Raleigh Truck Accident Attorneys

Record-Breaking Truck Accident Law Firm Serving North Carolina

Truck Accident Lawyers in Raleigh, NC

Proven Results in Raleigh, North Carolina Truck Accident Cases

Edwards Kirby is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm led by two of the nation’s most respected Civil Trial Attorneys – Former Senator John Edwards and Attorney David Kirby.

Backed by decades of experience, award-winning lawyers, and record-setting results, we know how to help victims and families fight for full financial compensation after they’ve suffered losses in preventable truck accidents – including wrecks involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers, serious injuries, and wrongful death.

To discuss a potential truck accident case with an attorney, call (919) 780-5400 or contact us online. We offer FREE consultations and serve clients across North Carolina.

WHY DO YOU NEED A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER?

Putting Your Life Back Together After a Truck Accident

In North Carolina, our roads are filled with tractor-trailers that haul goods across the state and commercial trucks that deliver locally. While these trucks are essential to our state’s economy, they are also very dangerous because of their size and weight. When you have an accident with a tractor-trailer, they usually cause serious, disabling, or fatal injuries that have life-altering consequences. We care about making sure that, after a truck wreck, our clients get the compensation they deserve to put their lives back together.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Because commercial trucks and tractor-trailers are massive machines that pose risks to public safety, the trucking industry is subject to numerous regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) and driver qualifications. Trucking operators and others involved in commercial trucking also have legal obligations to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of people on the road.

Despite these precautionary measures, not everyone complies with traffic laws, trucking regulations, or their duty of care – all of which can result in a truck accident with major consequences when they involve cargo carriers. Fortunately, victims injured by the negligent or wrongful acts of others, and families who lose loved ones in preventable truck wrecks, have the right to seek compensation for their damages by holding at-fault parties financially responsible.

Determining who can be held liable for a semi-truck accident is a fact-specific matter that varies from case to case. Even if truck wrecks are caused by negligent truckers – which they often are – truck drivers may not be the only party to bear financial responsibility for damages. That’s because trucking operators are often responsible for their employees, and because they may have been negligent as well.

While investigations into fault and liability are crucial to these cases, there are a number of common causes, violations, and negligent acts Raleigh truck accident attorneys look for to determine who can be held responsible. Examples include:

Truck drivers who were too tired or were otherwise negligent when operating their vehicles.
Trucking companies that negligently hired unfit drivers, violated Hours-of-Service rules, or committed other regulatory violations.
Vehicle maintenance companies responsible for inadequate truck maintenance.
Third party companies or distributors that overloaded delivery trucks / big rigs, or loaded unsecured cargo.
Truck or auto part manufacturers that made defective products.

Because there may be multiple potentially liable parties – and because the stakes are often elevated when victims suffer serious injuries or wrongful death – truck accident claims can be complex. If you’re in need of a reputable North Carolina truck accident law firm, our truck wreck lawyers have the experience and resources to help.

Is It Worth Getting a Truck Wreck Lawyer After a Truck Accident?

The value of your truck accident case depends on the facts of your case – including the nature and severity of your injuries, the extent of resulting damages, and the ability of the at fault parties to pay.

At Edwards Kirby, our experienced Raleigh truck accident attorneys can review the facts of your truck accident along with the damages you incurred to arrive at an estimated value range for your case. This estimate is vital to negotiating a full and fair settlement, and when pursuing litigation, if necessary.

Examples of our Raleigh truck and car accident case results:

$10.75M recovery over a fatal truck wreck that resulted in the deaths of two children, and brain injury to a third.
$9.45M settlement over a fatal tanker truck wreck alleged to have been caused by a company that improperly allowed traffic to back up while performing work on I-95.
$5.35M recovery for the family of a law enforcement officer killed in a tractor-trailer wreck.
$4.6M recovery for a woman who was struck by a tow truck returning from a repossession.

To help clients maximize compensation, our Raleigh truck accident attorneys work meticulously to determine an underlying cause and explore all available insurance coverage, including commercial insurance policies, and underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. We also work closely with reconstruction, medical, and financial experts to assess fault and liability, the long-term impact of injuries, and projected future damages.

Our Record Setting Results from Truck Injury Lawsuits

View More Results

$2.6973 Million

Tractor-Trailer Wreck

$9.450 Million

Tanker Truck Wreck

$6.5 Million

A minister and his wife killed in a trucking accident.

