Truck Accident Attorneys in Wadesboro, NC

truck on side and wrecked into guard rail in wadesboroBecause semi-trucks and big rigs are so much larger and heavier than any other vehicles on the road, they present a significant hazard to occupants of smaller vehicles. Accidents involving commercial trucks can leave victims with life-threatening injuries, overwhelming medical bills, and long-term losses. Victims also face the added stress of going up against deep-pocketed trucking companies, a web of insurance providers, and many other potentially liable parties.

If you have been hurt in a crash, you need a knowledgeable Wadesboro truck accident lawyer on your side. At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our attorneys have more than 40 years of experience successfully handling complex truck accident claims. We work quickly to investigate these wrecks, identify all possible sources of compensation, and demand the maximum payment you deserve.

Our trusted advocates will do everything we can to hold negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable. Contact us today for a free case review to learn more about how we can help you move forward with your life after a serious truck accident.

What Makes Truck Accidents So Complicated?

Several factors tend to make big rig accidents especially complicated, including:

  • More significant damage and injuries – Because of the substantial size and weight difference between trucks and most passenger vehicles, truck accidents tend to cause more catastrophic injuries and serious property damage.
  • More potentially liable parties – In addition to negligent truck drivers, there are several other parties that could be held responsible for a truck accident. This includes the driver’s employer, whoever loaded the vehicle, the company responsible for maintenance and repairs, and the truck’s manufacturer. Any of these other parties may be financially liable for damage caused by a truck crash.
  • More expensive and complex insurance claims – Trucks and truck drivers are often covered by high-dollar insurance policies. In addition, other potentially liable parties may have insurance policies of their own. This creates a complex web of insurance, with adjusters doing everything they can to shift blame, minimize your claim, and protect their bottom line.
  • More complicated traffic laws – There are a variety of state and federal laws that are unique to the trucking industry. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney in Wadesboro can help you understand how these laws could apply to your situation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Crash in Wadesboro?

Many truck drivers work for companies that own fleets of vehicles, which they use to haul cargo on behalf of countless other entities. Any of the parties involved in the operation of one of these commercial trucks could be held responsible for a crash, including:

  • Truck drivers if they are impaired, distracted, reckless, or otherwise negligent behind the wheel
  • Trucking companies if they fail to properly maintain the vehicles they own or fail to properly screen or train the truck drivers they hire
  • Truck mechanics if they are negligent in their responsibilities to inspect, maintain, and repair trucks as necessary
  • Truck manufacturers if any defective components are contributing factors in a collision
  • Cargo loading teams if improperly loaded freight contributes to instability that leads to a truck accident

What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Truck accidents in Wadesboro happen often due to the long hauls of commercial truckers. Highway 74, Highway 52, and other rural logging and agriculture roads here in Wadesboro mean accidents will happen.

Wadesboro truck accidents are frequently caused by:

  • Blindspot accidents
  • Fatigued trucker accidents
  • Impaired truck driver accidents
  • Distracted drivers; using GPS, cellphone, or eating
  • Mechanical malfunction; brake failure or tire blowouts
  • Cargo issues; overloaded or unsecured

Compensation in a Truck Accident Claim

The best way to determine how much compensation you could recover after a wreck is to consult with a seasoned Wadesboro truck accident lawyer. An attorney from Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC can review the following factors to determine the full value of your claim:

  • Any medical expenses you incurred through the treatment of your injuries
  • Potential future medical costs if you require long-term care
  • Any wages you lose due to time away from work
  • The estimated value of any losses in your future earning capacity
  • Your pain, suffering, and psychological distress
  • Any losses you experience in your overall quality of life
  • Punitive damages (in rare cases involving extreme negligence)

Time Limit for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit

If you plan to file a truck accident lawsuit in Wadesboro or anywhere else in North Carolina, state law says you have a three-year window to do so. This three-year period begins on the date of your injury.

Three years may sound like plenty of time to file a lawsuit, but the complex nature of a truck accident claim means everything can take much longer than you might expect. No matter how straightforward you think your case may be, it’s always a good idea to act quickly to protect your rights.

If you do not file your lawsuit before the three-year deadline expires, you will essentially lose your right to demand compensation in court. A dedicated Wadesboro truck accident attorney can help you manage important dates and documents to ensure your ability to recover compensation is not compromised by preventable mistakes.

Our Wadesboro Truck Accident Lawyers Are Ready to Help You

At Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, our truck accident attorneys in Wadesboro have earned a reputation for helping people like you pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and more. We can take immediate action in your case to ensure your rights are protected from the beginning.

Our seasoned legal team knows the tactics trucking companies and their insurance providers will use to deny responsibility and limit the amount of money you can recover. We can craft a solid strategy to fight back on your behalf.

We offer free, confidential consultations to answer your most important questions. So you have nothing to lose when you reach out for more information. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case.

Wadesboro Truck Accident FAQs

Truck Accidents

What Steps Should Be Taken Immediately After a Truck Accident?

Here is what you need to do immediately after a truck accident in North Carolina: 

  • Call 911.
  • Seek medical treatment immediately.
  • Get the truck driver’s name, commercial driver’s license number, and insurance information, as well as the truck’s license plate number.
  • Use your phone to take pictures of the accident.
  • Look for any nearby surveillance cameras or potential eyewitnesses.
  • Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims?

It is hard to say how much a truck accident case is worth without looking at the specific facts of your case. However, you could be entitled to compensation for losses such as:

  • Lost wages
  • Lost future earnings and other financial benefits
  • Medical bills
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Damaged personal property

What If My Loved One Passed Away in a North Carolina Truck Accident?

You may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit if a member of your immediate family died in a truck accident in North Carolina. North Carolina’s wrongful death law allows the family of someone who has died due to another party’s “wrongful act, neglect or default” to seek financial compensation losses, including:

  • Medical expenses
  • Funeral costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of future income and benefits
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of care, companionship, and consortium

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in North Carolina?

As a general rule, you have three years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against any potentially liable parties. If you miss this deadline, you will most likely lose your chance to recover any compensation for your injuries through the civil courts.

What Federal Laws Do Truckers Have to Abide By?

While there are many federal laws truck drivers have to comply with, two sets of regulations often come into play in personal injury cases. The first is the Hours of Service rules, which establish how long a truck driver can go without stopping to rest. The second is the maintenance requirements truck drivers must follow, including a minimum of three daily inspections every day that the truck is on the road.

 

How Do I Deal with Trucking Companies’ Insurers and Other Third-Party Insurance Companies?

The short answer is: you shouldn’t. Instead, let a truck accident attorney handle all communication with insurance companies after an accident, as the information you give to the insurance companies has a vital role in the outcome of your case. To avoid any potential mistakes when dealing with insurance companies, let your lawyer do the talking for you.