North Carolina Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

North Carolina Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Commercial trucks are among the largest vehicles on North Carolina’s roads and highways. A collision with an 18-wheeler or a similar large vehicle can cause serious bodily injury to anyone caught in the truck’s path of destruction. If you or a loved one were injured by a commercial truck, you can hire a North Carolina commercial truck accident lawyer to obtain compensation for your injury.

The Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A. brings many years of experience to your service. Our founding attorney understands state trucking and personal injury laws and can help you receive the compensation you are owed.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A.?

If you were hit by a commercial truck, you are likely facing multiple challenges. Dealing with a damaged or totaled vehicle can be difficult enough. Add in medical expenses and lost wages, and the financial strain can become considerable very quickly.

Our firm boasts over 40 years of legal experience with a focus on personal injury law. Our founding lawyer has earned a reputation as one of the most tenacious and effective advocates for victims of truck accidents in North Carolina. He recently received the prestigious War Horse Award from the Southern Trial Lawyers Association, making him only the fourth attorney in North Carolina history to achieve this honor.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in North Carolina

Many of the common causes of commercial truck accidents also cause passenger vehicle collisions. Here are some of the most likely reasons a vehicular crash occurs:

• Excessive speed: Speeding is a factor in many commercial truck accidents. When a truck is driven at a rate faster than road and weather conditions permit, it can lead to dangerous conditions that make it much harder for a truck to break in time to avoid a collision. Speed can also drastically increase the severity of a vehicle collision.
• Weather: Weather conditions can also play a role in a truck accident. Truck drivers are expected to drive with extra caution when visibility is obscured, and slick roads can make it harder for trucks to break in time. Even when weather is a factor, it often does not absolve truck drivers from liability if they cause an accident.
• Mechanical failure: Mechanical failure is a serious concern in the trucking industry. Truck drivers can be held responsible for not maintaining their vehicles properly. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition. Neglecting these responsibilities can lead to mechanical issues that cause accidents, putting everyone on the road at risk.
• Distracted driving is a leading factor in commercial truck accidents. When truck drivers divert their attention from the road, whether it’s through texting, eating, or adjusting a GPS, it increases the likelihood of an accident. Even a momentary lapse in focus can result in a catastrophic collision, endangering both the truck driver and surrounding motorists.

Can I Be Compensated Following a Truck Accident?

Finding compensation following a commercial truck accident can be complicated if you do not have experienced legal representation. Commercial trucks must maintain insurance policies covering physical damage and bodily injury. Insurance carriers can be difficult to work with, and they do not always have your interests at heart.

Once you have secured legal counsel, your truck accident lawyer can negotiate directly with the commercial truck’s insurance carrier. Personal injury attorneys understand how to calculate fair settlement figures and drive hard negotiations with insurance companies.

If the truck driver was uninsured or underinsured, your lawyer can consider filing a personal injury claim in civil court. Once the court system is involved, the defendant can be compelled to hand over important evidence that can further strengthen your claim. Most court cases are settled without the need for a trial, but a reputable lawyer can take the matter before a judge or jury if needed.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements can vary widely based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, property damage, and liability. Generally, settlements aim to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. Complex cases involving serious injuries or fatalities can lead to higher settlements, while less severe incidents may result in lower compensation.

Q: What Is the Longest a Settlement Can Take?

A: The length of time it takes to reach a settlement can vary considerably, partly because both parties must agree to a settlement figure before a claim can be resolved. The complexity of the case, the severity of the damage that occurred due to the accident, and the willingness of the parties involved to negotiate can also impact the time it takes to resolve the claim.

Q: What Is the Largest Factor in a Personal Injury Settlement?

A: The largest factor in a personal injury settlement is typically the severity of the injuries sustained. The more severe the injuries, the higher the potential settlement amount. This includes considerations of medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and the impact on the victim’s quality of life. Other significant factors include the strength of evidence supporting the claim.

Q: How Much Does a Truck Depreciate After an Accident?

A: After an accident, the value of a truck can depreciate significantly. How much depends on the severity of the damage. Factors such as the truck’s age and condition before the accident also play a role. Your vehicle’s loss of value can be included in an eventual settlement.

Schedule Your North Carolina Truck Accident Consultation Today

A commercial truck accident can lead to catastrophic or even grave injuries. If you or a loved one was harmed due to the negligence of a truck driver, the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd, P.A. can help. We have represented many clients and helped them receive the compensation they were owed.

Once our law firm is hired to represent you in your claim, we’ll handle the bulk of the work so you can focus on your own recovery. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.