North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
North Carolina has been known for years as the “good roads state” because it is home to numerous interstates and truck highways that carry cargo to and from the Southeast region. While trucks perform a valuable role in the economy, trucking companies often cut corners to increase their profits. But trucking companies cannot cut corners and do as they wish without accountability. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the truck accident attorneys at the Howard Stallings Law Firm can fight for you to get justice.
Causes of North Carolina Truck Accidents
Trucks are very complex vehicles that are being operated by human beings who may or may not be doing their job properly. One small mistake for a brief moment may be enough to cause severe injuries that can upend yours and your family’s lives. Most often, the driver has done something wrong behind the wheel to cause the accident. The trucking company could have also been to blame because they did not provide the driver with a roadworthy vehicle, or they insisted that the driver exceed the safe speed limit or sleep/wake restrictions in order to meet deadlines.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
Trucks are very difficult to control, even when the driver is traveling at the speed limit. Drivers are less able to react and more likely to lose control when the truck driver is speeding
Truck drivers often try to “multitask” when they are behind the wheel because they do not want to stop and take breaks. They may do things like eat or text while they are driving.
Trucks are very complex and expensive to maintain. Trucking companies often try to cut corners because they do not want to incur the expense or take their trucks off the road.
Trucks need every single one of their 18 tires to keep the vehicle upright and steering properly. Trucking companies may try to get more mileage out of their tires because they are so expensive to replace.
These days, truck drivers as young as 18 are allowed to make cross country trips. Even older truck drivers may struggle when they do not have seasoning or experience.
Cargo that is not centered or properly tied down can cause the center of gravity to shift and a rollover accident.
Truck drivers cannot even have one drink and get behind the wheel. Truck drivers commit a crime when their BAC is .04 or higher.
Truck drivers may be behind the wheel late at night when they are not properly rested, and their reflexes may suffer.
While the truck leaving its lane or rear-ending you may be evidence of the cause of your injuries, it helps to know the reason why the crash occurred when you seek compensation for your injuries.
Defendants in a Truck Accident Case
In other types of motor vehicle accident cases, you are likely suing the driver for your injuries. Truck accident cases are different because of the possibility that you can sue the trucking company. The truck driver is an agent of their employer, which makes the trucking company legally responsible for the actions of the truck driver while they are on the job.
Additional potential defendants in a truck accident case include:
- Freight brokers
- Third parties who are outsourced key functions like maintenance and cargo loading
- The manufacturer of a defective truck part
- The government that failed to properly maintain the road
- The shipper, if they have control over the driver
Our attorneys can get to the bottom of your case and determine who you may be able to sue. You should be aggressive about suing any potential defendant to maximize your financial compensation.
Compensation in a Truck Accident Case
Truck accident injuries are, on average, more severe than you would suffer in a motor vehicle accident. Your compensation is directly tied to the severity of your injuries and the amount of money available to pay for your damages. It follows that you could legally be entitled to a substantial amount of financial compensation.
Your truck accident damages could include:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages for the family if a loved one died in a truck accident
While punitive damages are relatively rare in a personal injury case, there is a higher possibility that you could persuade a jury to award them in a truck accident case. Trucking companies often cut corners and ignore known risks in the name of higher profits. Juries may sympathize with a plaintiff who suffered serious injuries because of greed and recklessness.
Special Considerations in a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawsuit
While truck accident lawsuits rely on the same legal principles as other personal injury cases, there are some special considerations that make it even more crucial to hire a lawyer for your case, including:
- There is more money on the line because the trucking company has a large insurance policy and likely a significant base of assets.
- There are additional sources of evidence that you can use to prove your claims, which are often in the hands of the trucking company.
- You are dealing with a corporate defendant, which means that they can have high-priced lawyers defending them from your case
- There are more potential defendants in a truck accident lawsuit, including the possibility of suing several defendants in one case
How the Howard Stallings Law Firm Helps You
You can expect that truck accident cases will be much harder fought, since there are far more at stake. The trucking company and their insurance carrier will try to play hardball with you to improve their own position. You need an experienced attorney who is up to the task of fighting for you.
When you hire the Howard Stallings Law Firm, our attorneys will do the following for your case:
- Perform a comprehensive investigation of your accident to determine who was responsible for your injuries
- Gather the evidence that you need to prove your claim, both before you file a lawsuit and while your case is pending in court
- Work with expert witnesses to come up with the proper valuation of your damages
- Prepare a claim or lawsuit to file on your behalf
- Negotiate with the insurance company or defendant while your claim or lawsuit is proceeding
- Reach a settlement agreement on your behalf or try your case in court if you cannot settle
Truck accident victims who hire a lawyer will do better financially than those who try to deal with the insurance company on their own. Further, you have a much better chance of getting a a fair settlement or jury verdict in the first place because you are putting our investigative skills to work for you.
Contact a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Howard Stallings Law has been representing injured North Carolinians since 1983, with a strong track record of delivering results for our clients. Many trust us with their cases because they have learned of our reputation from family and friends who have recommended us. Regardless of how you have come to learn of us, we always make the commitment that we will handle your case with diligence and sensitivity. To speak with one of our truck accident attorneys, you can send us a message through our website, or you can call us today at 919-821-7700. We don’t get paid unless you are paid.
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