Personal Injury
North Carolina has many major highways and nearly 8 million registered drivers. With so many people on the road at once, truck accidents are inevitable.
These accidents can be catastrophic and cause long-term harm.
The attorneys at Mehta & McConnell can help you navigate what to do after a truck accident. If you were in an accident, our firm can protect your rights and help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Immediate Steps After a North Carolina Truck Accident
Truck crashes happen fast. You might be confused after the accident, so take a few moments to collect your thoughts. Follow these steps once you are ready.
1. Get to Safety
Many truck accidents happen on busy roads. You need to move away from the road as soon as possible. Accidents are distractions and can cause more wrecks if drivers aren’t paying attention to traffic.
If you can drive your vehicle, move it to the side of the road. If not, get out of your truck and move a safe distance away from traffic.
2. Call 911
Once you are safe, call 911 and report the accident. North Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents, so make this call even if the accident is minor.
The police will investigate the truck crash and create an accident report. This report will be very useful if you run into any issues with your insurance company or need to file a lawsuit against the other driver.
3. Exchange Information
Ask the other driver for their information. Write down their name, address, phone number, and car insurance details. This information will be in the police report, but you also want to ensure you have it.
Be polite and don’t say anything else to the driver. You don’t want to admit fault or apologize for the accident. The other driver or their insurer can use anything you say to hold you liable for the crash.
4. Collect Evidence
Make sure to document the accident scene before you leave. Take photos of all the vehicles, the road conditions, and anything else that seems relevant.
If there are any witnesses, get their information so they can provide a statement about the crash. Taking these steps will help you and your attorney prove liability.
5. Visit a Doctor
You must get medical care after an accident. Even what seems like a minor accident can cause hidden injuries. A doctor can help spot these injuries and ensure a smooth recovery.
On top of this, seeing a doctor will establish medical records that could be useful in case of a dispute. These records link your injuries to the accident, which you can use to get compensation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Don’t wait too long to call your insurer to report the truck accident. Your insurance company will want you to give a clear account of the incident and a copy of the police crash report.
Once you report the accident, your insurer will begin an investigation. It will want to determine who is at fault and what damages occurred. During this time, a representative may want to speak with the other party’s insurance company and review any records relating to your injuries or expenses.
7. Speak with an Attorney
Meet with a lawyer if you need advice on what to do after a truck accident.
Your insurance company should help you after a truck accident, but that’s not always the case. These businesses want to keep costs down, so they often try to pay as little as possible after accidents.
Fortunately, an attorney can help you during this process and advocate for the most compensation possible.
Some benefits of working with a lawyer include:
- Legal guidance. An attorney can explain the legal aspects of your case. They understand the intricacies of personal injury law and can help you navigate the complexities of your situation.
- Settlement negotiations. Insurance companies may offer settlements that may not fully cover your damages. An attorney can assess the actual value of your case, ensuring you don’t accept a low settlement that fails to address your long-term needs.
- Evidence collection. Attorneys have the resources to conduct thorough investigations and get evidence crucial to build a strong case. They will review documents like accident reports and witness statements, as well as consulting experts if needed.
- Litigation. If negotiations with the insurance company don’t lead to a settlement, an attorney can represent you in court. They can present your case to the judge and jury to help you get a favorable outcome.
On top of this, an attorney offers invaluable support during a stressful time. Having an attorney on your side allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities.
Schedule a Consultation
Don’t know what to do after a truck accident? Call Mehta & McConnell to speak with a North Carolina truck accident lawyer. We have decades of experience helping injured drivers after truck accidents.
Our firm understands how severe these accidents can be and will fight hard to help you get the most compensation possible.
Call our office to schedule your free case evaluation.
North Carolina Truck Crash FAQs
Our clients often have many questions after experiencing a truck crash. Here are some of the most common ones we receive.
What Compensation Can I Receive?
Your insurance company’s settlement can compensate for a range of damages, including both economic and noneconomic losses. Common forms of compensation you can receive include:
- Medical bills,
- Property damage,
- Lost wages, and
- Pain and suffering.
Your lawyer will help you calculate the total value of your compensation. Any evidence you collect can help with this process.
Is Car Insurance Mandatory?
Under North Carolina law, all drivers need to carry car insurance. In most truck accident cases, you can only recover compensation up to the at-fault party’s policy limit.
However, many drivers only have the required minimum coverage, so this limit can be quite low.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule. If you share any fault in the accident, it may bar you from recovering damages.
Speak with an attorney if the other side claims you are partially at fault.
Is There a Deadline to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Under this rule, you have to file a lawsuit within three years of the accident to receive compensation.
Otherwise, a court could dismiss your claim altogether.
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.
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