Indian Trail Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck driving is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. This profession requires a high level of skill and focus to safely get from point A to point B. Unfortunately, many drivers find themselves in various situations that risk their safety and ability to do their job effectively. Because of this, accidents involving commercial trucks are all too common. The resulting injuries can be severe and life-altering when a truck accident occurs.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Indian Trail, NC, it’s important to get the legal advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our knowledgeable attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases, and we understand the laws that apply to them. We’ll work diligently to help you seek maximum compensation for your suffering.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
North Carolina truck accidents can be caused by various factors that interrupt drivers’ ability to safely operate their vehicles and get to their destination.
Some of the most frequently seen causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding: Truck drivers are often under pressure to complete their deliveries in the fastest time possible. Unfortunately, this can lead to the temptation of exceeding the legal speed limit and increasing the chance of losing control of the truck.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers are often bombarded with distractions in the form of cell phone use, GPS navigation, and other devices that divert their attention away from the road. When this happens, their reaction time is greatly reduced and can lead to disastrous results.
- Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who disregard the safety of other drivers on the road can cause severe accidents. This includes tailgating, weaving between lanes, and failing to follow traffic laws.
- Fatigued Driving: Truck drivers often work long hours and can become exhausted, drastically decreasing alertness. When this happens, it’s easy for them to miss vital road signs or fail to respond quickly enough in traffic.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: Truck drivers are not allowed to operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, this rule does not always prevent drivers from doing so and can lead to devastating consequences.
When these types of accidents occur, the results are often catastrophic, leaving victims with serious injuries, extensive medical bills, and the inability to return to their daily lives. If you have been injured in a truck accident, it’s important to get the legal help of an experienced Indian Trail truck accident attorney.
Potential Injuries Sustained From Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, ranging from minor abrasions to life-threatening trauma. Some of the most common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- Broken Bones: High-impact collisions can easily shatter bones and cause lasting damage to victims. This can lead to costly medical bills and a lengthy recovery period.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: The impact of a truck accident can cause the brain to be thrown around inside the skull, which can lead to serious and permanent damage.
- Spinal Cord Injury: The force of a truck accident can easily cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis and other complications.
- Internal Organ Damage: The intense impact of a truck accident can cause internal organs to be crushed or otherwise damaged. This can lead to long-term issues and other health problems.
- Fatalities: The most serious outcome of a truck accident is death. This often leaves families facing high medical bills, funeral costs, and the emotional devastation of losing a loved one.
Any of these types of injuries are serious and require immediate medical attention. It’s important to get the help you need as soon as possible and contact an experienced Indian Trail truck accident attorney to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After A Truck Accident Injury
After suffering a truck accident, victims are often overwhelmed by the medical bills and other expenses that can quickly add up. For that reason, it’s important to contact an experienced Indian Trail truck accident lawyer who can help you seek the compensation that you may be entitled to.
Some of the most common types of compensation that victims may be entitled to after a truck accident include:
- Medical Expenses: Victims may be able to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatments, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medications. Because these costs were not anticipated, it’s unfair to be left with the bill.
- Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be able to seek compensation for the wages lost due to their inability to work. The responsible party who forced you to miss out on such a vital part of your life should be held accountable.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims may also be able to seek compensation for the emotional distress, trauma, and other related damages that resulted from the accident. These types of accidents often lead to long-term emotional and psychological issues that can be difficult to cope with.
- Punitive Damages: In some truck accident cases, victims may be able to seek punitive damages if the conduct of the truck driver was particularly egregious. This type of compensation is intended to punish the responsible party and send a message that this type of behavior is unacceptable.
What Evidence Will You Need To File A Truck Accident Claim?
To successfully file a truck accident claim, you must provide evidence proving the driver was to blame for the accident. This may include:
- Police Reports: The police report will provide important details regarding who caused the accident and what happened. Some of these details can include an officer’s testimony, witness statements, and any citations that were issued.
- Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses to the accident can provide details and perspectives that can help support your claim. These non-bias individuals who were not involved in the accident can provide valuable information about what happened. Some helpful things they could share include the time of day, weather conditions, and what they observed while the accident was occurring.
- Photographs and Videos: Taking pictures or videos at the scene of the accident can provide crucial evidence. This visual evidence can provide further insight into how the accident occurred and which party was at fault.
- Medical Records: Medical records will show what injuries you sustained and how long you may need to be off work. These documents will provide details on the treatments you have received, such as X-rays or MRI scans.
- Accident Reconstruction: An expert may be able to recreate the accident based on evidence at the scene. This evidence can include the speed of the vehicles and how they were when they collided. This can be essential in proving who was at fault for the accident.
Typically, the combination of these pieces of evidence will help prove who was responsible for the accident and allow you to receive compensation from their insurance provider. If there are any disputes, a lawyer can help you to negotiate with the insurance company and seek a fair settlement.
Tips For Truck Drivers After An Accident
If you are a truck driver who has been involved in an accident, there are certain steps that you need to take to protect yourself.
- Call the Police: The police can arrive at the scene and document what happened. This will provide a record of the accident that can be used to support your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Make sure to get yourself checked out for any injuries, even if they are minor. This will help to provide evidence of your injuries and document when the accident occurred.
- Exchange Information: Exchange information with any other parties who were involved in the accident, such as their contact information, insurance information, and license plate numbers.
- Document the Scene: Take pictures of the scene and any damages that were caused. This can help to provide a better understanding of how the accident occurred.
- Avoid Making Statements: Do not make any statements to the police or other drivers about who may be at fault or what happened. It is important to just provide basic information and let the insurance companies handle the rest.
- Contact an Attorney: If you are facing a lawsuit or other legal issues, it is important to contact an attorney who is experienced in truck accident cases. They can help to protect your rights and provide legal advice as you go through the claims process.
Truck accidents can be devastating and leave you with physical injuries and property damage. If you have been in a truck accident, make sure to take the proper steps to protect yourself and your rights. Obtaining evidence, exchanging information, and contacting an attorney can help ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact Truck Accident Attorneys Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler Today
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, the attorneys at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can help. We have extensive experience in handling truck accident claims, and we will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation with one of our esteemed attorneys. Our law firm will proudly stand by your side and ensure you get the justice you deserve.