Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

Semi-truck collisions are terrifying and traumatic experiences that can have far-reaching implications. When you are suffering from excruciating injuries and a mountain of medical expenses, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When you are overwhelmed after an accident, it is essential to hire our truck accident lawyer near me law firm.

Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers handles a variety of accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks. We understand what may be at stake for you when you have been injured, and we work diligently to get you maximum compensation so you can have peace of mind while you recover. Our North Carolina personal injury lawyer advocates for you and shows your case the attention it deserves.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in North Carolina

According to a report by the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, thousands of trucks were involved in crashes during the most recent year. When factoring in single-unit trucks, trailers, tractors, semi-trailers, doubles, and other heavy trucks, more than 17,000 crashes occurred throughout the state. In Pitt County alone, there were 10 injuries and 2 fatalities in crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks. These accidents were caused by a number of factors that include:

Speeding
Tailgating
Distracted driving
Alcohol or drug use
Improper passing
Failing to follow the rules of the road
Limited visibility
Fatigue

Potential Injuries in a Truck Accident

The weight and size differences between trucks and passenger vehicles can be a lethal combination. While truck drivers may suffer less injury and impact in a collision, they cause more harm to other motorists. Smaller vehicles absorb more force in an accident and are therefore more susceptible to severe injuries. Injuries in truck accidents can range in severity, but can include:

Whiplash
Broken bones
Lacerations and soft tissue damage
Nerve damage
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
Neck and spine injuries
Chest and rib injuries
Internal bleeding and organ damage
Burn injuries
Disfigurement
Amputation
Paralysis
Disabilities
Death

Medical attention is vital after an accident with a big rig. You could be facing severe or life-threatening injuries, and every moment counts. A medical professional can provide prompt treatment and reduce the risk of damage you could suffer from serious conditions.

Areas of Elevated Risk for Accidents in Greenville, NC

While injuries can happen anywhere in Pitt County or throughout Greenville, there are certain areas within the city that are more prone to accidents and injuries than others. Collectively, these locations throughout Greenville are known as the “High Injury Network,” and are part of Greenville’s Traffic Safety Action Plan to improve safety and visibility. These high-risk roads include:

Laurens Road
N. Pleasantburg Drive
Woodruff Road
Stone Avenue
Haywood Road
Augusta Street
Pelham Road
US 123
W. Faris Road
Grove Road

Road conditions, heavy traffic, steep grades, and limited visibility are just a few of the reasons that contribute to the hazards throughout Greenville. While the city is working on improving these sections, it is essential to continue to exercise caution and drive defensively to reduce the risk of an accident.

Important Steps to Take After a Truck Accident Near You

Given the magnitude of a truck accident, it is not uncommon to be in shock afterward. You may also be in a lot of pain. Handling logistics is probably the furthest thing from your mind, but it is important to protect the outcome of your claim and ensure the insurance company does not have a significant reason to deny your claim. To the best extent possible, take these steps after a truck accident to speed up your personal injury case and get results faster:

Receive medical attention: Call 911 after an accident to be examined and treated by medical professionals. Your injuries should be thoroughly assessed and documented to both ensure your safety and provide evidence for your insurance or personal injury claim. Injuries are also often delayed due to adrenaline, so continue to monitor your condition and seek further care if your condition worsens after initial treatment.
Get a police report: If possible, request that a police report be filed at the scene of the accident to document the collision and ensure there is an official record. The report may also provide valuable evidence in your claim. If a report cannot be filed at the scene, fill one out online as soon as possible. You should also request a copy of the completed report.
Exchange information: Exchange contact, vehicle, and insurance information with the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident. This is essential after an accident and will also be needed to streamline your claim. If you were too injured to get this information at the scene of the accident, then acquire this information from the police report as soon as possible.
Gather evidence: Take photos and videos of the accident and your injuries if possible. Witness statements can also be helpful if you are able to acquire them. You should also keep all medical records, test results, vehicle costs, bills, and pay stubs for evidence in your case.
Hire truck accident lawyers near me: To ensure you have someone to protect your interests and communicate on your behalf while you heal, it is important to hire a lawyer. Insurance companies and trucking companies will often try to pay you as little as possible, or even blame you for causing the accident. A lawyer can be your advocate and also review all settlement offers you receive to ensure a fair outcome.
Pursue a claim against the at-fault party: Once you have discussed your situation with a lawyer, it is time to proceed with filing a claim against the party responsible for the accident. You will likely begin by filing a claim with their insurance company. However, if this does not provide enough compensation or an agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer can help you pursue a personal injury claim instead.

