Commercial truck accidents happen daily on Interstates 40 and 95 in the Triangle and other highways across North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, more than 6,000 crashes involving tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are reported to police in the Tar Heel State every year.
Being unfortunate enough to be involved in a truck accident means you are likely to be seriously injured. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them do terrible damage when they collide with passenger cars.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, you need to understand your legal rights, including the right to compensation for your injuries. We suggest you talk to a semi-truck accident lawyer at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., in Raleigh, N.C., as soon as possible for prompt assistance. A serious truck accident will involve the police, doctors, insurance companies, and possibly the courts. You’ll need an attorney dedicated to looking after your best interests.
There are certain steps to take after a truck accident to increase the potential for a successful claim. In this article, we explain what to do after a semi-truck accident.
Report a Truck Accident
Phone 911 to report the accident to the police if there are any injuries or significant property damage. This is required by North Carolina law. If there are injuries, request an ambulance. Later, you’ll want to get the police report, which will serve as evidence in an insurance claim.
Exchange Information with the Truck Driver
Be ready to provide and ask the truck driver for full name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information. Be courteous and businesslike when dealing with others after a truck accident. Take caution to not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability.
If you feel uncomfortable approaching the truck driver, the police should obtain this information and share it with you, but getting it yourself ensures you have it.
Identify the Semi-Truck’s Owner
Find and photograph or write down the truck’s DOT certification number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns DOT numbers to identify a truck’s owner, monitor the individual’s or company’s safety record, and track any compliance information the agency may want to collect after an accident.
In a truck accident claim, we will typically seek compensation from the truck’s owner, such as a trucking company, which has vicarious liability when a driver it employs is at fault for an accident. The owner would also likely be responsible if a mechanical failure on the truck contributed to the accident.
Look for a series of numbers preceded by “USDOT” or “DOT.” USDOT numbers are most often applied to the cab doors of commercial trucks. By law, the number is to be displayed on both sides of the vehicle in bold lettering and contrasting color to the surface it is applied to.
If the truck has one or more flat tires, find and record the tires’ DOT number. Sometimes, faulty tires contribute to truck accidents, and we can seek compensation for an injured client from the tire manufacturer.
Seek Medical Care for Truck Accident Injuries
If EMTs respond to the accident and suggest you go to the emergency room, let them take you to the hospital. Even if you have minor injuries or do not feel injured, it is important to see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident. Some injuries, especially head and brain injuries, may not seem to be significant but can cause serious complications later.
A doctor’s exam will ensure you get the medical care you need and document your injuries for a truck accident claim. Be sure to tell your doctor about the accident and to follow all orders for additional appointments and care.
In most cases, the majority of “damages” (compensation) recovered in a truck accident claim will be for medical expenses.
Seek Legal Representation After a Semi-Truck Accident
An experienced Raleigh truck accident lawyer from Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. can investigate the accident and your injuries. We can then guide you through the complex process of pursuing fair compensation for serious injuries caused by a large truck.
A truck accident may have multiple responsible parties and require filing claims with several insurance companies. Potentially responsible parties in an 18-wheeler crash include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The owner of the trailer,
- The cargo shipper
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The manufacturer of truck components that failed, such as brakes or tires
Our lawyers will maximize the compensation available to you by identifying all parties responsible for the truck accident you were in. We’ll also calculate the full extent of your losses from the truck accident, including the cost of your
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Proper damages for your pain and suffering
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
If you have suffered disabling injuries, we will demand compensation for your:
- Future medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Costs to remodel your house to make it accessible
- Reduced earning capacity
The compassionate and experienced legal team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. understands how much a serious injury disrupts an accident victim’s life and their family’s. You may be struggling with pain, financial stress, and an uncertain future, but we can help you regain control by providing you with quality legal representation and hands-on attention.
Get in Touch with Our Truck Accident Attorneys
At Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., our semi-truck accident attorneys represent clients from across North Carolina who have suffered significant injuries in commercial truck crashes. We can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs and losses. In the meantime, we understand your challenges and will provide you with the care and personal attention you deserve. Our law firm has fluent Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff who can ensure your needs get appropriate attention.
Reach out to Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. in Raleigh, N.C., to discuss your legal options with an experienced North Carolina truck accident attorney.
CONTACT US TODAY
(877) 287-5385 | (919) 351-8765
About the Author
David E. Vtipil
David Vtipil is an attorney at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. and concentrates his law practice on personal injury and workers' compensation. David E. Vtipil was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Workers’ Compensation Law.
