2024 When to Consult a Lawyer for a Truck Accident in North Carolina

Many people are aware that working with a good attorney can be a cost-effective way to maximize compensation after sustaining an injury in a commercial truck crash, but knowing when to consult a lawyer for a truck accident in North Carolina is crucial. Understanding when it is appropriate to actually contact an attorney can often be a challenge, especially for someone who has never been through this process before and who has no formal legal training or background in trucking laws.

If you have been involved in a truck accident on a North Carolina roadway, getting an attorney involved early in the process can be critical for protecting your rights and ultimately securing a fair settlement. Sometimes, people with straightforward cases question whether they need to hire a lawyer at all, but it’s important to understand that any case can become complex. Having an adept legal team on your side can make a massive difference in the eventual outcome of your claim.

When to Contact an Attorney

Here are some examples of situations in which it is especially vital to contact a qualified North Carolina truck accident attorney as soon as possible:

• Moderate to Severe Injuries – When a truck accident results in injuries, it is highly advised to consult a lawyer as soon as possible, regardless of your specific role in the incident. As a rule, any injury that requires any level of medical attention may be worth getting your attorney involved. More serious injuries often require significant medical treatments or costly long-term rehabilitation and therapy. A seasoned lawyer can help you recoup these expenses.
• Fatalities – If it’s important to contact an attorney after a truck accident that results in injuries, this importance is only heightened after a fatal truck or commercial vehicle crash. If a loved one has been killed in a collision with a commercial truck, an attorney can help you seek restitution through a wrongful death claim.
• Disputed Liability – If you’re involved in a truck accident where there is any sort of uncertainty or dispute as to who was at fault, it will be in your interests to find an attorney to protect your rights. A good lawyer can use the available evidence to construct a compelling case that demonstrates the liability of other parties.
• Insurance Company Issues – When you seek injury compensation through an insurance company, you can expect these for-profit entities to do everything in their power to minimize your payout or dispute your claim. If you’ve been offered a settlement that seems unfairly low, don’t be pressured into accepting it. Instead, allow a talented truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. to negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
• Complex Cases Involving Multiple Parties – Truck accidents can often be quite complex incidents, involving multiple parties. These include truckers, other motorists, trucking companies, maintenance personnel, or even truck manufacturers–as well as their respective legal teams. Your lawyer can navigate these challenges, keeping your case on track for a successful resolution, no matter how many parties are involved.
• Extensive Property Damage – If the truck accident in question has resulted in property damage to such an extent that you don’t feel comfortable leaving the matter in the hands of your car insurance company, an attorney can be a valuable asset.

In short, you should always contact your attorney for help any time you’ve been in a truck accident. Even in cases where liability is obvious, extenuating factors like uninsured drivers, long-term disabilities, inadequate settlement offers, and violations of trucking regulations can quickly complicate matters. An attorney can always provide guidance if you have any doubts or uncertainties about filing a claim for compensation after a truck accident.

FAQs

Q: When Is the Right Time to Contact a Truck Accident Attorney?

A: The right time to contact a truck accident attorney is as soon as possible after the incident occurs. A knowledgeable and skilled truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legalities of the situation while you recover. They also know how to address any complex or unexpected issues that may arise in your case.

Q: How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in NC?

A: After a car accident in North Carolina, an injured party can sue for:

• Short- and long-term medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damages
• Any other compensable factors

The amount of a settlement or judgment in a car accident is not set by an arbitrary legal limit. Rather, it is carefully calculated (and then often negotiated) based on the actual damages incurred.

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

A: No, North Carolina is not a no-fault state for vehicle accidents. In North Carolina, it must be determined who is at fault for a roadway crash so that claims can be pursued and paid out. The initial police report may make some indication of fault, but this is ultimately a matter for the courts to decide.

Multiple parties can be held accountable for the same crash in North Carolina, so injured motorists and passengers may be due compensation from more than one defendant. However, this also means that you can be found partially liable for your own injury, undermining your ability to seek compensation.

Q: What Is the Fender Bender Law in North Carolina?

A: The “fender bender” law in North Carolina is a statute requiring drivers to pull their vehicles off the road to a safe spot on the shoulder (or an adjacent lot, etc.) after a traffic crash in which there were no injuries and only minor damage. The fender bender law does not always apply to truck accidents because the bulk and weight of commercial vehicles can result in significant property damage and/or bodily injury.

When You Need a Truck Accident Attorney, Call the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A.

Chances are, if you’ve found yourself in the position of wondering whether you should contact an attorney, the answer is yes. The talented and successful truck accident team at the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. can provide invaluable advice, support, and representation. We can advocate for you throughout all phases of seeking compensation for an injury caused by a truck or other commercial vehicle. Contact us today to set up a confidential, compassionate consultation.