A truck accident can change your life in an instant. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries, significant property damage, and emotional trauma.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, understanding the steps to take after an accident is important for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are not like typical car accidents. They often involve complex factors, such as federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and high-stakes insurance claims. Did you know that commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average car’s 3,000 pounds? This discrepancy alone underscores why truck accidents require a unique approach when pursuing a claim.
Potential Liable Parties
Unlike car accidents, where liability typically falls on one of the drivers, truck accidents may involve multiple parties:
- Truck Driver: Negligent actions such as distracted driving or speeding.
- Trucking Company: Failure to maintain trucks or enforce safe driving practices.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective truck parts contributing to the accident.
What Steps Should You Take After A Truck Accident?
Knowing what to do immediately after a truck accident can significantly impact the success of your claim.
Prioritize Safety and Medical Attention
Your health and safety are paramount. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.
Document the Scene
Gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of:
- The vehicles involved
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
Also, collect contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the truck driver, including their insurance and employer information.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer promptly to report the accident. Be cautious with the details you provide and avoid admitting fault, as this could jeopardize your claim.
Contact Our North Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys
Filing a truck accident claim can be a daunting process, with challenges such as dealing with aggressive insurance companies, gathering critical evidence like driver logs and black box data. It’s also important to understand North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence laws, which can bar recovery if you’re even 1% at fault.
Having an experienced truck accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference in countering these obstacles, building a strong case, and ensuring you pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Paynter Law Can Help
Filing a truck accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on recovering from injuries. Paynter Law understands the complexities of truck accident cases in North Carolina. We work to identify all liable parties, gather the necessary evidence, and navigate the legal process on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation to protect your rights.
Recovering from a truck accident takes time and effort. Let us help you focus on what matters most: healing and moving forward with your life.