North Carolina 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

North Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

North Carolina has an intricate system of roads that connect us to each other and help us accomplish the tasks of our everyday lives, such as going to work, going shopping for the household, taking our children to school, and even going on vacations. However, North Carolina roads can be dangerous in certain cases due to road conditions, reckless driving, and other factors. This can lead to an increased likelihood of needing an experienced North Carolina 18-wheeler accident lawyer.

Sometimes, these perils can lead to significant accidents, with the most difficult generally being commercial trucking accidents and tractor-trailer accidents. If you have been hit by a large truck or tractor-trailer in North Carolina, you may be wondering what must be done to initiate the recovery process for your mental and physical health as well as any involved property that may have been damaged.

A North Carolina truck accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. can help you with your truck accident injury case. Our firm is vastly experienced in North Carolina trucking accident cases and can help you get the coverage and compensation that you need for your injuries and damages.

An NC Truck Accident Attorney Who Can Help You Alleviate Your Post-Truck Accident Woes

At the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A., we understand the difficulties that trucking accident victims go through. Such an accident can radically turn your life around for a few weeks, months, or even years. Being hit by a commercial truck driver can lead to the following damages:

• Mental health repercussions. Being in a severe vehicular accident can cause post-accident trauma, which can lead to accident victims having difficulty sleeping, thinking clearly, and staying calm. Post-accident traumas can also result in elevated anxiety levels and feelings of restlessness or worry. Victims may be hesitant to drive or even get in a car with someone else again.
• Chronic pain. Getting in a trucking accident can result in musculoskeletal injuries that shift the spine or neck. They can also interfere with the nervous system. These injuries can cause pain, which also has an impact on the mental health of victims as well as their identity and self-worth.
• Broken bones and other traumatic injuries. The impact of a trucking accident can result in broken bones, strains, sprains, and other traumatic injuries, such as concussions. These injuries need to be immediately treated, which can cause victims to lose time and money while getting the care that they need.
• Lost wages due to time off work. If a trucking accident victim has severe physical or mental injuries or illnesses as a result of their accident, then they may not be able to work. Whether they have to miss weeks, months, or years of work due to their injury or disability, they will be sure to lose wages that they would otherwise be earning if they could work.
• Long-term disabilities. Trucking accidents can cause serious injuries that can lead to disabilities, such as blindness or paralysis, which can sometimes permanently put people out of work. In this case, the person responsible for the accident will need to pay for accommodations for the disability, such as the installation of ramps or handrails in the home.
• Vehicle damage. The strong impact of a trucking accident can severely damage the vehicles involved in a collision, and the level of this damage can vary depending on the speeds that each vehicle was going, the location of the collision point on each vehicle, the size and shape of each vehicle, as well as other factors. If the victim’s vehicle is damaged or completely totaled, they will need to repair the damaged vehicle, find a temporary rental vehicle, and possibly even purchase a new car.
• Infrastructure damage. Depending on the severity of the accident, surrounding public or private property can be damaged as well. For example, if the accident involved 2 vehicles going to the side of a major road, this might severely damage any rails that were lining the road. Additionally, collisions can occur with telephone poles, traffic signs, private property, mailboxes, fences, and more. All these damages will need to be repaired.
• In the worst case, individuals can lose their lives in trucking accidents. If so, the immediate family of the victim may be able to get compensation for any pain and suffering that they have endured as a result. The family can also potentially get compensation for the loss of emotional and financial support.

These complications are not an exhaustive list of all the repercussions that can be associated with a trucking accident. Because such a severe accident has negative emotional, physical, and financial consequences, it’s important to have a trucking accident lawyer who is familiar with North Carolina traffic and trucking regulations. They can help you make your claims and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the appropriate settlement that you deserve and need.

