Truck drivers have a clear duty to follow federal and state laws regarding transporting goods as well as maintain excellent driving habits in order not only to keep themselves safe but also other innocent people around them. Unfortunately, truck accidents are all too common around the Triangle, especially in high-speed, high-traffic areas, such as along I-40.
If you were injured due to a trucking company or a driver’s negligence, Harry H. Albritton, a truck accident lawyer in Raleigh with Irons & Irons P.A., will work hard to get you the compensation you are owed after suffering an automobile accident. His team will make your claim a top priority and will work on your behalf to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering whether by negotiating a settlement or by taking your case to civil court.
How Do Truck Accidents and Car Accidents Differ?
A truck accident involves a commercial vehicle, such as an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer colliding with a passenger car. When a commercial vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds collides with a car weighing 3,000 pounds or less, it’s not surprising that the damage is extensive and serious, sometimes fatal injuries occur to those in the passenger car. Common injuries after a truck or tractor trailer accident include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Concussion and traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Contusions and scarring
Truck accidents are also significantly more complex than traditional car accidents due to the following:
Complex state and federal laws and regulations;- Trucking companies are required to carry specific types of insurance
- Trucking maintenance needs to be carefully recorded
- There are regulations related to cargo size and for different types of cargo.
- Multiple defendants, including the truck driver, trucking company, third-party parts manufacturers, and repair companies.
Types of Truck Accidents
North Carolina truck accidents are often caused by someone else’s negligence, including:
- Truck driver fatigue due to overworking;
- Failing to follow traffic laws like reckless driving or speeding to make deadlines;
- Distracted driving
- Improper training or lack of experience
- Driving while intoxicated
- Trucking companies not keeping up with truck maintenance
- Overloaded vehicles
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
A commercial vehicle accident is more complicated than a passenger vehicle collision as there may be multiple defendants, including the driver, trucking company, or even a manufacturer of parts. Having legal representation that can navigate these complexities will result in a far less stressful experience for you, as well as a better outcome because truck accident attorneys have additional resources and understanding, including:
- Knowing your claim’s worth, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering or punitive damages.
- Working with medical experts to assess the seriousness of your injuries and their implications for long-term expenses and employment.
- Knowledge of federal and state truck regulations, laws, and guidelines to determine accountability
- Negotiating with insurance companies.
- Experience from previous truck accidents.
Most of all, it’s important to have an experienced truck accident attorney who will dedicate themselves to securing fair compensation, whether they can settle out of court for a fair amount or litigate the case in court.
Contributory Negligence in a Truck Accident
In North Carolina, a jury must decide whether or not any contributory negligence was present in the case, which means they must determine if you were at all to blame. If they find that you are at fault in any manner, they will be unable to compensate you.
For example, if the truck driver runs a red light and ran into your car, he or she would be totally at fault if you were following the rules and your vehicle was in road-safe condition. However, if your headlights were turned off and it was dark outside, the jury may decide that you are somewhat responsible for the collision, even though the truck driver was more at fault. Even if you are only slightly liable, the jury can’t award damages.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Victims
After being hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a claim in civil court. If you do not comply with the statute of limitations, the judge may refuse to hear your case. Trucking and insurance companies frequently take their time during negotiations in personal injury cases in order to prevent plaintiffs from making a claim and allowing them to get out of paying damages.
Why Choose Us As Your Truck Accident Attorney?
At our law firm, we understand how tough it is to pick from the hundreds of truck accident lawyers advertising their services. However, Attorney Harry H. Albritton has over 20 years of experience specifically in personal injury law in North Carolina. In addition to his track record of success, he provides a mix of empathetic counsel and forceful representation as he fights insurance and trucking companies to compensate him for their carelessness.
We limit our caseload so that we can devote more time to answering questions, addressing concerns, and providing one-on-one attention to our clients. We also recognize that the negotiation and court procedures are challenging and distressing for accident victims, so we will keep you informed of the procedure as it progresses, and we’ll explain what to anticipate at each stage. Most importantly, we want to ensure that you receive compensation adequate to allow you to move forward with confidence and security.
Frequently Asked Trucking Accident Questions
If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a tractor trailer accident, we know you have questions. To help you, we’re sharing some of our frequently asked questions regarding commercial trucks and tractor trailer accidents.
What Are the Fees to Hire a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer?
The settlement or damages granted determine the fees collected. We don’t charge any fees until you’ve been paid since we recognize the hardship you are under.
Who Is Liable in a Trucking Accident?
In North Carolina, a truck accident can involve multiple defendants, including the driver, the carrier, vehicle components suppliers, or third-party employment firms. The status of the case determines who is responsible.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident
- Assess yourself and anyone in the vehicle for injuries
- Call 911 to report the accident
- If possible, get pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and any conditions that may have influenced the crash.
- Get witness information, including any names and phone numbers.
- Write down exactly what happened as soon as you can so it’s fresh in your mind.
- Don’t speak to an insurance company or other drivers to avoid inadvertently claiming fault.
- Seek medical treatment, even if you don’t believe you were injured. Often, victims won’t realize they’ve been injured for days after the collision.
- Contact Irons & Irons P.A., a personal injury law firm for a case consultation.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with a Truck Accident Lawyer in Raleigh
If you were injured in a commercial truck or tractor trailer accident, Raleigh truck accident attorney, Harry H. 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.
