Truck Accident Lawyer in Chapel Hill

When a large commercial truck collides with a smaller passenger vehicle, the outcome can be devastating. Commercial truck accidents often leave victims with painful and expensive injuries that plague them for years to come. Fortunately, with the help of a Chapel Hill truck accident lawyer, a victim can even the playing field and obtain the compensation they deserve.

Our team at Whitley Law Firm can immediately step in to help you. We have over 120 years of combined legal experience, and we’re prepared to stand up for you right now.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, contact a qualified Chapel Hill personal injury lawyer about your legal options.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Chapel Hill?

Hiring a personal injury attorney after a trucking accident can give you a stronger chance of securing fair payment for your losses. Our team understands the legal system in North Carolina, and we use our experience to help injury victims build claims against big trucking companies and their insurance representatives.

Trucking and insurance companies can try to push you around if you don’t get professional help. These companies only value their bottom lines. They may try to deny your claim or blame you for a crash if you don’t get professional help in your corner.

The truck company may even try to get rid of evidence, like the information on a truck’s data recorder, if you don’t have legal help. Fortunately, our personal injury law firm is ready to step in right now, providing the dedicated support and guidance you deserve.

Damages You Can Secure in a Truck Accident Case

What damages can you collect in a truck accident case? Two types of recoverable truck accident case damages exist: economic and non-economic damages. A truck accident attorney serving Chapel Hill could help you get both. You may get funds to pay for your:

Medical Expenses

Truck accidents in North Carolina often result in catastrophic injuries. The liable party may need to pay for your emergency care, time in a hospital, surgeries, medications, and other necessary medical care.

We can include all of your medical bills in your claim.

Lost Wages

You may qualify for funds to cover any wages you missed while off work and healing. Some of our clients also receive compensation for their reduced earning potential after a crash.

Pain and Suffering

The liable party may have to cover any non-economic losses you experience because of a crash. For example, you may receive compensation for your emotional distress, pain, and mental suffering. We can determine a fair value for these losses because we know how pain and suffering are calculated.

Property Repairs

You may also receive money to cover the costs of repairing any property damaged in your crash. For example, the liable party may have to pay to have your vehicle fixed after a collision. We take property damage seriously and can include these losses in your claim.

Requesting and receiving damages are two very different things. Ultimately, your lawyer could use accident scene photos and videos, witness statements, medical records, and other forms of proof to support your argument. If your body of proof is sufficient, it could lead a judge or jury to award fair compensation.

We know what evidence you need after a trucking accident, and we’re ready to begin our investigation right now.

Chapel Hill Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 785-5000

How Do You Get Compensation for Your Losses?

Generally, you can seek compensation through a settlement or a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit could open settlement negotiations between you and a liable party.

Your lawyer can keep you updated throughout these negotiations. If you receive a settlement offer, you can evaluate the proposal with your attorney and determine whether to approve, reject, or counter it.

If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, you and your lawyer can present your case to a judge or jury. At this point, your attorney can explain how an at-fault party may have violated hours of service (HOS) regulations or others, which led to your accident and injuries. If your lawyer’s argument is compelling, you can get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes

Commercial vehicle accidents can occur due to various factors, often involving a combination of human error, mechanical failures, and environmental conditions. Some common causes of truck crashes in Chapel Hill include:

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is often caused by long hours on the road. This tiredness can lead to impaired reaction times and decision-making abilities. We understand the dangers associated with fatigued driving and can build your claim quickly.

Distracted Driving

Activities like texting, using GPS, or eating while driving can divert a driver’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving causes many accidents every year.

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions can make it difficult to control a large commercial vehicle.

Improper Loading

Incorrectly loaded cargo can affect the truck’s balance and stability, increasing the risk of rollovers or loss of control.

Mechanical Failures

Issues with brakes, tires, or other critical components can lead to accidents, especially if proper maintenance is neglected.

Drug or Alcohol Use

Impaired driving due to substance abuse can significantly increase the likelihood of drunk driving accidents.

Poor Weather Conditions

Rain, snow, ice, or fog can make roads slippery and decrease visibility, contributing to accidents involving commercial trucks.

Inadequate Training

Lack of proper training or experience in handling commercial vehicles can lead to mistakes on the road.