$3.75 Million

A man is injured when struck by a truck that ran a red light.

$10.7 Million

Truck wreck resulting in deaths of two children and a brain injury to a third.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, like any state, there are time limitations placed upon civil claims (also known as “torts”).

Typically, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina is 3 years from the date of the truck accident (N.C. Gen. Stat. section 1-52).

For wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations is generally 2 years from the date of a decedent’s death (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 28A-18-2).

While victims in most negligence cases have three years to file an injury suit, and two years to file a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s widely advised to seek legal help as soon as possible. That’s not only because victims are barred from recovering damages when the statute of limitations expires, but also because early action and investigation can make a difference in a case.

Additionally, some factors may alter the statute of limitations, giving victims less (or in some cases more) time to protect their rights. This includes claims involving public / government defendants, minor children of deceased parents, latent “discoveries,” and defective products that cause death, among others. Our Raleigh tractor-trailer accident attorneys can help you address any unique circumstances that may impact your case.

How Much is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

The value of any commercial vehicle or semi-truck accident is dependent on the unique facts of a case, including:

The extent of injuries, medical expenses, and other economic losses;
Victims’ non-economic damages, including pain and suffering;
Whether a crash resulted in wrongful death;
Liability and available insurance coverage

These and other factors can vary from case to case; some victims may incur only minimal medical bills, while others with serious injuries can quickly see medical costs stack up, especially when they require multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, or are left with permanent disabilities and the need for future medical care or assistance.

As trucking collisions often result in considerable damages for victims and their loved ones, trucking companies carry large commercial insurance policies to account for potential payouts (often $1 million or more). However, insurance coverage varies, and there may be more or less coverage from which victims can recover compensation. Additionally, there may be multiple policies and arrangements that affect how much insurance money is available.

Because insurance issues are complex and case-specific, the best way to assess your potential recovery is to speak personally with attorneys who are familiar with trucking operators, insurance carriers, and litigating truck accident cases. Without the insight of proven advocates, you may risk leaving much-needed money on the table.

What Damages Can I Recover From a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Like many other aspects of a trucking claim, damages can vary. For many victims, crashes involving delivery trucks, box trucks, or 18-wheelers can have devastating consequences, and result in a lifetime of physical, financial, and emotional burdens.

Though cases are unique, victims of truck accidents generally have a right to recover:

Economic Damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and other expenses arising from a truck accident. This also includes any future medical expenses, lost future wages, and projected future costs victims and families are likely to incur after their truck accident case is resolved. Calculating future damages may require the use of experts (including doctors, financial experts, rehabilitation specialists, and occupational therapists) who can testify to what victims will face in their futures, and how much their needs will cost.
Non-Economic Damages, such as pain and suffering, lost quality or enjoyment of life, mental anguish, and other “intangible” damages victims suffer as a result of their truck accidents (both past and future). Surviving relatives of deceased or catastrophically injured victims may also recover compensation for their grief and emotional suffering. Though these types of injuries are difficult to equate into monetary sums, they are important to take into account, and should be clearly evaluated and presented when seeking compensation in a truck accident case.

In some cases, there may also be potential for victims to recover punitive damages (NC 1D-1). A type of “exemplary” damage, punitive damages are not awarded in every case; victims may only recover punitive awards when the defendant’s conduct was so egregious it warrants further punishment, and the need to deter similar acts in the future.

Examples of Our Truck Accident Recovery Results

$10.75M: Truck wreck resulting in deaths of two children and brain injury to a third
$9.45M: Tanker truck wreck
$6.5M: Minister and wife killed in trucking accident
$5.35M: Law enforcement officer killed in tractor-trailer crash
$4.6M: Death of 3-year-old, and injuries to mother and father, from tractor-trailer crash.
$3.75M: Man injured when struck by truck that ran a red light

Edwards Kirby: Passionate Truck Accident Attorney Advocates & Proven Results

At Edwards Kirby, our team has become known for being talented trial lawyers who are passionate about guiding victims and families through complex and emotionally turbulent cases. If you have questions about our firm, your potential case, and how we can help, please contact us to request a free and confidential consultation.
Our attorneys serve truck accident victims throughout Raleigh, Durham and the state of North Carolina, and routinely counsel fellow lawyers with complex claims. Call today to speak with a member of our team.

