Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | October 3, 2025 | Trucking Accident
Being hit by a semi-truck is one of the most terrifying experiences a driver or passenger can face. Tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—far more than the average passenger car—and the force of impact often results in catastrophic injuries, devastating property damage, and overwhelming financial burdens. If you’ve been involved in a crash in North Carolina, knowing what steps to take after a semi accident next can make a huge difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
IMPORTANT: If you’ve been hurt in a tractor-trailer or truck accident in North Carolina, call the North Carolina truck accident lawyers at Riddle & Riddle today for a free case review. We can investigate your claim and, if you decide to hire us, fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should always come first after a semi-truck accident.
- Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries—like internal bleeding or concussions—may not show symptoms right away.
- Move to a safe location if possible, but only if it doesn’t put you at greater risk.
- Follow through with medical treatment and keep all documentation. Medical records are key to linking your injuries to the accident.
Step 2: Call Law Enforcement
In North Carolina, state law requires that serious accidents involving injuries or death be reported to the police. An officer will:
- Secure the crash scene
- Interview witnesses and drivers
- Prepare an official crash report — this report can be critical evidence when proving fault and liability in your case
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You’re Able)
If you’re physically able, collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene
- Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and visible injuries
- Get the truck driver’s information, including their employer and trucking company
- Collect names and contact details of witnesses
- Note the truck’s license plate number, DOT number, and any identifying company logos
If you’re too injured to gather evidence yourself, ask a passenger, family member, or attorney to do this on your behalf.
Step 4: Be Careful What You Say
After a semi-truck accident, insurance companies and trucking companies will act quickly to protect their own interests. It’s important that you:
- Avoid admitting fault, even casually
- Limit conversations with the trucking company or their insurer
- Never sign documents or provide a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer first
What you say can be twisted and used against you later.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Stick to the basic facts and avoid speculation about fault. If the trucking company’s insurer reaches out, direct them to your attorney.
Step 6: Consult a North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
Semi-truck accidents are not like typical car accidents. Multiple parties may share liability—including the driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, or even the manufacturer of defective truck parts. A skilled attorney can:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly
- Preserve critical evidence such as driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records
- Handle aggressive insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs
Understanding Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents
Unlike regular car accidents, semi-truck cases often involve complex liability questions. In North Carolina, potential responsible parties may include:
- The truck driver (if they were fatigued, distracted, or impaired).
- The trucking company (for improper training, hiring, or scheduling).
- Cargo loaders (if shifting loads caused the crash).
- Vehicle manufacturers (if a defect contributed to the wreck).
An experienced attorney will work to identify all liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of semi-truck accidents in North Carolina may be eligible for compensation covering:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapy)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
Because North Carolina follows the strict contributory negligence rule, even being found just 1% at fault can bar recovery. This makes skilled legal representation absolutely essential.
FAQs About Semi-Truck Accidents in North Carolina
What should I do if the trucking company contacts me after the crash?
Do not engage with them directly. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and adjusters working to reduce payouts. Direct all communication to your attorney.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in NC?
Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (two years in wrongful death cases). However, waiting too long risks losing crucial evidence. There are also some exceptions to these rules, which is why it’s important to consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in North Carolina.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
It doesn’t matter if the driver or trucking company is based outside of North Carolina. If the accident happened here, North Carolina law will apply, and a North Carolina court will have jurisdiction.
Are semi-truck accident claims worth more than car accident claims?
Often, yes. Because semi-truck accidents tend to cause more severe injuries and involve larger insurance policies, settlements and verdicts can be significantly higher than standard car accident claims.
Who investigates semi-truck crashes in North Carolina?
Depending on the circumstances, investigations may involve local law enforcement, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and accident reconstruction experts.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
A semi-truck accident can change your life in an instant. Between the physical pain, emotional stress, and financial uncertainty, it can feel overwhelming to know where to turn. That’s why it’s so important to act quickly, protect your rights, and get an experienced NC truck accident lawyer on your side.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we’ve fought for North Carolinians injured in trucking accidents for decades. Our team understands the complexities of these cases and knows how to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, and insurers accountable.
Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review. There are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case and you receive compensation.
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042