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With tens of thousands of commercial trucks on the roads in North Carolina transporting goods daily, the chance of being affected by a truck-related accident has increased. Over the years, registered tractor-trailers have increased dramatically across the country and in Raleigh. Accidents involving semi-trucks have also increased significantly. Anyone involved in a truck accident can hire a truck accident lawyer.
Don’t wait any longer to get justice after a North Carolina truck accident. Our team of 18-wheeler accident attorneys is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
An 18-wheeler accident attorney specializes in laws and regulations associated with commercial trucking and personal injury. Their primary role is to represent victims of truck accidents, advocating on their behalf to seek justice and compensation for damages suffered.
In the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, an attorney swiftly initiates an investigation to gather critical evidence. This may involve documenting the accident scene, acquiring video surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and collecting police reports. They may also obtain the truck's "black box" data and driver's logbook, which could provide substantial insights into the cause of the accident.
Trucking laws and regulations are intricate, often involving both state and federal statutes. An experienced attorney has the necessary knowledge to navigate this complexity, ensuring that all relevant laws are considered in building a solid case.
Determining liability in a truck accident can be complicated due to the potential involvement of multiple parties, from the truck driver and trucking company to manufacturers and maintenance providers. An 18-wheeler accident attorney scrutinizes all these aspects to identify the liable party or parties.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize their payout after an accident. A skilled attorney negotiates with these companies on behalf of the victim, advocating for a fair settlement that adequately covers medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, and other related costs.
If a fair settlement can't be reached outside of court, an attorney represents the victim in a court trial, arguing the case with the goal of securing just compensation.
The intricate nature of trucking regulations and personal injury laws makes the role of a specialized attorney crucial. Their expertise and knowledge can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case, ensuring that victims' rights are protected.
Legal firms specializing in truck accidents typically have access to resources like accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and investigators, all of whom can help strengthen a victim's case.
A competent attorney can help victims secure fair compensation, relieving the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.
Knowing that a skilled legal professional is handling their case allows victims to focus on recovery and healing.
The role of an 18-wheeler accident attorney in North Carolina is integral in ensuring justice for truck accident victims. We navigate the complex legal landscape, advocate for victims' rights, and strive for fair compensation. It's essential for anyone involved in a serious truck accident to seek out assistance promptly to ensure their interests are protected from the start.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you need the help of an experienced Raleigh truck accident lawyer. At The Law Offices of John M. McCabe, we understand that recovering from your injuries is your top priority and we are here to fight for you. We are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable for the injuries they cause and will work hard to get you the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Truck accidents can be devastating, especially when the other vehicle involved is a much smaller passenger car. The sheer size and weight of a truck can cause serious injuries or fatalities to those in the smaller vehicle. In North Carolina alone, nearly 1,700 people were killed in truck accidents from 2003 through 2013. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, it's essential to seek legal help from an 18-wheeler accident attorney as soon as possible.
There are many common injuries associated with Raleigh truck crashes ranging from mild to fatal. Some of those are:
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth motion, such as in a car accident. Symptoms of whiplash can include headaches, dizziness, neck pain and stiffness, shoulder discomfort, and tingling or numbness in the arms.
Some of the most common broken bones after truck accidents include fractures to arms, legs, ribs, and the spine. In extreme cases, surgeries may be needed to repair more serious fractures.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain caused by an external physical force, such as a bump on the head or a car accident. TBI can cause physical, emotional, and cognitive problems that range from difficulty with thinking and memory to emotional changes, such as depression.
Common soft tissue injuries after a truck accident include whiplash, contusions, strains, and sprains. These types of injuries can cause long-term pain and impairment if they are severe enough.
Several things can cause the disaster, such as:
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of Raleigh truck accidents. Driver fatigue occurs when motorists become drowsy, distracted, and/or exhausted while driving. When truck driver’s alertness is compromised, they can make poor decisions, like not paying attention to the road or following too closely behind other vehicles. Driver fatigue can also lead to slower reaction times which can often cause severe collisions with other drivers or pedestrians. In order to mitigate these risks, truck drivers need to get adequate rest between shifts and ensure they are well-rested before going on a long-haul drive.
Distracted driving for a truck driver is operating a commercial vehicle while engaging in activities that take their attention away from the task of driving. This can include texting and talking on the phone, using GPS devices, and programming radios. Distracted driving increases the risk of a crash and puts both truckers and other drivers at risk.
Mayn roads in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina are high-speed highways with tight turns and curves. This increases the risk of a truck crash.
Many drivers don't give themselves enough room to stop. Icy roads, for instance, increase the probability of a truck getting into an accident, especially when combined with other drivers' negligence.
If a delivery timetable is aggressive, the truck driver will be more susceptible to causing accidents. Nobody should ever have to deal with several tons of steel sliding along a slippery road at high speed. Truck drivers should be especially cautious and observant.
