Durham Truck Accident Attorneys 

Helping Victims of 18-Wheeler Accidents Seek Compensation in Durham County

Trucking accidents can be serious and often fatal, resulting in large medical bills, loss of income, and years of rehabilitation. Multiple parties, self-interested trucking companies, and experienced insurance investigators will be working against you. It is important to maximize the compensation you may deserve by ensuring that you receive the treatment you need.

Are you suffering injuries following a truck accident? Call Wallace Pierce Law today at (919) 887-7892, or contact us online for your free consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Durham.

How a Durham Truck Accident Attorney Can Support Your Claim

​It's a known fact that having a personal injury attorney on your side can often lead to higher settlement offers and can increase your chance at a favorable outcome. Though victims of truck accidents are able to file claims for themselves, it may be beneficial to enlist the expertise of a seasoned attorney. This is because a skilled personal injury attorney will have the experience needed to gather the evidence of your case and present the evidence in a way that can show that your injuries were sustained from the accident. With a seasoned attorney on your side, you can focus on recovery.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what to do:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel injured, getting a medical examination is essential as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Report the Accident: Call the police and file an accident report. This report will be crucial for your claim.
• Gather Evidence: Collect information from the scene, including photographs, witness statements, and the truck driver's details. This evidence can be vital for your case.
• Avoid Admitting Fault: Refrain from making statements that could be construed as admitting fault, even if you consider you could be partially responsible.
• Contact a Truck Accident Attorney: Engaging an experienced attorney as soon as possible ensures your rights are protected, and you receive legal advice and representation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents 

Trucking accidents are not only more dangerous but also more difficult to deal with than automobile accidents. Vehicles traveling across state lines are subject to federal law. Vehicles traveling exclusively in North Carolina are subject to North Carolina state laws, which are extremely similar to federal law. While the trucking industry is regulated by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, all of the rules are not always followed. Trucking accidents are governed by federal law to reduce the instance of truck accidents to increase general safety on roadways.

Truck accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Some of the most common types of trucking accidents are blamed on driver error or failure to maintain a truck in an operable manner, such as:

• Tired driver
• Lack of training
• Driver operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Lack of experience
• Aggressive driving
• Carelessness or negligence
• Failure to maintain brakes
• Lack of functioning safety devices
• Overweight trucks
• Faulty federal safety inspection
• Speeding
• Poor weather conditions

Commercial trucks are required to carry a significant liability insurance policy to fund the cost of potential accidents. Federal law limits the number of hours a driver can be allowed behind the wheel and regulates the proper maintenance of the truck. Trucking companies, investigators, and insurance companies begin investigating the accident and your injuries right away.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, fighting with an experienced trucking and insurance company can be difficult. If you have no experience dealing with personal injury claims, consider hiring a personal injury attorney.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Resulting from a violent crash or jolt to the head, TBIs can cause long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, seriously impacting the victim’s quality of life.
• Broken Bones: The power of a truck collision can cause multiple fractures, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Organs like the liver, spleen, and lungs can be damaged, necessitating emergency medical intervention.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden movements during a crash can strain neck muscles and ligaments, causing chronic pain and discomfort.
• Burns and Lacerations: Accidents involving hazardous materials or fuel can result in severe burns, while broken glass and debris can cause deep cuts.

Recovering Damages After a Truck Accident

At Wallace Pierce Law, we recognize the devastating effect that truck accidents can have on individuals and their families. When you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, understanding the potential damages you may be entitled to is crucial. Some damages that can be recovered following a truck accident may include:

• Medical Expenses: One of the primary areas of recovery in a truck accident claim is medical expenses. Truck accidents often lead to very severe injuries that often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages and Future Earnings: A truck accident can disrupt your ability to work, leading to lost wages and, in some instances, permanent disability.
• Pain and Suffering: The emotional toll of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Compensation for pain and suffering is planned to address the mental and emotional anguish that had been caused by the accident, helping you find some solace amidst the challenges you face.
• Property Damage: Beyond personal injuries, truck accidents often result in significant property damage.
• Wrongful Death Damages: Tragically, some truck accidents result in fatalities. This could include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other associated costs.

North Carolina's Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims

The statute of limitations sets a time limitation within which legal action must be initiated. Failing to file a claim within this deadline can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation. In the state of North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from truck accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. Time is of the essence in these cases. Evidence may fade, and witnesses' memories may become less reliable over time. By contacting our truck accident attorney in Durham as soon as possible, you increase the likelihood of building a strong case and maximizing your potential for recovery.

Durham Truck Accident Attorneys FAQ

1. What steps should I take right after a truck accident in Durham?
After a truck accident, taking the right actions is critical for both your safety and potential legal claim. Here’s what to do:

• Get Medical Help: Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s crucial to get checked out by a doctor, as some injuries might not show immediate symptoms.
• Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report, which will be key evidence in any legal proceedings.
• Gather Information: Collect contact details of the truck driver, witnesses, and any other involved parties. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
• Avoid Making Statements: Don’t admit fault or discuss the accident in detail with anyone other than the police.
• Contact a Lawyer: Hiring an attorney immediately ensures that your rights are protected and strengthens your case from the start.

2. Why do I need a Durham truck accident attorney for my case?
Truck accident cases are often more complex than regular car accidents due to the involvement of trucking companies, federal regulations, and insurance companies. A skilled attorney can help you:

• Navigate Complex Regulations: Federal laws govern the trucking industry, and an attorney familiar with these laws can identify violations that could support your claim.
• Negotiate Effectively: An attorney is experienced in negotiating with insurance companies to help ensure you get fair compensation.
• Build a Strong Case: Attorneys can collect evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and secure witness statements to strengthen your claim.
• Protect Your Interests: Having a legal expert allows you to focus on recovering, knowing that your case is being handled properly.

3. What are the common causes of truck accidents in Durham?
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, but some of the most frequent causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigue can lead to reduced reaction times and poor decision-making.
• Improper Maintenance: Trucks require regular inspections and maintenance. Failing to maintain a vehicle properly can lead to mechanical failures like brake or tire blowouts.
• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers, like any other driver, may be distracted by phones, GPS systems, or other distractions while driving.
• Speeding: Large trucks are difficult to control at high speeds, making speeding a major factor in many accidents.
• Unbalanced or Overloaded Cargo: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer in Durham Today

At Wallace Pierce Law, we are here to advocate for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Our Durham truck accident attorneys understand that every case is unique, and that's why we tailor our strategies to meet your specific circumstances. Let us help you understand your rights, assess the merits of your case, and chart a course toward the compensation you deserve. Don't let the aftermath of a truck accident define your future—take proactive steps toward justice with Wallace Pierce Law by your side.

Contact Wallace Pierce Law today to get started with our Durham truck accident attorney.