Truck Accident FAQs

What are common causes of truck accidents?

Common causes include driver fatigue, aggressive driving, failure to inspect and maintain the truck, and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs. Understanding these causes is vital for determining liability and pursuing a claim.

What qualifies as a commercial truck, and why is it important in truck accident cases?

A commercial truck is any vehicle used for business purposes or to transport goods. This includes tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and tanker trucks. Identifying the vehicle as a commercial truck is crucial as it implicates specific federal and state regulations and can affect liability and compensation in accident cases.

How do truck accident claims differ from regular car accident claims?

Truck accident claims are often more complex than car accident claims due to the size of the trucks, potential severity of injuries, and the involvement of commercial entities. These factors can lead to more complicated legal and insurance issues, making it essential to have experienced legal representation.

What should I do immediately following a truck accident?

Immediately following a truck accident, ensure your safety and seek medical attention. Avoid discussing fault at the scene and don’t negotiate with trucking or insurance representatives without legal advice. Document the scene and contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

What Are the Common Injuries in Truck Accident Cases?

Truck accidents often result in severe and life-altering injuries due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making collisions with smaller passenger vehicles particularly devastating. The force of impact in these crashes often leads to injuries that require long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and even permanent lifestyle adjustments.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head trauma can cause concussions, cognitive impairments, and long-term neurological damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact can cause multiple fractures, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries: Damage to organs, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs are common in high-impact collisions.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden force can cause soft tissue injuries, leading to chronic pain and mobility issues.
Burns: If a truck accident involves fire or hazardous materials, victims may suffer severe burns requiring skin grafts and long-term care.
Fatalities: Unfortunately, many truck accidents result in wrongful death claims due to the force of impact.

What Evidence Is Critical in a Truck Accident Case?

Building a strong truck accident case requires gathering substantial and detailed evidence to prove liability and damages. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple parties, and extensive documentation, making it crucial to secure the right evidence as early as possible.

Some of the most essential types of evidence in truck accident cases include:

Police Reports: Official documentation provides details of the accident, citations, and officer observations.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Trucking companies use ELDs to track driver hours, which can reveal violations of federal regulations.
Black Box Data: Most commercial trucks have event data recorders (EDRs) that capture speed, braking, and other critical driving actions before the crash.
Truck Maintenance Records: These records can reveal whether a mechanical failure or improper maintenance contributed to the accident.
Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness statements provide an unbiased perspective on what happened.
Surveillance and Dashcam Footage: Video evidence can show the truck’s movements leading up to the collision.
Medical Records: Detailed medical reports establish the extent of injuries and treatment needed.
Accident Reconstruction Reports: Experts can recreate the crash to demonstrate how it occurred and who was at fault.

Are There Unique Challenges When Dealing with Trucking Companies and Their Insurers?

Yes, truck accident cases are more complex than standard car accident claims due to the involvement of powerful trucking companies and their insurers. These cases require thorough investigation, legal expertise, and aggressive negotiation. Some of the key challenges include:

Multiple Liable Parties: Liability can involve the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance provider, cargo loader, or manufacturer.
Aggressive Insurance Tactics: Insurers often try to minimize payouts by disputing liability or offering lowball settlements.
Federal Regulations and Compliance Issues: Trucking companies must follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), but proving violations can require extensive investigation.
Evidence Control: Trucking companies may attempt to withhold or destroy crucial evidence such as logbooks and maintenance records.
Severe Injuries and High Damages: The cost of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering in truck accident cases is typically much higher than in standard car accidents, leading to fierce resistance from insurers.
Legal Complexities: Trucking companies have legal teams ready to fight claims, making experienced legal representation crucial.

If You or A Loved One Has Been Injured in a Truck Accident, Call Edwards Kirby Today!

919-780-5400

OUR COMMITMENT TO RALEIGH TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS

Raleigh, often associated with its status as the “City of Oaks,” is a hub of technological innovation and progress. If you’ve been in a truck accident in Raleigh, our Raleigh truck accident lawyers are ready to support you. We understand the complexities of such accidents and will fight tirelessly for your rights and compensation. Let us handle the legal aspects while you recover in this growing and vibrant city.