Have you been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina? Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers can help you pursue justice and compensation for your injuries. Call (800) 525-7111 today to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina truck accident lawyer who is ready to take on the insurance companies for you.
Our team has the resources and trial experience to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers. If you choose us to represent you, we’ll work tirelessly to maximize your recovery and ease the financial burdens after your crash. Call today or reach out online to get started.
Why Should I Hire Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers After a Truck Accident in North Carolina?
Truck accident cases are among the most complex legal matters, often involving multiple parties, commercial insurers, and detailed federal regulations. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers in North Carolina, we have the experience and resources to handle these challenging claims.
Our record of achievement speaks for itself:
- Our attorneys bring together more than 171 years of combined experience, giving clients the benefit of deep legal knowledge and proven strategies.
- We have secured over $900 million in compensation for injured clients (see disclaimer below), helping them rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
- Insurance companies respect our reputation as seasoned trial lawyers who are always prepared to take a case into the courtroom if necessary.
- Every case receives our full attention, and we prioritize clear communication and personalized support for every client we represent.
- Our team proudly serves clients throughout the entire state, from major cities like Raleigh and Charlotte to smaller communities across North Carolina.
Call today to schedule a free consultation with a North Carolina personal injury attorney.
Common Kinds of Truck Accidents in North Carolina We Handle
Below are some of the most common types of truck accident cases we handle in North Carolina:
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions are common on North Carolina highways like I-40 and I-85, where heavy truck traffic can lead to sudden stops in high-speed zones. When a truck strikes the back of another vehicle, the sheer size and weight of the truck often result in serious injuries to drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles. These accidents are especially common in congested areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
- Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents are a serious risk on many North Carolina interstates, particularly during inclement weather. When a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab, it can block lanes and cause severe crashes. These accidents often lead to multi-vehicle collisions, especially in high-traffic areas such as I-95 near Fayetteville and I-77 through Charlotte.
- Rollover Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a truck flips onto its side or roof and is particularly dangerous on sharp turns or poorly maintained roads. North Carolina’s mountainous terrain and winding roads, like those near Asheville, increase the risk of rollovers. These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and extensive property damage, often affecting multiple vehicles.
- Wide-Turn Accidents: Due to their size, trucks frequently make wide turns at streets and intersections throughout cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Wilmington. When other vehicles are in the way or in a truck’s blind spots, collisions can result. These accidents are common at intersections or when trucks navigate tight urban streets.
- Underride Accidents: Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the back or side of a truck, often because the truck lacks proper underride guards or is not visible in low-light conditions. These accidents are particularly tragic, and with the increasing number of trucks on North Carolina’s highways, they are an ever-present risk on routes like US-70 and I-40.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, working with an experienced attorney who understands the local laws, regulations, and the trucking industry is essential. We have the knowledge and resources to handle these complex cases and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
How We Build A Strong Truck Accident Case For You
A truck accident is not just a “larger car crash,” but rather a high-stakes legal battle against massive trucking corporations and their specialized defense teams. At Riddle & Riddle, we leverage over 40 years of North Carolina trial experience to level the playing field. We don’t just wait for an insurance offer; we proactively build your case to ensure the full weight of the law is on your side.
- Immediate Evidence Preservation: Unlike passenger car claims, trucking companies are only required to keep certain records for a limited time. We immediately send “spoliation letters” to ensure the trucking company does not destroy critical evidence like Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, driver cell phone records, and onboard “black box” video.
- Investigating the “Golden Triangle” of Liability: We don’t just look at the driver. We investigate the trucking company, the vehicle owner, and the cargo loaders. By identifying multiple layers of insurance coverage, we work to maximize the total financial recovery available for your injuries.
- Deploying Specialized Experts: We move quickly to the scene with accident reconstructionists and trucking industry specialists. Whether the crash occurred on I-95, I-40, or US-74, our experts analyze skid marks and vehicle crush patterns to prove exactly how the trucking company’s negligence caused the collision.
- Analyzing Federal Motor Carrier Safety (FMCSA) Compliance: We dive deep into the driver’s history, looking for violations of “Hours of Service” rules or failed drug tests. If a trucking company puts an exhausted or unqualified driver on North Carolina roads, we hold them accountable for that systemic failure.
- Calculating the True Cost of Your Future: A truck accident often results in life-altering injuries. We consult with medical experts and life-care planners to calculate not just your current hospital bills, but the 20 or 30 years of specialized care, lost earning capacity, and physical therapy you may require.
- Aggressive Litigation and Trial Readiness: Insurance companies know which firms settle for the first “good” offer and which ones are ready for the courtroom. Because we have recovered over $900 million for our clients (see disclaimer below), the defense knows that if they don’t offer a fair settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case before a North Carolina jury.
What Damages Can I Get in a North Carolina Truck Accident Claim?
