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 so that you can protect your legal rights.
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.
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.
- Call a North Carolina 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 and 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
- Lost earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- 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.
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 is a respected North Carolina personal injury law firm 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.