Commercial motor vehicle accidents often result in serious injuries and extensive damage due to the size and weight of these vehicles. If you’ve suffered severe injuries after a commercial collision, don’t wait to contact our Chapel Hill commercial vehicle accident lawyers.

Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident?

After an accident, many victims wonder who to hold responsible. Naturally, most people assume the truck driver should bear the responsibility. However, a Chapel Hill truck accident lawyer may effectively show that multiple parties are liable for an accident.

We may help you seek compensation from the:

• Driver of the truck
• Owner of the truck
• Maintenance company
• Trucking company
• Cargo loading company

Trucking companies often encourage their employees to forego sleep so they can meet deadlines and earn more revenue. Many may even go as far as to tell their employees they do not have to follow all the federal safety regulations laid out for them.

In the event of an accident, we can hold these individuals responsible for the actions of their employees. It is also their responsibility to hire trained and safety-conscious drivers to operate their vehicles.

Other parties, such as maintenance companies and cargo loading companies, can owe you compensation in certain circumstances. If a maintenance or loading company fails to do its job properly, it can set the stage for a horrific accident. This is especially true when trucks are tasked with hauling dangerous, often flammable, materials for hundreds of miles.

Why Hire Our Truck Accident Lawyers?

You can rely on Whitley Law Firm to provide personalized attention and compassionate support throughout the legal process. If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, contact us today for a consultation and let us fight for your rights. Choose us because:

We Share Our Knowledge of Commercial Vehicle Laws

Our team of commercial vehicle collision lawyers possesses extensive knowledge and experience in the complex laws and regulations governing commercial vehicles. From understanding federal trucking regulations to local traffic laws, we have the ability to navigate the legal intricacies of your case effectively.

We know how fault is determined in truck accident claims, and we’ll share our knowledge with you.

We Have a Proven Track Record of Success

When you hire our commercial vehicle collision lawyers, you benefit from our proven track record of success in handling similar cases. We have been able to achieve substantial settlements and results for our clients who have been victims of commercial vehicle accidents. 

Our dedication to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients sets us apart.

We Have Strategic Negotiation and Litigation Skills

Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to engage with insurance companies and defense attorneys. We strive to reach fair settlements through negotiation, but are always prepared to litigate aggressively in court if necessary. Our strategic approach aims to achieve the best possible results for our clients.

We Provide Personalized Attention and Compassionate Support

At Whitley Law Firm, we prioritize personalized attention and provide compassionate support to our clients throughout the legal process.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll of commercial vehicle accidents and are committed to advocating for your rights with care and empathy.

We Know How to Handle Insurance Companies

When a person is injured in a truck accident, they may need a Chapel Hill truck accident lawyer to help them deal with insurance companies. Insurance companies often hire their own lawyers whose primary goal is to avoid paying the victim compensation for their injuries.

It is important to never speak to these individuals without an attorney present.

Deadlines on Truck Crash Claims

How long after a truck accident do you have to file a lawsuit? The statute of limitations is three years. You must begin your claim before the statute of limitations expires, or the court can dismiss your case and stop you from getting compensation for your losses.

How to Respond to a Truck Accident

You have every right to feel annoyed and frustrated in the moments after a truck crash. Keep in mind that what you say and do at this time can have far-flung effects if you want to pursue damages from a liable party.

Here are tips to help you prioritize your health, well-being, and safety after your accident:

Call for Assistance

Dial 911 and tell the operator what happened. Medical professionals and police officers will travel to the accident scene.

Seek Medical Attention

Let medical personnel evaluate you, treat your injuries, and take you to a hospital for further care if warranted.

Talk to the Police

Share details about the accident with police officers, who will include the information you provide in their incident report.

Get the Truck Driver’s Information

You should collect information from the trucker, including their driver’s license, employer, and insurance information. You should also collect contact information from anyone else at the accident scene.

Take Videos and Photos

Make sure that you retrieve visual proof of the accident scene and your injuries. In addition to these things, connect with a truck accident attorney from the Whitley Law Firm.

A Chapel Hill personal injury lawyer from our team can help you identify any parties liable for your semi truck crash and pursue damages from them. Contact us today for more information.

Talk to Us After a Truck Accident in Chapel Hill

If you are ready to file suit, a Chapel Hill truck accident attorney from our team at Whitley Law Firm can immediately step in to assist you. We believe in holding individuals and companies of all sizes responsible for their actions.

Contact an attorney who will work tirelessly to pursue justice for you.