Truck Accidents and the Law in North Carolina

Knowing if you should hire an attorney after a truck accident can be confusing. If you get into a tractor-trailer accident, you’re going to suffer some pretty serious injuries. You’ll be in the hospital for days or even weeks. You’ll miss a lot of time from work. If the truck driver was responsible for the accident, you’re going to need to contact an experienced truck accident attorney in North Carolina.

In regular car accidents, you file your claim against the driver’s insurance company and hope they pay your claim. If your claim is denied, your personal injury lawyer can appeal your claim or file suit.

In truck accidents, there’s usually more than one party responsible for your injuries. You’ll have to file a claim against multiple people. This can be very difficult. It also makes your case very complicated. You want an experienced attorney handling this claim. You don’t want to try to do it yourself.

When it comes to getting compensation for your truck accident, you should call and speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer in North Carolina.

How Can an Attorney Help After a Truck Accident?

The first thing you’ll do after a truck accident is file your insurance claims. You’ll need to file a claim against the driver’s insurance. This policy is probably maintained by the trucking company.

If you’re lucky, your claim will be approved and you’ll have payment in a week or two. However, there’s no guarantee that your claim will be approved. Your claim could be denied for a number of reasons, including:

  • The policy wasn’t valid
  • The policy lapsed for non-payment
  • The driver wasn’t listed on the policy
  • They believe you were at fault
  • They don’t think your injuries were legitimate
  • You have a history of filing accident claims

Your truck accident lawyer can help file your appeal. They’ll reach out to the insurance adjuster and find out what the real reason is for the denial. They’ll also try to negotiate a settlement of your claim.

It’s not that you can’t do this yourself. However, the insurance adjuster isn’t going to take you seriously. They may take forever to return your calls. They may also try to offer you a low-ball settlement.

If an insurance company does offer you a settlement and asks you to sign a release, call a lawyer right away. You should never sign this type of agreement without having an experienced truck lawyer review it.

You Need to Make Sure You Name All Possible Defendants in Your Initial Claim

When you’re hit by a commercial vehicle, you need to make sure you pursue more than just the driver. You need to file a claim against everyone who may be partially responsible for your injuries. These parties include:

  • The truck driver
  • The company they work for
  • Also, the company whose product they were transporting
  • The company who serviced the truck

Who you name in your suit really depends on what caused the accident. Your truck accident lawyer in North Carolina has handled many cases like this. They know how to determine who may be responsible.

Once your lawyer determines who to name in your suit, they’ll have to decide what kinds of damages to demand. Your lawyer will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve.

Some of the damages they may demand include:

  • Reimbursement of medical bills: You’re entitled to be compensated for both past and future medical expenses. If your doctor believes you’re going to need future medical care, you can demand that the defendant reimburse you for this.
  • Lost wages: If you’re in a trucking accident, your injuries will be serious. This means you’ll spend some time in the hospital. You’ll also be out of work for a while. The defendant needs to be held accountable for this.
  • Permanent injury: If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you can file for disability. You’ll be entitled to the difference between disability and what you would’ve earned working full-time.
  • Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to damages for physical and mental anguish. This is known as pain and suffering.
  • Loss of consortium: If you lose your spouse, you may be entitled to these types of damages.

Your lawyer has the experience to know how to prove these damages. They’ll present evidence to show that the truck driver was liable for your injuries.

Call and Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or your loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you should call a North Carolina truck accident lawyer. You can sit down and discuss your case. Once your lawyer reviews your case, they can let you know what it may be worth.

Contact Harman Law online today or call us at (704) 286-0947 and schedule your initial consultation. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.

FAQs

Why do I need an attorney for a truck accident instead of handling the claim myself?
Truck accident cases in North Carolina are far more complex than standard car accident claims because multiple parties may share liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo company, and the vehicle maintenance company. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf. Attempting to navigate these claims alone puts you at a serious disadvantage against well-resourced trucking companies and their insurers.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my truck accident claim in North Carolina?
A denial does not mean your case is over, as a truck accident attorney can file an appeal and contact the insurance adjuster directly to determine the true reason for the denial. Insurance companies may deny claims for reasons such as a lapsed policy, disputed fault, or questions about the legitimacy of your injuries. An attorney can negotiate aggressively on your behalf and, if necessary, pursue litigation to recover the compensation you deserve.
Who can be held liable for my injuries after a truck accident in North Carolina?
In a North Carolina truck accident, liability may extend beyond just the driver to include the trucking company, the company whose cargo was being transported, and the company responsible for maintaining the vehicle. Determining who to name in your claim depends heavily on the specific cause of the accident. A truck accident attorney will investigate the facts of your case to identify every potentially responsible party and ensure your claim is filed correctly.
What types of compensation can I recover after a truck accident in North Carolina?
Victims of truck accidents in North Carolina may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, permanent disability if they are unable to return to work, and damages for pain and suffering. Because truck accidents typically cause serious injuries requiring extended hospital stays and lengthy recovery periods, these damages can be substantial. An attorney will work to ensure all current and future losses are accounted for in your claim.
Should I sign a settlement agreement if the insurance company offers me one after a truck accident?
You should never sign a settlement release from an insurance company without first having a truck accident attorney review the agreement. Insurance companies may offer a low settlement figure quickly in hopes that you will accept less than your claim is truly worth, and signing a release typically waives your right to pursue any additional compensation. An experienced North Carolina truck accident attorney can evaluate the offer and advise you on whether it adequately covers all of your damages.