Truck accidents occur all too frequently in North Carolina. The most current data from the state Department of Transportation reported 317,982 commercial motor vehicle crashes in a recent year. Of those collisions, 1,369 were fatal and 80,277 resulted in injuries.
If you were hurt in a North Carolina truck accident, you have the right to pursue compensation if the crash was someone else’s fault. Here, the NC truck accident lawyers from Stewart Law Offices explain the actions you can take to protect your case.
For a free and personalized consultation, call or contact us now.
Important Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
There are several steps you can take after a N.C. truck accident to protect your rights, your health, and your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. You should:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly as prescribed.
- Identify witnesses and other parties involved in the truck accident.
- Document the accident and your injuries with photos and written recollections.
- Avoid apologies or other self-incriminating statements to others, especially insurance companies and law enforcement officers.
- Keep a record of your accident-related expenses.
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media.
- Contact a skilled truck accident attorney to learn your legal options.
What Information Will My Lawyer Need?
If you suffer injuries in a North Carolina truck accident, it’s important to provide your attorney with certain information so that they can evaluate your case and develop a persuasive legal strategy.
Some key details your lawyer will need include:
- The time, date, and location of the truck accident
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- The names of anyone involved in the incident
- The names of any insurers or other parties who have contacted you
- Any photos you have of your injuries or the accident scene
- Documents related to your accident and treatment of your injuries, such as medical records, accident reports, and pay stubs to demonstrate lost wages
Statute of Limitations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years. This means that you must file your claim within three years of the date of your truck accident. Otherwise, you may lose out on your right to recover compensation altogether.
Are There Any Extensions on the Statute of Limitations in North Carolina?
There are some exceptions to the three-year statute of limitations in North Carolina. For example, in some cases, the three-year window may not begin until the date on which you notice or should have noticed your truck accident injuries.
If a minor was injured in the truck accident, the statute of limitations for their claim begins on their 18th birthday.
Trial vs. Settlement
The majority of truck accident cases are resolved through settlements so that all parties can avoid the risks and expenses associated with a trial. However, if a settlement agreement cannot be reached, your truck accident case may go to court, where a judge or jury will decide whether compensation is appropriate and if so, how much you are entitled to.
Don’t Lose Your Right to Compensation — Contact a N.C. Truck Accident Lawyer
North Carolina has one of the harshest laws for awarding compensation to accident victims in the nation. If you are found even one percent responsible for a truck accident, you cannot recover any money at all. Read more on why North Carolina truckers create hazards for you.
With so much on the line, you need an accomplished truck accident attorney in North Carolina to handle your case. That’s what you’ll get at Stewart Law Offices. Call or contact us today for a free case review.