If the brakes or other safety measures stop working, either the owner neglected to implement a reliable maintenance schedule or the maintenance contractors erred. Driver weariness might also cause accidents involving trucks.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you'd probably be in shock, so you'll be unsure what steps to take next. A truck accident attorney will:
Hiring a trucking injury accident lawyer is the best approach to handling a lawsuit involving a truck accident that wasn't your fault. Truck accidents often require the expertise of a traffic reconstructionist to determine their causes. A skilled trucking accident attorney will work with credible accident reconstruction experts to determine what went wrong.
We work on a contingency basis for premises liability, personal injury, and wrongful death. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas such as:
Since large trucks inflict more severe damage than passenger vehicles, the law mandates that they carry liability insurance significantly higher than that needed for cars. After an accident, you should be prepared for the insurance company to contact you. In most cases, an accident victim must negotiate with multiple insurance firms before receiving compensation. These insurance companies may represent the truck driver, the trucking business, or the cargo shipper.
You need to understand that the purpose of the insurance agent is to safeguard their profits and costs. As such, do not be fooled by the adjuster's kind tone. Insurance companies also employ tactics to get you to admit fault. To avoid making a remark that could be used against you, it is crucial to have a trucking accident attorney represent you. Remember, the longer you wait to get in touch with a Raleigh truck accident lawyer, the more challenging it will be to collect and preserve evidence.
Truck accident cases are typically more complicated than vehicle-to-vehicle crash cases. In a case involving a truck accident, potential defendants could include, but are not limited to:
So, what if the truck driver worked under an independent contract with the trucking company? All commercial trucks operating on U.S. roads are subject to regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
In other situations, something in the truck might have broken while being shipped and caused the collision. That could mean that the truck's maker is responsible for whatever went wrong. Again, a lawyer specializing in vehicle accidents can help you identify all liable parties and launch a case against them.
Our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney specializes in Raleigh truck accident claims and can handle legal matters so you can heal. We will take the process of filing claims with the insurance company or arguing your case in court. Your personal injury attorney, specializing in truck accidents, will investigate your case and gather evidence, including:
In addition to any records demonstrating loss, you should compile all medical bills and other expenses associated with the injury. You'll need to allow your truck accident lawyer to handle all the negotiations to secure a fair settlement. The trucking accident attorney will also propose court proceedings if the insurance companies are unwilling to reach a settlement agreement.
Trucking accidents are a major safety concern in North Carolina, with the state experiencing 273,573 commercial vehicle crashes in 2020. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) collects comprehensive statewide statistical information on these crashes, and according to their data, more than 69,000 of these collisions resulted in injury. In contrast, 1,523 resulted in one or more fatalities. Wake County had the second-highest rate of commercial motor vehicle accidents in the state with 28,714 crashes.
According to NCDOT definitions, collisions involving “commercial motor vehicles” include large trucks such as tractor-trailers and semi-trucks; buses; delivery vans; and other vehicles used for transporting goods or passengers for hire. These vehicles can be hazardous due to their size and weight when involved in an accident. It is essential for drivers to be aware of their surroundings when sharing the road with commercial motor vehicles and take extra caution when driving near them.
The damages you can be awarded in a personal injury case can be classified as either economic or non-economic. Economic damages can be:
Non-economic damages might include:
If you or your loved ones have been involved in a truck-related accident, you should get a trucking accident attorney first. Contact us today to get started on your claim.
A: Ensure your immediate safety and the safety of others if possible, then call 911. Seek medical attention even if you don't think you're seriously injured - some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Contact your insurance company to report the accident, and then reach out to a qualified 18-wheeler accident attorney as soon as possible.
A: Semi-truck accident cases are complex due to multiple potentially liable parties, state and federal regulations, and the severe nature of injuries often involved. An attorney specializing in this field will have the necessary experience and knowledge to navigate these intricacies and advocate effectively on your behalf.
A: An 18-wheeler accident attorney will represent your interests, starting with an investigation to gather evidence. They'll navigate the complex laws and regulations, determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and if necessary, represent you in court.
A: Multiple parties can potentially be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the owner of the truck, the company leasing the truck, vehicle or parts manufacturers, and cargo loaders. An experienced attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties.
A: North Carolina typically has a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including semi-truck accidents. However, it's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure all deadlines are met.
A: Many attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won't pay unless they win your case. Any fees will then come out of the settlement or judgment received. Exact costs can vary, so discuss this with your attorney before proceeding.
A: Compensation can cover medical expenses, future medical care, loss of income, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. An attorney can help you understand the full scope of compensation applicable to your case.
A: Each case is unique, and the duration can depend on many factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of parties involved, the willingness of insurance companies to settle, and if a trial is necessary. Your attorney should be able to provide a rough timeline after reviewing the specifics of your case.