Victims of truck crashes often face overwhelming medical bills, missed time at work, and long-term pain and suffering. North Carolina law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages to make up for these losses.
Economic damages you might be entitled to include:
- Medical bills, current and future
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You might also be able to recover for your non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Conditions like PTSD and anxiety
- Mental anguish
- Loss of quality of life
In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless or malicious, such as driving while extremely intoxicated.
Truck Accident Insurance Rules in North Carolina
Federal and state laws require trucking companies to carry significant liability coverage, much more than what is required for the average automobile driver. In many cases, multiple insurance policies may come into play, against which you can file a claim.
For example:
- If the driver was an employee, the trucking company’s commercial policy will likely apply.
- If the truck was leased, both the lessor and lessee may have insurance coverage.
- If a defective part or trailer caused the crash, a manufacturer’s or maintenance company’s insurer may be responsible.
Like most other states, North Carolina follows a traditional fault-based insurance system. This means you can pursue damages directly from the at-fault driver or company rather than being limited to your own insurance.
How Much Is My North Carolina Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your case depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved in the situation, but truck accident claims are often high-value due to the severity of the injuries involved.
Factors that influence case value include:
- The extent of your medical treatment and future care needs
- Whether you can return to work or if your earning ability is permanently reduced
- The degree of your pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- The available insurance coverage and policy limits
- Whether you were partly blamed for the crash
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
In general, the more severe and long-lasting your injuries, the greater your potential recovery. Our truck accident attorneys in North Carolina will carefully evaluate your damages and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in North Carolina
Truck accidents are frequently caused by driver negligence at the end of the day. However, since commercial vehicles are so large and heavy, even small mistakes can have deadly consequences.
Some of the most common causes of North Carolina truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving, including cell phone use
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Fatigued driving due to FMCSA hours-of-service violations
- Drunk or drug-impaired driving
- Failure to yield or running traffic signals
- Aggressive lane changes or tailgating
- Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Tire blowouts or brake failures
- Negligent hiring or inadequate driver training
We’ll conduct a thorough internal investigation into your crash so that we can determine all of the responsible parties. From there, we’ll demand that they compensate you for every injury and loss you’ve experienced.Â
What if I’m Being Blamed for My North Carolina Truck Accident?
One of the most important things to understand about truck accident cases in North Carolina is the state’s contributory negligence rule. Unlike most states, which allow you to recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% or 51% at fault, North Carolina takes a much harsher approach.
Under this rule, if you are found to be even 1% responsible for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation at all. This makes it especially critical to have a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side who can push back against the insurance company’s attempts to blame you.
Truck accident defendants often rely on contributory negligence to try to avoid paying fair damages. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we know these tactics and how to counter them with strong evidence and expert testimony.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
Every personal injury case is subject to a deadline known as the statute of limitations. In North Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash resulted in a wrongful death, the deadline is two years from the date of death.
Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to seek compensation altogether, regardless of how strong your case might be. Some exceptions exist, but they are rare. That’s why it’s so important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Acting quickly also gives your legal team more time to investigate and preserve critical evidence.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer?
Many people hesitate to call a truck accident lawyer because they worry about the cost. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us anything upfront, and you owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
If we win a settlement or jury verdict in your favor, our fee will be a percentage of that recovery. This arrangement ensures that anyone can afford to hire experienced legal representation, no matter their financial situation. It also means our interests are directly aligned with yours because we’re incentivized to recover as much compensation for you as possible.
Truck Accident FAQs
How Long Does a Typical Truck Accident Lawsuit Take to Resolve in North Carolina?
The timeline for resolving a truck accident lawsuit can vary. Typically, it takes several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Our team works diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
What Is the General Process for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in NC?
The process for filing a truck accident claim in North Carolina begins with seeking medical attention, then contacting an experienced attorney. From there, your lawyer will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and file your claim with the appropriate parties. We will guide you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to resolution.
What Happens if the Truck Driver Was From Another State or Country?
If the truck driver was from another state or country, the case may involve jurisdictional issues and could require coordination with other legal authorities. Our team is experienced in handling cases with out-of-state or international drivers and will ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable, no matter where they are based.
What Is the Difference Between a Settlement and a Jury Verdict in a Truck Accident Case?
A settlement is an agreement between the parties to resolve the case outside of court, typically through negotiation. A jury verdict, on the other hand, occurs when the case goes to trial and a jury decides the outcome. Settlements are often quicker but may result in lower compensation, while a jury verdict can take longer but may yield a higher award, depending on the case’s merits.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Experienced North Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys
Were you or a loved one injured in a truck accident in North Carolina? You may be entitled to compensation, but you’ll likely need to go up against a powerful trucking company and/or its insurer. At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and resources to take on these kinds of opponents and win.