Tips for Avoiding a North Carolina Trucking Accident

While it is not always possible to avoid having an accident, most of the vehicle accidents that occur are actually avoidable. To keep yourself safe on North Carolina roads, it’s important to stay on top of local traffic laws and be conscious of the following tips and tricks to try to avoid having a serious accident:

• Know where a truck’s blind spots are. Blind spots are the places around the truck where the truck driver is not able to see you from their rearview mirror. Since they cannot see you, they can easily run into you. Therefore, it’s critical to avoid driving in the blind spots of any truck. To accomplish this, it helps to be vigilant of where trucks are driving on the road around you.
• Use defensive driving techniques when changing lanes and turning. Remember to use a turn signal when you are switching lanes on a road or highway, and move in ways that are not sudden or unpredictable. This gives drivers around you more time to react to your movements.
• Do not drive closely behind someone. When you are driving, be sure to keep a large distance between you and the car in front of you. If you are driving near large trucks, you will want to keep an even greater distance, as the blindspot behind the truck is quite large. If the vehicle moves or stops unexpectedly, then you will have time to react.
• Stay updated on North Carolina traffic laws and speed limits. By being aware of current traffic laws, including speed limits, you can better adhere to the law and limit your risk of getting into an accident. The more you increase your speed, the more you are at risk of an accident.
• Avoid moving suddenly in front of trucks. If you are driving near a truck and want to pass them, it is extremely important to make sure that you have enough space to pass. Pulling in front of them randomly can cause them to collide with the back of your car.
• Drive slowly when the weather is bad or road conditions are poor. For example, if you are driving on a foggy day, or an older road, then it is important to drive slower and be extra vigilant. This can help you avoid accidents caused by precarious conditions.
• Only focus on your driving. When you are driving, it’s critical to have both hands on the wheel, and avoid doing anything that can distract you from the road. Do not eat food, apply makeup, glance at your phone, or engage in other distracting habits. If you are in an escalated situation, such as an argument with a passenger in the car, pull over until the dispute is resolved.
• Make many stops. If you are traveling long distances, it’s important to remember to take a break at least once every 2 hours. Driving too long without taking a break can cause you to have fatigue, which is a common cause of accidents.
• Keep your calm. When you are driving and find yourself in a frustrating situation, try to remember to take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. Having a heightened state of negative emotion can impact your ability to react quickly to movement on the road. It can also lead to irrational driving decisions.
• Call the police if you see a truck driver who is not driving safely. It is critical to report to the appropriate individuals if you see a truck driver going too fast, swerving, or showing any indications of intoxication or reckless driving.

Following these tips can help you avoid vehicle accidents or collisions with trucks. However, such collisions are not always avoidable, especially if the other drivers are not following the rules of the road as well. When these collisions are unavoidable, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering your expenses from the accident. This occurs through their insurance policy or through personal liability if they do not have enough insurance to cover the damages.

Understanding the Why: Causes of NC Trucking Accidents

In the United States, trucking accidents can occur often, especially on high-speed roads, and result in serious injury or even death. Unfortunately, the same also happens often in North Carolina. Usually, these truck accidents occur due to the following reasons:

• The truck driver is tired. Delivery companies require drivers to make deadlines for certain packages and deliveries, and this can cause a driver to skip breaks or shorten their rest breaks, which can result in fatigue. When a driver is tired, they are at risk of falling asleep or reacting slowly, which can cause an accident.
• The truck driver was distracted. Many truck drivers are moving long distances, and they have their temporary homes in the cabin with them. Having all these items around to fiddle with, in addition to texting on a cell phone, can lead to distractions.
• The truck driver is going too fast. The time pressure of a delivery can also lead truck drivers to speed, especially if they might have missed a turn, and the arrival time was set back. Not only does increased speed make the chances of an accident higher, but it also increases the severity of the accident.
• Cargo has not been placed properly on the truck. If cargo has been put on the truck in an insecure manner, this can increase the risk that it will fall off and either collide with another vehicle on the road or become a road hazard. Additionally, if cargo in the truck slides around too much, it can make the truck unstable.
• The truck driver is operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence can severely impair a driver’s ability to use good judgment when driving, making it very difficult to react to other vehicles and drive properly. It can also increase their risk of falling asleep.
• The driver was not trained properly. If the truck driver did not have proper training, this can cause them to make vital mistakes that can result in an accident. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to make sure that their drivers are properly trained.
• There is faulty machinery or a vehicular breakdown. Sometimes, truck accidents can be the fault of the truck manufacturer. For example, faulty brakes can lead to a truck not being able to stop and crashing.
• The truck driver was not keeping a safe distance behind other vehicles. If the truck driver was driving too close to the vehicle in front of them, it can lead to a collision with the vehicle after a sudden stop or movement from the car in front.
• The truck driver is being aggressive with their driving. If the truck driver is speeding, trying to get somewhere quickly by cutting people off, and changing lanes without looking and using turn signals, then they are highly likely to cause an accident.
• There are poor road and weather conditions. If the road has many potholes and has not recently been renovated, then this can cause accidents. Also, extreme weather, such as snow, hail and heavy rains, can make driving conditions precarious for large vehicles and cause accidents.
• The truck driver does not yield. In some cases, the truck driver may not yield where they are supposed to. They also might not come to a full stop. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles.

Being aware of the reasons that truck accidents are caused can potentially make trucking companies emphasize the importance of training their truck drivers to be aware of the risks of accidents and know the steps to take to avoid them. It can also encourage trucking companies to double-check their equipment and ensure that their trucking staff is dependable and responsible.

When trucking companies fail to take proper measures to keep North Carolina’s roads safe, then serious accidents can happen, putting people on the road at risk. If you have fallen victim to the negligence of a trucking company or truck driver, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer that you can trust.

How Do I Know When It’s Time to Get a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer?

Maybe your trucking accident just occurred, or it happened a couple of days or weeks ago. Regardless of the when or how, you have likely been asking yourself whether it is time to get a lawyer. When thinking about whether you will want to get an attorney, you can take the following factors into account:

• Whether it is unclear who caused the accident. Sometimes, determining who the at-fault driver is might be up for dispute. In such situations, it can be critical to get a trucking accident lawyer. This is because the truck driver, yourself, the trucking company, the insurance companies involved, and other possible drivers may not be able to come to a consensus about who was at fault. A lawyer can help you collect evidence to prove that you were not at fault.
• The extent of the damages. The collision may have caused serious emotional or physical damages to yourself or the other driver. If so, it may be a good idea to consider hiring a lawyer. This also applies to cases where there was severe property damage, such as totaled vehicles or ruined infrastructure. A North Carolina trucking accident lawyer can determine how much all the damages are worth and help you reach a fair settlement based on the damages.
• The driver’s insurance company is intimidating you. After a North Carolina trucking accident, the insurance company associated with the driver’s trucking company will try to contact you. Often, they will try to quickly make a settlement. In many cases, they will lowball you, making you an offer that is worth less than the damages that you sustained. A personal injury lawyer can help you firmly assert your rights to proper compensation and negotiate to get an optimal settlement.
• All the complex aspects of your case are starting to confuse you. After a trucking accident, there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filed. Several processes need to be completed on time to ensure that you can have the chance to get the compensation that you deserve. A lawyer can take on the mental load of handling all this for you, making sure that everything is filled out correctly and that no deadlines are missed.
• You have a weak understanding of North Carolina traffic laws. Cases that involve trucking accidents will involve North Carolina’s state-specific applicable rules and regulations. To be aware of your post-accident rights, and the compensation that you are potentially entitled to, it’s important to work with a legal professional who is aware of traffic and accident law in North Carolina.

