Greenville Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. The size and weight of these vehicles make their destructive capabilities in an accident far higher than that of the average passenger vehicle. After suffering injuries in a collision, securing the services of an experienced Greenville commercial vehicle accident attorney can prove critical.
At Whitley Law Firm, we know the challenges a commercial vehicle accident can create. Our team of truck accident lawyers in Greenville will take every necessary action to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve. Get in touch with us today to set up your free initial case evaluation with a member of our legal team.
Steps a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Greenville Will Take on Your Behalf
After you hire a Greenville personal injury lawyer in your pursuit of compensation following an accident, they will take several steps to ensure you recover the money you need and deserve. One of the first things your lawyer will do will be to launch their own investigation into your accident.Â
The aim of this inquiry will be to prove the liability of another party and compile evidence that supports your damages claim. Following this investigation, your attorney will evaluate the losses you suffered to determine the full value of your claim. They will then complete and file all the required paperwork for an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
As your lawyer prepares your case for a potential courtroom battle, they will also engage in negotiations with the opposition in an effort to reach a settlement deal that works for you. While most of these cases are settled out of court, it is still critical that you find a lawyer who is ready and willing to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you the money you need.
North Carolina and Contributory Negligence
When pursuing damages after an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need to know that North Carolina uses a contributory negligence rule when assessing fault and determining an accident victim’s right to pursue damages.
In most states, an accident victim can claim compensation even if they shared the fault for the accident. However, this is not the case in North Carolina. Instead, victims can only claim damages if they are 0% to blame for the accident. If it is determined that you shared in the fault, you will be unable to pursue damages from the primarily liable party.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit in Greenville
Following an accident with a commercial vehicle, it is critical that you file your compensation claim before the filing deadline. In North Carolina, accident victims typically have three years to file a lawsuit under the state’s personal injury statute of limitations. Failing to file before this deadline will likely prevent you from pursuing damages.
However, you should never neglect to speak to an experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer about your case, even if you think you have missed your chance to pursue damages. The specific details of your case may create an exception that allows you to file outside the standard three-year window.
At the same time, you could discover that the circumstances of your situation put further limits on the amount of time you have to take legal action. The best way to protect yourself against unexpected deadlines is by reaching out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Available Damages in a Commercial Vehicle Accident Case
Following a commercial vehicle accident in which you suffer serious injuries, there are several different types of damages you will likely be able to recover from the liable party. To secure the full amount you are entitled to claim, you will need to identify all the damages you are eligible to pursue.
An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you determine all the damages that apply to help maximize your claim.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are used to compensate an accident victim for all the losses they suffered as a result of their collision. These damages include all of the financial losses you sustained, as well as any harm to your quality of life. Commonly available compensatory damages in commercial vehicle accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Permanent disability
- Medical bills
- Projected future medical costs
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Lost earnings
- Diminished ability to earn income
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
In a small percentage of cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are not meant to replace the losses of an accident victim like with compensatory damages. Instead, punitive damages are used as a means of punishing the liable party for the role they played in causing the accident to occur.
The court only uses punitive damages in extreme cases where the at-fault party was criminally negligent or acted with the intention of causing harm.
When you secure the services of an experienced attorney, they will help you determine all the types of damages that can be recovered for your accident.
Get Help from an Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Greenville Today
After getting hurt in a commercial vehicle accident, the best way to ensure you recover damages is by securing the services of an experienced attorney. At Whitley Law Firm, we have a long history of helping accident victims get the money they need and deserve.
Our team of experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyers in Greenville will work around the clock on your behalf. Contact us today by completing our online contact form, using the chat tool on this site, or giving us a call and schedule your free, initial case consultation with a member of our staff.
