA data, 67% of fatalities in 2021 large-truck crashes were passenger vehicle occupants, not truck occupants.
Common severe injuries from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple bone fractures
- Severe burns
- Amputations
Understanding these risks underscores the importance of seeking experienced legal representation after a truck accident.
What Should I Do if I am Involved in a Truck Accident?
The most important steps to take after a truck accident include:
- Report the accident, as required by state law.
- Exchange insurance and contact information for all drivers involved in the wreck.
- Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses.
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures of the vehicles, your injuries, and any evidence you believe could be relevant to your claim.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if you do not feel hurt. Some serious injuries, such as internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call a Charlotte truck accident lawyer for a free consultation. An attorney can also help you notify your auto insurance company and begin the claims process for you.
If you were seriously injured after the truck accident, you may not have had time to follow all of these steps. That’s OK. An experienced lawyer can help pick up the pieces.
What Should I Do if an Insurance Adjuster Contacts Me?
An insurance adjuster for the liable party will likely contact you soon after the accident. When they do, it is best to say as little as possible and direct them to your truck accident lawyer. The adjuster may take anything you say out of context to try to prove that you were partially at fault for the crash. If they succeed, you could lose your right to any compensation based on North Carolina’s harsh contributory negligence laws.
How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Truck Accident Claim?
No one can say with certainty how long your truck accident claim will take. The length of time will largely depend on the severity of your injuries so you know how much to claim in damages.
The amount of time it takes to conduct an investigation and collect evidence will also affect the timeline of your claim. If negotiations with the insurance company are successful, a truck accident claim may take several months. However, when insurers and other liable parties refuse to offer a fair settlement, you may have to file a lawsuit, which can take years. Your truck accident lawyer will advise you of all possibilities given the facts of your case.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
Just as no one can determine how long your truck accident claim will take, it is also impossible to determine how much a specific case is worth. However, there are some factors you can use to approximate the damages you will receive. These include:
- Your past and future medical costs
- Lost income and lost future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- The severity of your injury and whether you suffered any disabilities
In some cases, punitive damages are also available when the liable party acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct.
How Do I Know if I Need a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer?
Most truck accident victims need the help of a truck accident lawyer in North Carolina. Unlike the majority of car accidents, truck accidents may involve more than one liable party, not just the truck driver. An attorney can investigate your case to identify every defendant and give you the best possible chance of recovering full and fair compensation.
Talk to a N.C. Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Stewart Law Offices has a team of respected North Carolina personal injury lawyers with decades of experience representing injured people just like you. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a skilled truck accident attorney.