Truck drivers are responsible for knowing and following federal and state laws that don’t apply to regular vehicles and drivers, such as having to take 10 consecutive hours off after driving 11 hours in one day.Truck companies and drivers have a responsibility to follow state and federal regulations as well as maintain excellent driving habits in order to keep other drivers safe. Unfortunately, too often, truck accidents occur resulting in serious injury, especially in high-traffic, high-speed areas around Interstate 95 and Interstate 295.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. When you need a Fayetteville truck accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve, Irons & Irons P.A. is by your side to navigate the complexities of your case and work to secure the damages you need to help get your life back on track.
A truck accident is defined as a collision between a commercial truck, typically with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds, and a passenger vehicle. Commercial trucking accidents are more serious because when a vehicle of that weight and size collides with a vehicle that is only around 3,000 pounds, the smaller vehicle will take on much more damage, and passengers are more likely to sustain more significant injuries.
In addition to the seriousness of the accident, truck accident claims are significantly more complicated than traditional auto accidents.
Truck drivers are responsible for knowing and following federal and state laws that don’t apply to regular vehicles and drivers, such as having to take 10 consecutive hours off after driving 11 hours in one day.North Carolina truck accidents are often caused by someone else’s negligence, including:
As we mentioned, a commercial truck accident is significantly more complex and has more “moving parts” than a passenger vehicle collision. Having legal counsel on your side to navigate these complexities can result in a much more favorable outcome because truck accident attorneys can offer the following:
Most of all, you need an experienced truck accident attorney who will act as your advocate and is dedicated to securing fair compensation for you or your loved ones, whether they can settle out of court for a fair amount or take the case to a jury.
In North Carolina, if your case goes to trial, the jury must determine if any contributory negligence occurred, meaning if you were in any way responsible for the accident. For example, if the truck driver was speeding and driving recklessly and collided with your car, they would be at fault. However, if your brake light was out and they didn’t see you slowing down, the jury could determine that you are partially at fault for the collision with the tractor trailer or truck. If the jury finds you in any way at fault for the accident, they are unable to award damages.
After being injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim in civil court. If you fail to meet the statute of limitations, the judge can refuse to hear the case. Often, trucking and insurance companies will drag their feet during negotiations in a personal injury case in order to run out the statute of limitations and avoid having to pay damages.
We understand that it can be hard to make a choice from the hundreds of truck accident attorneys all vying for your case. However, Attorney Harry H. Albritton is an experienced truck accident lawyer with Irons & Irons P.A. who has been practicing personal injury law in North Carolina for over 20 years and has a track record of excellence. He offers a combination of compassionate legal counsel and aggressive representation as he stands up to insurance and trucking companies to hold them accountable for their negligence.
Unlike other truck accident lawyers who take on as many cases as possible, we limit our cases in order to provide one-on-one attention and be more available to our clients, able to answer their questions and address their concerns as they happen. We also know that the negotiation process and court proceedings can be confusing and stressful, which is why will be there to guide you through the process and understand what you can expect at each stage. Most importantly, we have your well-being in mind. Our law firm will fight to secure fair compensation in your case so you can move forward with security and confidence.
Attorney Albritton represents clients who have sustained the following types of injuries:
Spinal cord injuriesIf you were injured in a tractor trailer accident, we understand you have questions. To help you better understand the process, we’re sharing some of our frequently asked questions regarding commercial trucks and tractor trailer accidents.
Any fees collected are based on the settlement or damages awarded. Because we understand the strain you’re under, we don’t collect fees until you get paid.
While it depends on the circumstances, in a North Carolina truck accident, multiple parties can be held liable, including the driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, or third-party hiring companies may be held liable.
If you were injured in a commercial truck or tractor trailer accident, Attorney Albritton and our team can help you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation, call us at 252-215-3000 or fill out our contact form below.
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