Determining and Establishing Liability in a Truck Accident Case

The trucking industry requires many parties to manage different aspects of operations and transportation. Each party has a specific role to play, and a negligent mistake at any point can affect all other parts of the process, including trucks and their drivers. Because of this, determining liability in a truck accident is much more complex than the average vehicle accident. Furthermore, the trucking industry is highly regulated, so each party has high standards that they must adhere to as they complete their responsibilities, which are outlined in the Code of Federal Regulation Part 392 — Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles.

As such, several parties could be held liable for contributing to a truck accident. These include the driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, truck mechanics, and cargo loaders. To determine who is at fault in an accident, a lawyer must investigate each party to find the source. Once this is ascertained, your lawyer can establish the standard of negligence in your case, which involves showing the following:

Duty of Care: The party at fault is supposed to take reasonable precautions, exercise caution, and follow trucking regulations to prevent harm to themselves and other motorists.
Breach of duty: When an at-fault party fails to act safely or adhere to regulations, they breach their obligations to motorists.
Causation: As a result, the actions of the at-fault party cause an accident that directly leads to your injuries.
Damages: As a liable party, they must pay for your damages so you can recoup your losses.

Liability When More Than One Party is Responsible

There are times when more than one party is engaged in negligent actions that contributed to the accident. This makes a difference in who is able to recover compensation and who must pay for damages. North Carolina is one of a handful of states that apply contributory negligence in these situations. This means that any party who contributes to the accident may not recover any of their losses through compensation.

Losses That Can be Recovered in a Truck Accident Case in Greenville, NC

Truck accidents can cause significant destruction in an accident that can lead to steep medical costs and losses in your life. Without compensation, you could be left to pay for these expenses yourself. The purpose of damages is to offset the burden of these expenses and losses to help you move forward, heal, and reclaim your life. As such, you may be able to recover the following types of damages in your case:

Economic damages: A form of compensation that provides relief for the value of your financial losses. These typically include medical expenses, repair or replacement costs for your vehicle, lost wages, and funeral and burial expenses when applicable.
Non-economic damages: A form of compensation that ensures you have monetary resources to alleviate the burden of the trauma you experienced. These damages generally cover your pain and suffering, decreased quality of life, mental and emotional anguish, and loss of companionship.

To determine what you are entitled to recover after a truck accident, your lawyer will help you calculate your losses to determine how much your case is worth. Every case is different, so settlements can vary significantly. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf so you can receive as much as possible for your losses.

North Carolina Limits Your Ability to Recover Damages

The ability to file a claim and recover compensation also comes with restrictions. According to North Carolina’s statute of limitations, you have three years from the time of the accident to take action. While this allotment of time seems more than sufficient, it can be easy to not recognize how much time has passed or how much time is needed for your case. To avoid forfeiting your rights, it is essential to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.

An 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Provides Valuable Representation and Results

Given the complexities of truck accidents, it is crucial to have a Greenville, NC truck accident attorney handling your case. They understand how to navigate the various layers of liability to determine who is at fault and then hold them accountable. It is also important to have someone who can aggressively negotiate for you so you are not taken advantage of and can receive a fair settlement.

As such, knowing what to look for when finding a lawyer is key. When you discuss your case with a semi-truck lawyer near you during your initial consultation, you should take the time to learn about their experience, case results, and how they approach communicating with both you and opposing parties. You will want to ensure that their approach and background align with your needs.

Once you hire a lawyer, you can expect them to conduct a detailed investigation into the accident and take the time to build a strong case for you. Evidence is vital when navigating a truck accident case, and your lawyer will ensure that you have enough to demonstrate the other party’s liability and your losses.

The Legal Services You Need Are Within Reach

Paying for truck accident lawyer near me law firm does not have to be unattainable. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers offers a contingency fee model so you do not have to pay any fees up front. We only collect fees from your settlement or verdict if we win your case, so you never have to pay us anything directly. Contingency fees allow us to make legal services accessible to you in your time of need. You can also be confident that we have your best interests at heart and will relentlessly fight for you.

Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers Advocate for You After a Truck Accident

Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers are committed to winning your case and helping you rebuild your life after a truck accident. We stand up and fight for you so you receive a fair settlement that can sufficiently cover the losses you have suffered. To learn more about the customized solutions we can provide in your case, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.