Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer

Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies can cause serious accidents that lead to life-changing injuries. Negligence may include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, failing to follow safety regulations, or not properly maintaining trucks. When truck drivers or companies ignore these duties, the risk of crashes increases dramatically. If you’re a victim of a big rig collision caused by negligence, you need our Raleigh truck accident lawyer to advocate for you

The skilled legal team at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers understands how to hold negligent parties accountable. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather strong evidence, and fight insurance companies that try to minimize your claim. To request a free consultation with our local truck accident attorneys, please call us at (252) 777-2222 or contact our law firm online.

Why You Should Retain Our Raleigh Truck Accident Attorneys

Founded in 1998, Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers is an established and well-known practice dedicated to serving accident victims throughout North Carolina. We have built a strong reputation as fierce advocates for those injured due to negligence or accidents. Our team of highly competent attorneys has over 150 years of collective legal experience, ensuring accident victims receive knowledgeable and effective representation.

We are proud to have recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients over the years, demonstrating a consistent track record of success. Whether handling cases involving car accidents, truck collisions, or other personal injury claims, our lawyers work diligently to maximize compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

We also offer free legal consultations to provide a clear understanding of available rights and options. Additionally, we operate on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless your case results in a financial recovery.

How Much Money Can I Get for My Truck Accident Case?

The amount of compensation available in a truck accident case depends on the extent of your losses and the impact of the collision on your life. Settlements and verdicts may reach significant amounts when injuries are severe, long-term, or life-changing. Each category of damages serves a specific purpose in restoring, as much as possible, what was taken from you because of the accident.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to reimburse you for the financial losses you have already incurred and those you are likely to face in the future. These include medical and physical therapy expenses, lost income for the time you were unable to work, and diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same type of employment. Property damage compensation covers repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash. Out-of-pocket expenses, such as costs for transportation to medical appointments, mobility aids, or in-home assistance, may also be recoverable.

Permanent disability or disfigurement can lead to additional compensation. These damages acknowledge that the effects of your injuries may be lifelong and impact your ability to live and work as you did before the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages account for the personal and emotional toll of a truck accident. Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical pain you experience during recovery and any lasting discomfort. Emotional distress damages recognize the psychological effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Loss of life enjoyment applies when your injuries keep you from participating in hobbies, sports, travel, or other activities that once brought you fulfillment.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the truck driver or trucking company acted with extreme malice, punitive damages may also be available. These are not meant to compensate for losses but to punish wrongful behavior and deter similar actions in the future.

Most Common Locations for Semi-Truck Crashes in Raleigh

Trucking accidents often happen where heavy truck traffic mixes with busy roads, complicated intersections, or challenging driving conditions. Many of these accidents occur due to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies, such as speeding, distracted driving, or poor maintenance of vehicles.

One major area for trucking accidents in Raleigh is along Interstate 40 (I-40). This highway is a busy east-west route with heavy commercial truck traffic. Accidents frequently happen near exits and on-ramps where trucks merge with faster-moving passenger vehicles. The I-40 and I-440 interchange is a particularly risky spot due to the complex flow of traffic and sudden lane changes.

Another common location is Interstate 440 (I-440), also called the Raleigh Beltline. This loop road circles the city and is heavily traveled by trucks moving between industrial areas and distribution centers. Here, accidents often happen during rush hours when traffic is congested, and drivers may take risks trying to switch lanes or speed up to keep up with the flow.

The intersection of Capital Boulevard (U.S. 1) and Wake Forest Road is also known for truck accidents. Capital Boulevard is a major north-south route with many trucks transporting goods in and out of Raleigh. At this busy intersection, trucks turning or crossing often collide with smaller vehicles, especially when drivers fail to yield or misjudge distances.

Glenwood Avenue (U.S. 70) is another hotspot where trucking accidents happen. This road connects downtown Raleigh to western suburbs and carries many trucks heading to warehouses and retail stores. Sharp turns, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings increase the risk of collisions here, especially when truck drivers make wide turns or fail to signal properly.

Industrial areas near the Raleigh-Durham International Airport also experience frequent truck accidents. Roads like Corporate Center Drive and Blue Ridge Road see heavy truck traffic delivering goods, and accidents may happen due to speeding, aggressive driving, or poor truck maintenance.

Types of Truck Accidents Due to Negligence

Truck accidents often result from negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. These accidents can take many forms, depending on how the negligence affects the truck’s operation and other vehicles on the road.

One common type of accident is the rear-end collision, which happens when a large truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. These crashes often occur because truck drivers are following too closely, distracted, or unable to stop in time. Because large trucks need more distance to brake, rear-end accidents can cause serious injuries, especially to smaller passenger vehicles.

Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the truck’s cab, much like a folding pocket knife. This type of accident is often caused by sudden braking, slippery roads, or speeding around curves. Jackknife crashes can block multiple lanes of traffic and cause severe collisions with other vehicles.

T-bone collisions, or side-impact crashes, happen when a truck hits the side of another vehicle, usually at intersections. Negligence, like running red lights, failing to yield, or misjudging gaps in traffic, often causes these accidents. Because trucks are large and heavy, T-bone crashes can cause devastating injuries to passengers in smaller cars.

Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents can happen because of sharp turns at high speeds, overloaded cargo, or poorly secured loads. Rollovers are especially dangerous as they can scatter debris and block entire roadways, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.

Underride accidents are particularly deadly. They happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a truck trailer during a collision. Many underride crashes cause severe injuries or fatalities because the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment is crushed. These accidents often result from inadequate truck lighting or missing safety guards.

Finally, blind spot accidents occur when truck drivers fail to see smaller vehicles in their large blind spots. This negligence can lead to crashes during lane changes or turns. Because trucks have bigger blind zones, drivers must be extra careful, but failure to check mirrors properly is a common cause of these accidents.

Most Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Victims of trucking accidents in Raleigh often suffer serious physical and mental injuries due to negligence by truck drivers or trucking companies. Because trucks are large and heavy, collisions involving them can cause devastating harm to passengers in smaller vehicles, pedestrians, and even other truck drivers. The injuries can be life-changing, requiring long-term medical care and emotional support.

Broken bones are one of the most common physical injuries in truck accidents. The force of impact can easily fracture arms, legs, ribs, or the pelvis. These injuries often require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Victims may face permanent limitations in mobility or strength depending on the severity of the fractures.

Head injuries are also frequent and very serious. Victims may suffer concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) when their heads strike parts of the vehicle or from sudden jolts during the crash. TBIs can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and long-term cognitive problems.

Spinal cord injuries are especially common in truck accidents because of the high forces involved. These injuries can cause partial or complete paralysis, resulting in permanent disability.

Severe soft tissue injuries, such as torn muscles, ligaments, and tendons, are also common. These injuries cause pain and reduced function, sometimes lasting for years, even with treatment. Victims may require physical therapy or surgery to regain strength and mobility.

Besides physical harm, many truck accident victims suffer serious mental and emotional injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common, especially for those who witnessed the crash or experienced life-threatening situations. Symptoms can include nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks. Victims may also experience fear of driving or riding in vehicles after a serious crash, limiting their ability to return to normal life.

Fighting the Insurance Company After a Trucking Accident

Our experienced Raleigh truck accident lawyers know how to fight insurance companies so you can get the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, or even deny valid claims, because they want to protect their profits. That’s why having skilled lawyers on your side is important. We understand the tricks insurance companies use and how to respond effectively to protect your rights.

First, we thoroughly investigate your truck accident case. We gather important evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, photos of the crash scene, and medical records. This helps us build a strong case showing how the truck driver or trucking company was negligent.
Next, truck accident attorneys handle all communication with the insurance company. This keeps you from dealing with confusing legal language and high-pressure tactics. Our lawyers negotiate aggressively on your behalf to make sure the insurance company offers a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, our lawyers are ready to take your case to court. We have experience in courts handling truck accident lawsuits. We will present your case to a judge or jury and fight for the maximum compensation allowed under North Carolina law.

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we are committed to standing up for trucking accident victims in Raleigh. Our truck accident lawyers use our knowledge, skills, and resources to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable. If you were injured in a truck accident, contact us to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight the insurance company so you can focus on healing.

Most Important Steps to Take After a Truck Collision

After being involved in a semi-truck accident in North Carolina, making the right decisions is essential to protecting your health and legal rights. Our Raleigh truck accident lawyers recommend the following steps.

The first priority is your safety and medical care. Even if you feel okay, it is important to get a thorough medical evaluation as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious but can worsen over time.

Next, obtain a copy of the police report related to the accident. This report contains important details about how the crash happened, statements from drivers and witnesses, and the officer’s initial assessment of fault. The police report can be critical evidence if you file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Also, gather all medical records and bills connected to your treatment. This evidence shows the extent of your injuries and the costs involved. Keep detailed records of any lost income if your injury has kept you from working.

It’s also very important to speak with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Raleigh, NC, as soon as possible. At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we will guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. We will also communicate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf, allowing you to focus on healing.

Contact Our Experienced Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our skilled and compassionate legal team is prepared to advocate for your rights aggressively, both during settlement negotiations and in court, to maximize your compensation. Truck accident victims in North Carolina only have three years from their accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. Therefore, act immediately! For a free case evaluation with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Raleigh, NC, please call us at (252) 777-2222 or contact us online.