Kinston Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
When a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, catastrophic damages are common. Because these vehicles are usually much bigger and heavier than other cars on the road, their capacity for destruction is significant. Following an accident in which you sustained damages, an experienced Kinston commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you collect compensation.
At Whitley Law Firm, we have helped countless accident victims recover compensation from large trucking companies. Our team of experienced Kinston truck accident lawyers will never back down in their pursuit of compensation on your behalf. Reach out today to schedule a free case evaluation with someone from our legal team.Â
How a Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney in Kinston Can Help You Recover the Compensation You Deserve
When you secure the services of a Kinston personal injury lawyer after suffering damages in a crash, there are a variety of steps they will take to help you get the money you need and deserve. Immediately after taking on your case, your attorney will begin investigating your accident, with the aim of proving fault and collecting evidence that supports your injury claim.
Following their initial inquiry, your lawyer will go over all the damages you sustained and calculate the full value of your claim. They will then complete all the required paperwork for a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim and file the documents with the appropriate party. After that, your attorney will get to work, preparing your case for a potential trial.
At every stage of the process, your attorney will also be working to negotiate a settlement deal with the opposing party. The majority of these cases are resolved through settlement deals. However, your lawyer must still prepare as though you are going to trial. There is always a chance that you will be unable to reach a settlement deal, necessitating a trial.
Damages You Can Pursue Following a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Following an accident with a commercial vehicle in which you sustain serious injuries, there are several types of damages you may be able to pursue. To recover the full value of your injury claim, you will need to identify all the specific damages you qualify to claim.
An experienced commercial vehicle accident lawyer serving Kinston can help you determine all the damages you are eligible to collect and maximize the compensation you recover from the at-fault party.
Compensatory Damages
The majority of damages available after an accident are classified as compensatory damages. These damages are used to replace losses suffered by an accident victim. You can recover compensatory damages for the financial losses you suffer, as well as harm to your quality of life.
Some of the most commonly available compensatory damages following a commercial vehicle accident include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Projected future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Lost income
- Decreased ability to earn income
- Permanent disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only used in a small fraction of commercial vehicle accident cases. These damages are not meant to repay an accident victim for the losses they incurred. Instead, these damages are used to punish the at-fault party for their role in causing the accident to occur.
Punitive damages are only used in extreme cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm.
At Whitley Law Firm, our experienced Kinston commercial vehicle accident attorneys will help you determine all the types of damages that can be recovered for your accident to ensure you are able to collect the full value of your claim.
Assessing Fault in North Carolina
While in most states, you can recover compensation after an accident even if you were partially at fault, the same does not apply to accidents in North Carolina. The state uses a contributory negligence rule, which only permits accident victims to collect compensation if they were completely faultless for the accident.
If the court determines that you were partially at fault, you will be barred from recovery.
Be Careful to File Your Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
When pursuing compensation after suffering injuries in an accident with a commercial vehicle, you need to be mindful of all applicable filing deadlines. In North Carolina, the personal injury statute of limitations generally gives accident victims three years to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. In cases of wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years. Failing to file on time could prevent you from claiming damages.
Securing the services of an experienced attorney is the best way to ensure you don’t lose your right to compensation because of an unexpected deadline.
Hire an Experienced Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer Serving Kinston Today
Following a commercial vehicle accident in which you suffer damages, the best way to ensure you get the money you deserve is by hiring an experienced attorney. At Whitley Law Firm, we will work diligently to help ensure you recover fair compensation for your damages.
Our team of experienced commercial vehicle accident attorneys serving Kinston is ready to get started on your case today. Contact us by completing our online contact form, using our chat tool, or giving us a call to set up your free initial case consultation with a member of our staff today.
