Truck Accident Lawyer in Raleigh

Unsurprisingly, large truck accidents account for some of the worst—and most deadly—vehicle collisions on the roadways. If you or your family member has been hurt or even killed in a trucking accident, our experienced truck accident lawyers in Raleigh can help.

At Whitley Law Firm, founded in 1974, our Raleigh personal injury lawyers have spent more than 50 years fighting for just compensation on our clients’ behalf. Our personal injury law firm can negotiate with trucking company insurers and pursue truck accident claims through trial.

Whitley Law Firm Can Represent a Variety of Truck Crash Types

At Whitley Law Firm, our experienced attorneys are here to help you face the aftermath of a wide range of truck-related accidents. Whether you’ve been injured by an 18-wheeler, a commercial vehicle, or a semi truck, we’re ready to fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward.

Call our:

• Raleigh 18–wheeler truck accident lawyers: Our team understands the complicated regulations and severe consequences of 18-wheeler accidents. We work aggressively to hold negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable.
• Raleigh commercial vehicle accident lawyers: Accidents involving commercial vehicles often involve multiple liable parties. We have the resources and experience to investigate thoroughly and pursue full compensation for your injuries.
• Raleigh semi truck accident lawyers: Semi truck crashes can result in catastrophic injuries. We provide compassionate support and relentless legal representation to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Do I Need a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer?

Choosing to hire a personal injury attorney after any kind of motor vehicle accident is generally a wise decision. If you have been injured or a member of your family was killed in a commercial truck accident, retaining legal counsel is essential.

Truck accident claims involve a number of challenges and issues you won’t encounter in the aftermath of most auto accidents. Many lawyers lack the experience and knowledge to handle truck accident litigation precisely because they are unfamiliar with these difficulties.

Big reasons you should talk to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash with a tractor-trailer include:

The Trucking Company is Already Building a Case

Commercial freight carriers know the cost of accident claims. They will take immediate action to investigate the crash, collect evidence, and devise strategies to avoid liability.

The longer you wait to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer, the more difficult it will be to make an effective claim. Our Raleigh truck accident lawyers investigate promptly and collect all relevant evidence as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation.

Why Choose Whitley Law Firm: No Fees Unless We Win

At Whitley Law Firm, we understand that the financial strain of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already facing medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you owe nothing unless we win your case.

Our team of experienced Raleigh truck accident lawyers is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing compensation for medical care, severe injuries, and other damages. With no upfront fees, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal challenges.

If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us a dime—it’s that simple. Let us help you face this difficult time with the confidence that you’re in trusted hands.

Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 785-5000

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Standard Crashes

Truck accident claims aren’t just larger in scale—they’re more complicated by nature. These cases often involve federal trucking regulations, corporate defendants, and multiple layers of insurance coverage.

Successfully handling them requires in-depth investigation, detailed documentation, and a strong understanding of the commercial transportation industry. As a trusted Raleigh personal injury law firm, we guide our clients through every step of this challenging process.

Truck Accident Claims Require Extensive Evidence

You need to establish the negligence of one or more parties to recover fair compensation after a truck accident. This is no easy task, which is one of the main reasons you should consult a lawyer as soon as you can after the crash.

Raleigh truck accident lawyers at Whitley Law Firm will perform a complete investigation to build your personal injury claim. Our experienced truck accident attorneys know what kind of evidence is required to win these complicated cases, and it includes:

• Photos of the truck accident scene
• Eyewitness testimony
• Accident reports from local police departments, state authorities, and (in some cases) the National Transportation Safety Board
• Video footage of the truck accident (if available)
• Logbooks kept by the truck driver in the course of the haul
• Hiring and supervision records for the commercial truck driver
• Inspection reports for the tractor-trailer
• Records concerning the cargo on the truck
• The truck driver’s cell phone records (if applicable)
• Data from the truck’s onboard computers and event data recorder

In addition, expert testimony is often necessary to establish what caused the truck accident, who is at fault, and more. Whitley Law Firm has built relationships with many leading experts who can testify on these and other key issues in your truck accident case.

Get your free, no–obligation consultation today after any type of car accident in Raleigh.

You Could Have Serious Injuries

The more significant the injury, the more complicated your personal injury case. It takes time to recover from serious and catastrophic injuries. Often, full recovery from injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident is not possible.

Hiring a truck accident attorney will enable you to focus on recovery while your lawyer deals with the details of your case. If the trucking accident left you with permanent, disabling injuries, our lawyers will determine if your injuries are stable before calculating the compensation you are entitled to.

