Wilson, NC Truck Accident Lawyer

Wilson, NC Truck Accident Attorney

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be a difficult process. There are many steps you must take and documentation you must gather while also trying to focus on your personal life and recovering from the ordeal. If you have been in a truck accident, a Wilson, NC, truck accident lawyer can help you with the legal process.

Why Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer for Help?

At the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A., we have a history of representing clients who have been affected by truck accidents. We also have a sincere understanding of how they can affect your life. Our team understands the intricacies of the law and can help you achieve a favorable outcome.

To make sure that your rights are upheld and that you get the justice you are due, we can act on your behalf in court and negotiate with insurance companies. In an effort to achieve the ideal results for you, we can review the specifics of your case and explain your options for a settlement.

Common Injuries After a Truck Accident

When someone is involved in a truck accident, there is a high risk of injury. Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road. Therefore, there is a higher risk of these injuries being severe. In some accidents, no one is hurt, or victims only incur minor injuries. Other accidents, however, result in significant injuries to the victims. Some of these types of injuries include:

• Whiplash. Whiplash happens when a person’s head rocks back and forth from sudden force. This is common in accidents where the victim is rear-ended. Whiplash can cause neck injuries, which may require medical attention.
• Back injuries. Back injuries are serious, and if left unattended and untreated, they can cause problems in the future. Severe back injuries can also cause paralysis in the most extreme cases, potentially permanently injuring the victim.
• Broken bones. Broken bones can happen from sudden force to a particular body part. An accident victim can suffer from broken arms, legs, or ribs. Remedies for broken bones may include physical therapy and/or surgery.
• Cuts and bruises. A person can experience cuts and bruises during an accident when struck by flying objects in the car, such as broken glass or metal, or when a body part is struck by another part of the car.
• Burns. Because trucks are often carrying some form of cargo such as flammable objects or liquids, an accident may result in a fire, burning the passengers in the struck car. Anyone can experience burns if they come into contact with a considerably hot portion of the car.
• Head injuries. Head injuries can occur for different reasons, including a person’s head hitting a part of the car, such as the window. Head injuries can be major or minor, and they often require follow-up care. Traumatic brain injuries are quite serious and can affect a person’s life and cognition long-term or permanently.

If any of these injuries are severe enough, an accident may be fatal, resulting in a wrongful death.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may feel a bit disoriented from the collision. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your own safety and the safety of others.

First, seek immediate medical attention, especially if you think you have sustained serious injuries. If your injuries are not immediately life-threatening, check on others involved to see if they need medical assistance. If so, dial 911 for emergency medical services.

If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road so as not to obstruct other drivers. If you are not able to move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights to alert those behind you.

Next, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include photographs of any damage, video recordings, and eyewitness statements. Contact law enforcement to make an official report. You do not need to discuss fault at this time – just provide factual statements when questioned by law enforcement or anyone else.

Inform your insurance company of the accident as soon as you can. You may secure the help of an attorney, who can negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and assist you if you file a personal injury claim. Seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, as this may help you with a claim later. More importantly, medical professionals will check for internal injuries that might not be initially apparent.

FAQs

Q: How Is Liability Determined in a Truck Accident in North Carolina?

A: Determining liability in a truck accident in North Carolina is not as simple as an accident involving two cars. Truck accidents often involve additional parties other than the drivers. This can include the truck driver’s employer, the cargo loader, or the truck manufacturer.

When multiple parties are involved, you may be able to file multiple claims, depending on the circumstances of the case. The local government can also be responsible if the accident was caused by faulty highway design.

Q: What Are Common Injuries After a Truck Wreck?

A: After a truck accident, common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, cuts and bruises, burns, and head injuries. If any of these injuries are severe enough, an accident may be fatal, resulting in a wrongful death. Because trucks are larger and heavier than other vehicles, there is a greater chance that these accidents can result in serious injury or even death.

Q: Can I Receive Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault for a Truck Accident?

A: You will likely not receive compensation if you were partially at fault for a truck accident in North Carolina, as the state follows the pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are deemed to have any fault in the accident, even 1%, you will not be able to recover damages. The individual asserting pure contributory negligence is responsible for proving so in their defense.

Q: Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Truck Accident Claim in North Carolina?

A: There is a time limit on filing a truck accident claim in North Carolina, which is referred to as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim in North Carolina is three years. If you wait until three years from the date of the accident, you will likely not receive compensation for your damages.

Contact the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. Today.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck, the Law Offices of Wade E. Byrd P.A. can help you navigate the aftermath. Contact us today for more information.