All auto accidents are difficult and stressful, but truck accidents can be especially serious. Truck accidents frequently leave victims with disabling and severe, even life-threatening injuries. The cost of treating injuries caused by truck accidents can be astronomical. Successfully pursuing total compensation requires the help of an experienced truck accident attorney.
There are many factors involved in a truck accident case. When damages are high, insurance companies are not quick to pay victims for their significant losses. Insurance companies may try to offer victims low settlement amounts so they can settle the case and save money. Before you accept an offer or make any decisions about your case, it is best to consult with a North Carolina truck accident attorney.
Trucking Regulations are ComplicatedEvery truck accident case is different. When an attorney looks at all of the specific details of your case, theycan provide you with tailored legal advice based on your situation.
Truck drivers work as employees on the clock and must maintain specific standards when driving. When they fail to maintain the standards, their negligence can cause truck accidents.
Specifically, truck drivers are required to keep up with annual inspections, maintain their credentials, keep track of scheduled maintenance, and log hours and rest periods. State and federal laws govern the trucking industry. However, trucking companies may pressure truck drivers to refrain from taking their legally required breaks so they can complete jobs more quickly. Fatigue and lack of maintenance can cause devastating truck accidents.
Working with an attorney can help you investigate the accident and determine the causes. It is not uncommon for trucking companies or insurance carriers to send investigators to the scene of an accident to begin clearing up evidence. When you hire an attorney immediately, your attorney will be able to subpoena information to get more evidence.
Multiple Parties May Be at FaultAn attorney can also help you determine which party or parties are liable or to blame for the trucking accident that caused your injuries. If a negligent truck driver caused your injuries, you have the right to pursue compensation from the truck driver. However, the truck driver may not have enough assets or auto insurance coverage on their own to cover all of your damages.
An attorney can help you decide the best legal strategy for obtaining the full and fair settlement you need and deserve. Depending on the details of the accident, other liable parties could include the following:
An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to investigate your case alongside the insurance adjuster to determine who was ultimately liable for the accident and your damages. An attorney will look into the vehicle the truck driver was driving, along with the inspection and maintenance records. An attorney can also look at the trucking company and driver's logs to find any irregularity.
Damages are More Serious in Truck AccidentsBy pursuing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, truck accident victims may be able to be reimbursed for various factors, including medical expenses. Victims can pursue compensation for current and future medical costs related to injury sustained in the accident, such as surgeries, treatment bills, prescriptions, therapy, and rehabilitation. Victims can also pursue compensation for lost income during their recovery time.
If they can no longer work in the future, they can recover compensation for permanent injuries and disability. similarly, victims can pursue monetary damages to repair or replace a vehicle or other damaged property. Finally, victims can seek compensation for the pain, suffering, distress, and trauma caused by the accident and injury. When the at-fault party was engaged in reckless or intentionally dangerous behavior, victims may be able to obtain additional punitive damages.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Truck Accident AttorneyAt Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have been helping truck accident victims with the compensation they need and deserve for decades. When you work with our law firm, you will level the playing field.
Many truck accident companies and their insurance providers have teams of attorneys ready to deny or wrongfully limit victims' compensation. Hiring an attorney as soon as possible will increase the likelihood of successfully obtaining compensation. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.