A crash with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer is every driver's worst nightmare. If you are in a smaller vehicle, the result of an 18-wheeler accident can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, traffic accidents are far too common in the Charlotte region and throughout North Carolina. Mecklenburg County is one of the largest hubs for transportation, with I-85 and I-77 serving as significant trucking routes. When tractor-trailers and trucks operate at high speeds on congested roadways alongside commuters, dangerous accidents can occur.
What to Do After a Charlotte Truck AccidentHow you handle your case after a truck accident is crucial for your compensation claim. If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be wondering what steps you should take. The most important thing is to get the medical attention you need. If the paramedics arrive at the scene and suggest you go to the hospital, follow their advice. You might not feel the full extent of your injuries because of shock or adrenaline.
Undergoing a thorough medical evaluation will help you receive the treatment you need. It will also help your legal claim in the future. In addition, by following the doctor's orders and receiving comprehensive care, you can demonstrate that you were injured in a car accident and that your losses were significant.
After a serious truck accident, insurance company claims adjusters may begin contacting you. Do not provide a recorded statement until you discuss your case with a lawyer. If your claim is worth a significant amount of money due to severe injury, the insurance company will try to offer you a low settlement amount as quickly as possible.
Once you sign a settlement agreement, you will not be able to bring a lawsuit against the insurance company for additional damages. That is why it is so essential you discuss your case with a lawyer who can help you determine the value of your claim. Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company and make sure they do not take advantage of you by offering you a settlement amount that will not cover all of your future medical expenses and other expenses.
Common Causes of Truck AccidentsAs with any other type of accident, truck accidents are typically caused by a negligent action or inaction. Most tractor-trailer accidents have one thing in common, negligence. A negligent act involves careless or reckless behavior to cause a truck accident that injures another person or people. Truck drivers have a legal duty to drive reasonably under the circumstances to avoid causing other people injuries.
They need to stay focused on the road and ensure that they are driving as safely as possible. When negligent truck drivers cause devastating accidents, they should be held accountable under North Carolina law. Some of the most common examples of negligent truck driving include the following:
If you have been injured in a truck accident, the first thing your lawyer will do is investigate your case and determine who is at fault or liable for your injuries. Typically, the negligent driver who caused the accident is liable. However, if a commercial truck driver collided with you negligently and injured you, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against his or her employer.
Companies usually have higher value insurance policies and more assets to pay off settlements and verdicts. If you are successful, you may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages include compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the truck accident.
Consult With a Charlotte Truck Accident LawyerIf you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you need an experienced lawyer fighting on your side. Our professional and compassionate legal team is here to help you through this challenging time. We will use our resources and network to investigate your case and pursue the total and fair compensation you need to recover. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your initial consultation.