Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer

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 Raleigh truck accident lawyers can help.

Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers will fight for just compensation on your behalf. Whitley Law Firm has experience negotiating with trucking company insurers, as well as pursuing truck accident claims through trial.

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 its 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 complexities.

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

Evidence in Truck Accident Claims is Complex

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.

You Likely 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.

Multiple Parties May be at Fault for the Truck Accident

Another complicated issue in truck accident cases is the fact that the negligence of multiple parties often contributes to accidents involving big rigs. Knowledgeable truck accident lawyers will be able to determine what issues led to the crash and who is responsible.

It is important to note that North Carolina follows the standard of contributory negligence in personal injury claims (including truck accidents). Under the contributory negligence law, any degree of fault on the part of plaintiffs disqualifies them from recovery.

Even if the defendant or defendants are 99.99% at fault, a meager 0.01% negligence on your part will make it impossible for you to obtain compensation for your injuries.

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.

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

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 navigate your case while ensuring 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. These large, heavy vehicles pose a significant risk, making accidents with 18-wheelers particularly hazardous for other road users.

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.

Understanding Your Rights to Medical Bills and Care After a Truck Accident in North Carolina

After a truck accident in North Carolina, victims often face mounting medical bills, especially if they’ve sustained severe injuries. Whether you’re dealing with immediate medical care or long-term rehabilitation, understanding your rights is essential.

Your insurance company may offer coverage, but it can be difficult to negotiate for a fair amount. Whitley Law Firm can handle all communication with your insurance company after a semi-truck wreck.

A skilled Raleigh truck accident lawyer can advocate on your behalf. They’ll work to ensure that your medical care is covered and that you are compensated for both physical injuries and the emotional distress or mental anguish that may follow such an event.

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.

Many of these parties are difficult to hold accountable. They have considerable financial power and resources designed to limit their liability for truck accidents. You need an experienced Raleigh trucking accident attorney to handle your claim against the parties liable for a crash involving an 18-wheeler.

Lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can navigate the complex web of commercial trucking regulations to establish who broke the rules and advocate for maximum compensation on your behalf. Get your free, no-obligation consultation today.

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 or choose to disregard them altogether. 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 significantly more likely to cause accidents, and the risk is even higher when drivers resort to drugs or stimulants—whether legal or illegal—to stay awake.

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.

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 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 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).

Judgments and large trial awards are not only a means of compensating truck accident victims for the substantial losses they incur. They also send a clear message to the trucking industry and other parties that extreme recklessness and wrongdoing will not be tolerated.

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 in North Carolina can be a stressful and overwhelming process. Insurance companies are often more focused on protecting their bottom line than ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Whether it’s the insurance company of the commercial driver, the trucking company, or other involved parties, understanding your rights and how to navigate the claims process is essential.

Having an experienced lawyer by your side can help you handle the complexities of your insurance claim while you focus on your recovery. Here are a few key steps to keep in mind when handling insurance claims after a truck accident:

• Document everything: Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene, including photos of the accident, medical records, and witness statements.
• Report the accident: Notify your own insurance company and the insurance company of the at-fault party as soon as possible. Failing to report promptly could hurt your claim.
• Understand your coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what damages are covered, including medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
• Don’t settle too early: Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick settlement, but these offers are often lower than what you deserve. Consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer.
• Let a lawyer handle negotiations: Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, and their insurers. A skilled attorney can handle the negotiations and ensure you’re not taken advantage of.
• Keep track of medical expenses: Maintain a record of all medical bills and treatments related to your injuries. This can be essential for proving your case and ensuring you receive full compensation.

Contact Our Raleigh Truck Accident Attorneys Today to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Our teams of lawyers are here to help injury victims get the compensation they deserve. Don’t wait to get in touch with our Raleigh truck accident lawyers today.

We will thoroughly investigate whether the trucking company’s negligence or harmful actions contributed to causing your truck wreck. Then, we’ll negotiate compensation that is just and fair or ask the court to award the damages you need to get your life back.

Learn about what makes Whitley Law Firm unique and why we are the right firm to help you with your free initial consultation. An experienced attorney is standing by to hear from you. And remember, you can always visit our FAQ page to learn more.