Overall, getting a trucking accident lawyer can be useful for you if you:

• Are feeling overwhelmed by your case
• Are unsure about how to communicate and negotiate with insurance companies
• Don’t know the most useful ways to collect evidence and details for your case
• Need someone to make complex legal arguments on your behalf
• Need a professional to evaluate the damages suffered to secure a proper settlement offer from insurance companies

If you cannot reach a settlement outside of court, your lawyer can represent you in the courtroom, using their knowledge of North Carolina law and the evidence collected to fight for your proper compensation.

By letting an accomplished and trusted lawyer handle the logistical and legal matters of your case, you can be sure that a professional is handling all the details of your case. That way, you can avoid being cheated out of the compensation that you need by the other parties involved. This can leave more space for you to put energy into recovering, both physically and mentally, from your accident.

Why Choose a NC Truck Accident Attorney From the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A.?

At the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A., our legal team is experienced with trucking accident cases similar to yours. We know how to navigate the complex network of North Carolina trucking companies and insurance companies. When we contact a trucking insurance company, chances are that we have probably already negotiated with them or they have heard about us. Our reputation as fierce negotiators gives us a considerable advantage in negotiations.

We are also experienced in valuing damages and can make sure that you don’t settle for less than what you deserve. Because we are deeply knowledgeable about North Carolina traffic laws and regulations, we can craft a case to clearly show the courts that the driver who hit you was in the wrong.

FAQs About North Carolina Truck Accidents

Q: What Is the Penalty for Hit and Run in North Carolina?

A: The penalty for a hit and run in North Carolina will typically depend on the severity of the damages or injuries caused by the crash. Generally speaking, the more severe the damages, the greater the punishment will be. The driver of a hit-and-run can face significant prison time and fines.

Additionally, they will likely have to pay compensation to the victim to cover any medical expenses or damages. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run case, it is important that you seek out the help of an experienced attorney.

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Case Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements in North Carolina can typically range anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to several millions of dollars. Large truck accidents usually result in significant settlements due to the severity of the damages.

Commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, semi trucks, or an accident involving a tractor-trailer cause greater damages than would be seen in more common accidents, such as passenger vehicle accidents. Due to this, insurance payouts are usually greater. For more information regarding truck accident settlements, engage a personal injury attorney.

Q: Can I Negotiate My Own Settlement?

A: Yes, you can negotiate your own settlement. It is possible for you to negotiate directly with the trucking company’s insurance. However, it is highly recommended that you retain a qualified and experienced accident attorney. An accident attorney can review your case, help provide the legal advice you need, and negotiate on your behalf.

It is common for the first few settlement offers from the insurance company to be low. With the help of an attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving a greater settlement.

Q: What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?

A: Some of the most common truck accident injuries can include head and neck injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and burns to the skin. Anytime there is an injury resulting from a truck accident, it is a serious event.

It is extremely important that injured individuals immediately seek the medical attention that they need after an accident. Some injuries may take longer to show, such as whiplash. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is recommended that you go to the hospital to be sure that there are no hidden injuries.

Q: How Much Money Should I Ask for in a Settlement?

A: The amount of money you should ask for in a settlement will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. As a rule of thumb, it is generally advisable that you ask for 75%—100% more than what you need to cover your loss. You want to ensure that the settlement amount is enough to compensate you for all the damages and traumas that you experienced. Consult an experienced accident attorney to see how you can get the justice that you deserve.

Reaching Out for Help: An NC Truck Accident Lawyer Who Knows Traffic Law

Going up against trucking and insurance companies alone after a devastating truck accident is the last thing you need when you are trying to recover from what happened. By securing a North Carolina trucking accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A., you can rest easy knowing that they are negotiating on your behalf with the insurance companies. If you need to go to court, you can have an attorney who can make a strong argument to get the compensation that you are entitled to.

At the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A., we believe that no one deserves to be taken advantage of after a traumatic accident. We work closely with you, learning about your concerns and the details of your case so we can fight to help you get compensation for your damages. Contact a lawyer from our team today to learn more about protecting yourself after a North Carolina trucking accident.