18 Wheeler and Trucking Accidents – What You Need to Know
Accidents involving commercial 18-wheelers and other large trucks can have devastating consequences.
While there are many causes of these types of accidents, some of the most common include driver fatigue, inadequate vehicle maintenance, mechanical defects, unsafe road conditions, and improper loading or cargo shifting.
Passenger vehicle occupants are much more likely to be seriously injured or die in collisions with large trucks due to the significant difference in the weight and size of cars and large trucks.
“Crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that nearly all (97%) of the accident fatalities in truck vs car crashes were the occupants of the passenger vehicles – Phil Baddour, Goldsboro Semi Truck Accidents Lawyer
.If you are involved in an accident with a large truck, it is important to know what steps to take and how to protect your rights.
What you should do after a truck accident
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you think that the injuries may be minor. It is important to document any physical or emotional trauma resulting from the accident as soon as possible.
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If you are able, take detailed notes and photographs of the scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved. Also, get contact information from all drivers and witnesses as well as insurance information.
Finally, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help guide you through the complicated legal process and make sure that your rights are protected.
Attorney Phil Baddour has decades of experience helping people in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He understands the challenges that truck accident victims face and will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Contact Phil today for a free consultation.
Is a lawyer required for a truck crash claim?
No, you are not required to hire a lawyer for a truck crash claim. However, it is strongly recommended that you do so to protect your best interests and legal rights.
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An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to provide invaluable assistance, including examining all of the evidence and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Will you need to sue the Truck Driver?
In some cases, it may be necessary to sue the truck driver or even the trucking companies who own the vehicle or trailer.
However, this will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether or not there is sufficient evidence to prove that the truck driver was negligent and if so, what type of damages you are entitled to receive.
Truck accidents tend to be pretty complicated.
Your legal matter deserves the care and attention of an attorney who has substantial experience dealing with commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, 18-wheeler accidents, and commercial driver’s license regulations.
“We believe in any accident involving semi trucks and a passenger vehicle, it’s important for your law firm to review the cause of the wreck. One of the first steps is to determine, was the truck driver negligent? – Phil Baddour, Truck Accidents Lawyer
Are truck accidents different?
Sometimes, the physical injuries that surviving accident victims suffer can be less extreme than the ongoing emotional trauma that many people suffer after a tractor-trailer crash.
The sight of a big rig bearing down on them at high speed can cause nightmares, panic attacks, and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Truck accident cases also tend to involve complex and often confusing legal issues, such as liability for negligent hiring or maintenance of the truck and trucking companies’ insurance coverage.
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Damages related to large commercial vehicles, particularly 18-wheeler accidents, can be extensive and it is important to hire an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer who can help you determine what type of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Don’t hesitate to turn to the Law Office of Phil Baddour when you need a skilled legal advocate in Goldsboro, North Carolina. We understand how devastating truck accident cases can
How much are Trucking Accident cases worth?
The value of a truck accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of medical expenses incurred, lost wages and other economic losses related to the accident, and property damage.
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if there is evidence that the truck driver or trucking company acted with gross negligence.
What does “Contributory Negligence” mean?
In some states, including North Carolina, contributory negligence is a legal principle that means if the injured party was at all responsible for the accident, they cannot recover damages.
The commercial truck company and its insurance defense lawyers carry the Burden of Proof when asserting the defense of contributory negligence in North Carolina.
What are some common causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents?
The most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Negligent driving
- Inattentive Driving
- Improper lane changes
- Unsafe speed/passing
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Improper cargo loading
- Tire blowouts
- Failure of Air Brakes
- Texting / Talking on Cell Phone
- Improper hitching of big rigs
In addition to these factors, it is important to determine if the truck driver was properly trained and licensed for the type of vehicle they were operating.
Who represents the trucking company? Is the insurance company on your side?
The trucking company and their insurance company will have lawyers representing them.
To be clear, truck drivers’ adjusters and commercial vehicle insurance companies do not represent you or your best interests.
The insurance provider may offer to settle out of court, but they are not legally obligated to make a fair offer. It is important to contact an experienced attorney who can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Your lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of any settlement offer and assist you in determining if the amount being offered is fair.
We understand what it takes to handle a truck accident case from start to finish. We are committed to working hard for our clients and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. Contact us today for assistance
Goldsboro Semi Truck Accident Lawyers
Our North Carolina truck accident attorneys have extensive knowledge of the wide range of physical and emotional injuries that can be suffered in a traffic crash with these oversized vehicles, such as logging trucks and longer combination vehicles (LCVs). LCVs have become popular because truckers can haul more cargo, but the longer combination of two or three units (instead of one) is very difficult to control.
The legal team at Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, P.C., has experience building solid legal strategies so we can obtain maximum compensation for your injuries, regardless of their nature.
Often, the key to a case can be evidence, which can quickly disappear or degrade unless fast action is taken. Contact our Goldsboro truck accident attorneys to discuss your case so we can explain your options and your legal rights.
Contingency Fee: If there is no Settlement or Judgment, There is no Legal Fee
Our contingency fee representation is based upon our ability to win your case. Our accomplished lawyers have a solid track record of successfully settling personal injury, workers’ comp, and SSD claims, but we will not charge for our services if we cannot obtain financial compensation for your injuries and medical treatment.
For more than 50 years, thousands of people throughout North Carolina have come to our historic offices seeking legal counsel for:
- 18 Wheeler Accidents
- Wrongful Death Claims
- Workplace Injuries / On-the-Job Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
In addition to experience and trial skills, our team of legal professionals offers kindness, respect, and a commitment to compassionate legal representation for our clients.
We look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about your circumstances.