A crash involving a commercial truck can change your life in seconds, leaving you facing painful injuries and mounting medical bills. If you’re in this situation, you may wonder: What is this case worth? Should I expect a quick settlement or a drawn-out fight? How do I make sure I don’t accept less than I deserve?
At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we help injured North Carolinians answer those questions. Our attorneys are deeply familiar with how commercial vehicle insurers operate because we used to represent them. Now, we put that experience to work for those who need it most.
This guide explains what goes into determining an average truck accident settlement in North Carolina, what factors affect the value of your case, and how to protect your right to compensation.
What Is the Average Settlement for Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Searching for a dollar amount is natural when trying to understand your case’s worth. But here’s the truth: no single average truck accident settlement applies to every case. Settlements depend entirely on the specific facts, injuries, and legal issues.
Instead, you can expect a process that examines your injuries, recovery, financial losses, and how the crash happened. Some cases resolve quickly. Others take longer and involve deeper investigation, especially when the trucking company disputes liability.
What Factors Affect the Average Cost of a Commercial Truck Accident?
No calculator can instantly tell you the average cost of a commercial truck accident. There is no minimum truck settlement.
Instead, your lawyer will carefully examine the facts of your case to determine the full scope of your losses. At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we consider many factors when evaluating your potential settlement and building a strong claim for recovery.
Below are some of the most critical factors that can influence how much you may be entitled to receive after a truck accident in North Carolina.
Severity of Injuries
Generally, the more serious the injury, the more significant the potential settlement. Injuries that result in long-term disability, disfigurement, or chronic pain often lead to higher compensation because they result in higher medical bills and a greater effect on your daily life. Life-altering injuries may also increase your need for ongoing medical care, home modifications, or mobility aids.
Your attorney will work closely with your medical providers and, when needed, bring in experts to understand the full impact of your injuries on your health and future.
Availability of Evidence
Strong evidence can make or break a case. Photographs, video footage, black box data, witness statements, and police reports all play a role in establishing how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
Commercial truck accidents often involve more complex evidence than typical car crashes. That’s why it’s critical to have an attorney who knows how to obtain and preserve evidence quickly, especially when trucking companies or insurers may try to avoid liability.
Effect of Injuries on Employment
If your injuries have kept you from working or will affect your ability to return to your job long-term, the value of your claim may increase. Lost wages, lost earning potential, and the inability to pursue your previous career path are all compensable losses.
Our legal team will calculate your total lost income, consult with financial experts, and help ensure your future financial hardship is presented during settlement negotiations.
Fault Determination
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule where you can be completely barred from recovering compensation if you are even 1% at fault for the accident. It’s a harsh rule, and insurance companies will certainly try to use it against you.
That’s why establishing fault is a critical part of your case. Your lawyer will review all facts, challenge weak claims of shared fault, and work to show that the truck driver or company was responsible for your injuries.
Possibility of Punitive Damages
In some rare cases, punitive damages may be available. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their harmful conduct and discourage similar behavior.
Under North Carolina law, courts only award punitive damages if you can prove the defendant’s conduct involved:
- Fraud,
- Malice, or
- Willful or wanton conduct.
Punitive damages, if applicable, increase the value of a claim. Our attorneys at Mehta & McConnell will examine all aspects of your case to determine whether your claim is eligible for punitive damages and how to present the necessary evidence if it is.
Timely Filing
Failing to file a claim or lawsuit on time can prevent you from recovering anything. In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, but only two years if the collision resulted in death. If you miss this deadline, the court will most likely dismiss your case, and you’ll lose your right to compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding truck accident settlements in North Carolina.
How Is a Truck Accident Settlement Calculated in NC?
Truck accident settlements are based on a valuation of damages, including:
- Medical bills,
- Future medical expenses,
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Permanent disability or disfigurement, and
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
An attorney will assess these damages using documentation, expert reports, and witness testimony.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Truck Accident Case in NC?
Some cases settle in a few months, while others may take a year or more. The timeline depends on:
- The complexity of the case,
- Whether liability is disputed,
- The severity of injuries, and
- The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith.
At Mehta & McConnell, we aim to resolve cases efficiently, but we’re also prepared to go to court if that’s what it takes to get a fair result.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Negotiate a Truck Accident Settlement in North Carolina?
While you’re not legally required to have a lawyer, facing a commercial insurance company alone is rarely a good idea. These companies have experienced adjusters and defense attorneys working to limit what they pay you.
Our firm understands their tactics because we used to be insurance defense attorneys. We use that experience to fight for injury victims across North Carolina.
Contact a Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, you’re likely dealing with pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies. You don’t have to go through it alone.
At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we bring decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of commercial vehicle cases. When you hire our firm, you work directly with an experienced personal injury attorney to handle every aspect of your claim with skill, attention, and care.
Contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let’s discuss your case and how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers
Mehta & McConnell, PLLC was founded in 2021 to represent individuals who are injured at work or due to the negligence of someone else. Both of our attorneys began their careers as defense attorneys representing large corporations and insurance companies, but we now only represent injured individuals.
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