2024 What to Do After a Truck Accident in North Carolina?

Finding yourself in the devastating aftermath of a destructive truck accident can be a life-changing experience. You may have suffered traumatic injuries or property damage or are even someone who has lost a loved one to the collision. Following a traumatic event like a truck accident, you might be left wondering what to do after a truck accident in North Carolina.

When questions like this arise, an experienced and trusted North Carolina truck accident attorney can be a valuable resource.

Seek Safety and Medical Attention

Immediately following a truck collision, you may feel disoriented in the chaos and the heightened levels of adrenaline pumping through your body. In these instances, your safety and that of any loved ones involved should be your top priority. Quickly dial 911 if you or anyone else has sustained injuries. It’s prudent to undergo medical testing, even if injuries appear non-life-threatening. There might be internal damage that you cannot see or feel, like internal bleeding.

While you wait for emergency services to arrive on the scene–and if you find yourself capable–move to a more secure location off the roadway. If your vehicle hinders traffic, turn on hazard lights to alert other people on the roadway. Your number one priority should be the safety of everyone involved, including yourself. Conversations on fault and liability are not necessary at this point and can be postponed.

Collect Documentation of the Scene

After making sure everyone is safe, it is vital to the success of any claim made to collect as much documentation and evidence as possible from the scene of the accident. Photograph the accident, noting any and all damage to your vehicle, road conditions, traffic signs or lights, skid marks, vehicle placement, and any visible injuries sustained.

All parties involved in the crash, including yourself and the truck driver, should exchange contact and insurance details. If there are any witnesses who saw the collision, make sure to obtain their information as well, as their testimony could prove crucial to the outcome of your case.

Report the Collision and Alert the Necessary Authorities

You are obligated to report any accident involving injury, fatality, or property damage to law enforcement in the state of North Carolina. Notifying the police and filing a report is wise, even if damages appear small. Make sure authorities are given correct and factual information and avoid admitting fault or speculating on any possible causes that may have led to the collision.

Any and all copies of reports filed will be crucial to you during the processing of your claim, so make sure to request a copy. Document the responding officer’s badge number and name, along with the report number, as all this information may be necessary when speaking with your insurance company or legal counsel.

Seek Professional Legal Guidance

Due to their complicated nuances and the involvement of intricate insurance matters, truck accident cases should be managed by a skilled and experienced attorney. For better chances at winning requested compensation for all injuries and damage, consider seeking guidance from a trusted personal injury lawyer. They can go over the details of your case with a knowledgeable eye, explain your rights, and help you navigate the claims process.

When seeking legal counsel, it is recommended to look for an attorney with a history of successfully managing and representing truck accident cases. Even if the price of representation feels daunting, remember that hiring legal counsel heightens your chances of a positive outcome for your claim.

Send Notice to Insurance Companies

Because most insurance companies have a deadline on when a case may be filed, it is a smart move to inform your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Make sure to provide an accurate account of the collision while refraining from making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Once your insurance company begins its own investigation, keep in mind it may require you to provide more information or evidence.

At the end of the day, an experienced legal counsel can assist in negotiating and handling affairs with your insurance company. They can also help obtain and organize any of the applicable paperwork, like medical records, repair estimates, and police reports.

FAQs

Q: Can You File a Police Report After an Accident in North Carolina?

A: Not only can you, but you should file a police report after an accident in North Carolina. By state law, you are obligated to file a report if any injuries have been sustained, if there has been any loss of life, and if the damage to property exceeds a certain dollar amount. Contacting the authorities will also help your case when you begin to seek out evidence to strengthen your claim.

Q: What Are the Accident Laws in North Carolina?

A: The state of North Carolina is a “contributory negligence” state. This means if you are found partially at fault for the accident, you will not be entitled to any recovery of compensation against the other driver and will need to make a claim with your own insurance policy for any resulting medical expenses or property damages.

Q: What to Do After an Accident in NC?

A: First and foremost, always ensure your own safety and the safety of others at the scene of the accident. Call emergency services even if there are no injuries visible, as someone might be suffering hidden, internal damage. You can then file a police report, document any evidence, and seek legal counsel to assist you in navigating the complicated claims process.

Q: Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

A: North Carolina is not a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. Instead, it is an at-fault state for all truck accident claims. This means that the insurance company of the driver found at fault is responsible for carrying the brunt of medical costs, lost wages, property damages, etc. You could also lose your claim to compensation if you are even slightly found at fault for the accident.

Contact Us Following Your Accident Today

Here at the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A., our experienced team knows that the stress of navigating a personal injury claim is no easy thing to deal with. If you or someone you love has been harmed or even killed because of someone else’s negligence while driving a truck, we are here to assist you. We hope to advocate and fight for your rights and will use our experience and a wide array of resources to help you seek justice.

Contact us today, and let us get to know you and your case. We’ll then give you the appropriate legal options so you can move ahead in confidence.