Truck Accident Damages are Often Substantial

Due to the high number of serious, life-altering injuries and fatal accidents, the damages in truck accident claims are frequently much higher than they are in other types of motor vehicle accident cases.

The more compensation you are owed, the more aggressively the trucking companies, insurers, etc., will challenge your claim.

Hiring a truck accident attorney is the best way to overcome the defendants’ efforts to pay you less than you deserve. Whitley Law Firm will fight for full compensation on your behalf, whether that means negotiating a favorable settlement or taking your truck accident case to court.

Contributory Negligence

Defendants in truck accident claims often try to take advantage of North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule to avoid paying what’s fair.

Our Raleigh truck accident attorneys are prepared for these arguments, and we will fight hard to place the blame for the crash where it belongs.

Facing Truck Accident Claims in North Carolina

When you are involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, the process of seeking compensation can be daunting. Commercial vehicles, such as trucks and 18-wheelers, often have larger insurance policies, which can make dealing with the insurance company more complicated.

It’s crucial to understand the responsibilities of the commercial driver and the responsible parties involved, including trucking companies and maintenance providers.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries or significant emotional distress, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you handle your case while helping you receive the medical care and compensation you need to move forward.

Common Injuries in North Carolina Truck Accidents

Occupants of passenger vehicles are highly susceptible to severe injuries when involved in collisions with commercial trucks. At our Raleigh truck accident law firm, we assist clients who have suffered various injuries in accidents involving commercial trucks.

Some of the most common injuries we encounter in these types of crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Injuries to the head and face, including eye injuries, trauma to the mouth and jaw, etc.
• Whiplash, disc herniation, and other types of neck injuries
• Back injuries, including fractures, soft tissue damage, etc.
• Spinal cord injuries (up to and including paralysis)
• Orthopedic injuries
• Severe lacerations
• Burn injuries
• Loss of a limb/amputation injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Bone fractures
• Damage to internal organs
• Permanent disabilities

The nature and severity of your injuries will have a major impact on the value of your truck accident claim. It is in your best interest to speak to a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to review your case and determine what compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Unfortunately, injuries sustained in a trucking accident often prove fatal for one or more of the accident victims. In this tragic situation, lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of your family to seek compensation for the loss of your loved one.

Our Raleigh Semi Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready to Help Now

If you’ve been injured in a collision with a semi truck or 18-wheeler, taking immediate legal action can be critical to the success of your case. The sooner you get started, the better your chances of preserving key evidence and protecting your right to compensation.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly After a Truck Accident

Being proactive after a crash is critical for a variety of reasons, including: 

• Preserving crucial evidence: Skid marks, vehicle damage, black box data, and maintenance logs can be lost, destroyed, or overwritten shortly after the crash. Early action allows your attorney to secure this evidence before it’s gone.
• Avoiding fading memories: Witnesses may forget important details as time passes. Prompt investigation helps capture accurate statements while the incident is still fresh.
• Complying with legal deadlines: North Carolina has strict time limits for filing personal injury claims. Starting your case early ensures you don’t miss your chance to pursue damages.

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable in North Carolina Truck Accident Cases

In North Carolina, determining the responsible parties in a truck accident is critical to securing fair compensation.

When a commercial driver causes an accident, multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and even the vehicle manufacturer, could be held accountable.

Identifying all responsible parties is essential for getting compensation for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. A Raleigh truck accident lawyer will help you identify these parties and pursue maximum compensation during this difficult time.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

A comprehensive investigation of a commercial truck accident often reveals errors or wrongdoing on the part of multiple individuals, companies, and other entities. Identifying all the parties at fault for the accident is essential for maximizing the compensation you can recover. Potentially liable parties in your truck accident claim may include:

• The truck driver: Obviously, the actions of the commercial operator are the first and most important to consider in the aftermath of a truck accident. Multiple errors on the part of the truck driver can lead to an accident, such as speeding, driving while fatigued, etc.
• The trucking company: Commercial carriers can be held liable for the negligence of the drivers they employ as well as their own errors and wrongdoing (e.g., failure to hire qualified drivers, inadequate supervision, or negligent maintenance and repair of trucks).
• The manufacturer of a defective truck and/or defective parts: Mechanical failures on 18-wheelers can lead to serious accidents. If these failures are caused by a defective vehicle or component, victims of the crash can bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• The shipping company: Commercial trucks are loaded by third-party companies responsible for positioning and securing cargo so it can be transported safely. The freight carrier can be held liable for trucking accidents caused by the improper loading and securement of cargo.
• Third–party maintenance companies: Owners of commercial trucks may turn to third-party mechanics and businesses to maintain their rigs and perform necessary repairs. Negligence on the part of these individuals and companies can make the trucks unsafe..

