Truck Accident Attorney in Shelby, NC

The North Carolina Bar Association recommends the following steps after an accident:

• Remain At The Scene Of The Crash. Unless you have serious injuries that require immediate treatment, you should stay put until law enforcement arrives.
• Call 911. The authorities will file an official accident report that includes details from the scene and other information you may need to eventually pursue compensation.
• Get Medical Attention. This is not time to act tough. Even if you are feeling fine immediately after the accident, you could be suffering from internal injuries that won’t be obvious until later. Seeking medical attention right away also shows the insurance company that you are serious about getting treatment for injuries.
• Get Information About The Other Drivers. Be sure to get the driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license number, vehicle registration information, insurance company name, and policy number. Be certain to get information about who employs the trucker, who owns the truck and trailer, who owns the cargo, and other details.
• Get Witnesses’ Names And Contacts. Try to take notes about what they saw, including whether they heard the other driver admit fault.
• Take Photos And Make Notes. While your memory is fresh, write down what happened and draw a diagram showing the position of the vehicles, where they collided, and where they ended up. If you can, take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and yourself. Most cellphones have a camera these days.
• Tell Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to get the claims process started. However, you should not provide a written or recorded statement to any insurance company – not seven “your” insurer.
• Contact a Skilled North Carolina Truck Accident Attorney. The trucking companies and their insurers are looking out for themselves, and they have lots of resources. An experienced truck accident attorney knows how to take on these corporate giants and pursue full and fair compensation for your claim.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Crashes involving heavy trucks are tragically common in North Carolina. In a single recent year, the N.C. Department of Transportation recorded more than 3,400 injury crashes involving large commercial trucks, and 128 fatal truck crashes.

Although accidents involving trucks have many of the same causes as those that involve only cars, there are some unique factors in truck accidents. 

Here are a few examples:

• Driver Fatigue – Truckers are supposed to take breaks and get rest. In fact, federal hours of service (HOS) rules require them to. But truckers are also under great pressure from employers and shippers to get cargo there quickly. Money also causes truck drivers to push the limit. As the saying goes, “If the wheels aren’t turning, you aren’t earning.” When fatigued driving causes a crash, there may be telltale signs such as problems with the driver’s log, no evidence that the driver hit the brakes or steered to avoid the crash, or evidence of unreasonable expectations from the trucking company.
• Substance Abuse – While drunk driving and illegal drug use may be less of a problem among truck drivers due to testing and strict laws, far too many truckers abuse over-the-counter and prescription drugs to help them stay awake. Some drivers may simply be impaired by the legitimate use of legal drugs. Any form of impairment could be a sign of negligence.
• Equipment Failures – Any vehicle on the road can suffer a mechanical breakdown that makes it unsafe. Because tractor-trailers and other big trucks are so inherently dangerous, they are supposed to undergo careful inspection and maintenance. When truckers and trucking companies fall short of their duty, they may be held responsible for a crash that results.
• Distracted Driving – Cell phone use and other distractions have become a major problem for drivers of all vehicles. The situation is particularly dangerous when the person at the wheel of an 80,000-pound semi isn’t paying attention to the road. To counter the boredom and loneliness of the road, some truckers turn to smartphones or even videos to pass the time. Distraction may even be part of the job for drivers who are expected to use complex dispatch and communication equipment on the road.
• Aggressive Driving And Speeding – Basic physics means that trucks take longer to stop, require more room to negotiate turns, and are more likely to roll over or jackknife. Truckers who fail to take their vehicle’s limitations into account may be at fault for a crash caused by excessive speed, tailgating or other forms of aggressive driving.

Severe Injuries from Truck Accidents in North Carolina

The force of impact in a collision with a heavy truck frequently causes some of the most severe injuries. 

Examples include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal injuries and bleeding
• Burns
• Crush injuries
• Back injuries
• Sprains, strains, torn tendons, and other soft-tissue injuries
• Bruises and lacerations (cuts)

In many situations, victims suffer injuries that have a permanent effect on their life. In the worst cases, truck crashes claim the lives of innocent victims.

Financial Recovery for North Carolina Truck Accident Victims

The parties responsible for causing a truck accident may be held liable for covering the losses you have suffered because of the crash. 

This may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Punitive damages (in exceptional cases)

How Long Do I Have To File A Truck Accident Lawsuit In North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the deadline to file a truck accident lawsuit is determined by the statute of limitations. For personal injury cases, which encompass truck accidents, the law typically grants a three-year window from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. This allows you three years to take legal action against those responsible for your injuries or damages.

However, it's important to act promptly. While three years may seem like ample time, building a strong case often requires thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and consulting with experts. Waiting too long can result in crucial evidence being lost or witnesses' memories fading, which can weaken your case.

If the truck accident resulted in a wrongful death, the statute of limitations for pursuing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of death. This shortened timeline emphasizes the importance of taking early action to guarantee that your rights are preserved and justice is served.

Understanding Different Types of Truck Accidents

• Truck Rollovers
• Rear-End Collisions
• Head-On Collisions
• Jackknife Accidents
• T-Bone Accidents
• Sideswipe Accidents
• Wide Turn Accidents

How Can I Prove Fault In A Truck Accident Case?

Demonstrating fault in a truck accident case requires obtaining and presenting evidence that unmistakably establishes the other party's negligence or misconduct. As seasoned Shelby truck accident attorneys, we recognize the intricacies of these cases and are dedicated to assisting you in constructing a robust claim.

First, it is crucial to collect evidence from the accident scene. This includes photographs of the vehicles involved, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Eyewitness statements can also provide valuable third-party perspectives on how the accident occurred.

Next, obtaining official reports is essential. The police report often contains vital information, such as the officer’s observations and any citations issued. Additionally, trucking companies maintain logs and records, including driver hours, maintenance schedules, and GPS data, which can be critical in proving negligence.

Another crucial element is examining the truck driver's conduct. Our truck accident attorneys in Shelby will investigate whether the driver was fatigued, distracted, or impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident. Additionally, we will assess their adherence to federal and state regulations that govern commercial drivers.

Furthermore, expert testimony can be pivotal in establishing fault. Accident reconstruction specialists can recreate the incident to illustrate how the collision occurred, while medical professionals can provide detailed accounts of the severity and effects of your injuries.

At Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, our dedicated Shelby truck accident lawyers will work diligently to gather the necessary evidence and build a compelling case to secure the compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact our truck accident attorneys in Shelby for a consultation.