Were you or a loved one injured in a North Carolina truck accident?
The North Carolina truck accident attorneys with Penn Kestner & McEwen have seen far too many instances of people’s lives who were shattered due to negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or some other party. Even though we all know that sharing the road with a huge, 80,000-pound vehicle carries significant risk, the damage a truck can do is still unfathomable.
We fight incredibly hard on behalf of people who have suffered severe injuries in truck accidents through no fault of their own. If you or a loved one are in this unfortunate category, you can rest assured we’ll do everything we possibly can to help you get all of the money you have coming. If you would like a free evaluation of your case – with no obligations whatsoever – just use our online contact form or give us a call at (800) 732-3070.
North Carolina Truck Accident Statistics
The number of commercial truck accidents in North Carolina in 2020 is staggering – 4,336. That’s an average of 12 accidents each and every day. What makes the number worse is that 2020 was, of course, a year where there weren’t nearly as many trucks on the road due to the global pandemic. Of those accidents, 1,087 caused severe injuries, and 65 were fatal.
Nationwide, most truck accidents don’t actually occur on highways, although that’s how most of us associate them. Interstates and freeways only account for 32%, while major city streets account for more than 50%. Also, about 20% of truck accidents take place between noon and 3 p.m. This number has remained fairly consistent through recent years.
What Causes Truck Accidents in North Carolina?
Why do these accidents continue to take place, not only in North Carolina, but across the rest of the United States as well? These are just a few of the more common culprits.
- Fatigue. Driving a truck is anything but glamorous. It’s grueling, exhausting work. Drivers have to get their loads in on time – and that can be incredibly hard to do without pushing the limits of their endurance. In an effort to make deadlines, and also in an effort to make as much money as they possibly can, drivers will often cause devastating accidents because they’re simply too tired to operate their rigs safely.
- Failure to maintain trucks. Not only do drivers have to thoroughly inspect their trucks before leaving for a run, trucking companies must also properly maintain their fleet. A failure to do either can expose drivers and/or companies to liability if an accident occurs due to their negligence.
- Cargo shifts. When the cargo a truck carries shifts during transit, that can cause the truck to tip over on one side, making it impossible for the driver to maintain control. Some trucking companies will outsource cargo loading to third party businesses. If they don’t do their job correctly, they may face liability as well.
Potential Liable Parties
As you can see, there can be several parties whose actions – or lack of action – contribute to a truck accident. That’s what makes this kind of lawsuit a very complex undertaking. It takes a skilled attorney to investigate the accident to determine who is to blame, and how much they should pay in damages. You may be able to sue several defendants, and obtain more compensation in the process.
Common Injuries Associated with Truck Accidents
It’s not hard to see why injuries in truck accidents are so much worse than those suffered in the typical car wreck. Since trucks typically weigh 80,000 pounds, and passenger cars are closer to 4,000 pounds, the drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicle are going to be subjected to incredibly powerful forces. The following is a list of just a few of the horrible injuries that can result.
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Death
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- And many others
How Long Do I Have to File My Truck Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a statute of limitations of three years regarding truck accident lawsuits. That means you have three years from the date of the accident to take legal action. If the statute of limitations expires, then you will no longer have any kind of legal recourse.
But, in reality, you should act immediately. If you’re going to obtain maximum compensation, you’re going to need to have a strong case. To have the strongest case, you’re going to need an investigation launched as quickly as possible so that you get the evidence you need.
How Long Will it Take to Receive Compensation?
That depends on a lot of factors, as you probably already know. The severity of your injury will play a major role in the timing of your case. It might take some time for your doctor to have a clear idea of whether or not you’ll need ongoing care.
Also, negotiations between your attorney and the insurance companies that cover the at-fault parties can take time as well. Several rounds of negotiations may be needed before those insurers come to their senses and pay you what you deserve.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney for my North Carolina Truck Accident?
There is absolutely no doubt you’ll need legal help – and you’ll need it quickly. The stakes will be incredibly high – it’s not much of a stretch to say your case could be worth millions of dollars. The defendants are going to put up a fierce fight to protect as much of their money as they can.
Even though you may have the truth on your side, that won’t mean much unless you have the solid proof we mentioned earlier. Only a skilled attorney will be able to perform the exhaustive investigation it will take to gather that proof.
Penn Kestner & McEwen are Here to Help You. Call Today to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If you want a tenacious attorney working on your behalf to help you obtain the money you deserve, you’ll want a Penn Kestner & McEwen legal expert. Schedule a free case review by contacting us online or calling (800) 732-3070.