Trucking Company Responsibilities

When a trucking company places a driver on the road, it has a responsibility to ensure that its drivers are properly qualified and that the company’s policies promote safe driving practices.

The company is also obligated to conduct thorough background checks on the driver’s history, including any prior alcohol or drug-related driving convictions or any issues related to the status of their commercial driver’s license.

Unfortunately, many trucking companies fail to meet these obligations. Drivers of large trucks are sometimes pressured into driving long hours without adequate rest, prioritizing fast deliveries over safety to increase company profits. Drowsy drivers are also significantly more likely to cause accidents.

Trucking Company Safe Driving Practices

Unsafe company policies can lead to dangerous driving behaviors. Some trucking companies have faced legal challenges in recent years due to these practices.

In response, many companies have adopted safer policies. However, if these policies are not properly enforced or if companies exploit loopholes, safety improvements may be superficial.

For example, offering bonuses or incentives to truck drivers who exceed driving-time limits can be just as dangerous as having an official policy that restricts rest periods. If a trucking company disregards federal regulations, it must be held accountable for putting safety at risk.

How a Raleigh Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney Can Help You Recover Compensation

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make all the difference. Here’s how a truck accident lawyer in Raleigh will work to maximize your recovery and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Investigating the Accident

The first step your attorney will take is to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash. This includes gathering evidence, identifying all responsible parties, and working to establish liability.

Evidence may include police reports, witness statements, black box data, and surveillance footage.

Calculating the Value of Your Claim

Once liability is clear, your lawyer will assess the full scope of your damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts on your quality of life. The goal is to ensure that every aspect of your loss is accounted for in your claim.

Handling Paperwork and Filing

Your truck accident lawyer in Raleigh will manage all required documentation and deadlines for filing insurance claims or initiating a personal injury lawsuit. This helps prevent delays or errors that could jeopardize your case.

Preparing for Trial

Even though many cases settle, your lawyer will prepare your case as if it’s going to court. This includes gathering expert opinions, reviewing maintenance and driver records, and building a strong legal argument.

Negotiating a Settlement

Throughout the process, your attorney will engage in settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurer or legal team. The goal is to reach a resolution that fairly compensates you—without the need for a trial.

However, if a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be fully prepared to present your case in court.

What Is My Truck Accident Claim Worth?

The compensation you may be due after a truck accident can be divided into economic and non-economic damages. In addition, you may be entitled to recovery of your damages to date, as well as losses you are likely to sustain in the future.

Economic Damages

Economic damages in a truck accident claim may include:

• Medical expenses, including the cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity if you are unable to work as a result of your truck accident injuries
• Property damage, such as repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal effects
• The cost of travel and accommodations for medical appointments
• Canes, crutches, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices
• Disability modifications to your home and vehicle
• Home-based medical care
• The cost of hiring outside help for household activities

Non-Economic and Punitive Damages

Non-economic damages in a truck accident claim may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Disability
• Permanent scarring/disfigurement
• Loss of the enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of the benefits of a relationship with a spouse

In select circumstances, punitive damages may also be awarded in truck accident cases. To recover punitive damages, a plaintiff must present evidence that the defendant’s actions involved an “aggravating factor” such as fraud, malice, or willful or wanton conduct (see North Carolina General Statutes § 1D-15).

At Whitley Law Firm, we are committed to making safer communities. We believe this is achieved in two main ways. The first is through rigorous championing of those who suffer injuries and lose loved ones in accidents. The second is through seeking to enforce accountability under the law.

Handling Insurance Claims After a Truck Wreck

Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be overwhelming and frustrating. At Whitley Law Firm, we help you handle every aspect of your insurance claim, from gathering evidence and documenting your injuries to negotiating with adjusters who may try to minimize your payout.

Truck accident claims often involve multiple insurers, including the truck driver’s, the trucking company’s, and sometimes even third-party contractors. We know how to face these complicated cases and fight to ensure you’re not taken advantage of.

Our goal is to relieve the pressure and help you secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Speak with a Raleigh Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The truck accident lawyers in Raleigh at Whitley Law Firm are here to stand by your side, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve.

With deep experience in handling truck accident cases across Raleigh and North Carolina, we know what it takes to hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation. Then, visit our FAQ page to learn more.