Truck accidents often escalate into something far more serious than typical car accidents. Larger vehicles mean more severe injuries and significant legal and financial challenges. Your recovery and potential compensation depend on how you respond in the moments and days after the crash.
My firm knows the toll a truck accident can take. With over 41 years of experience helping individuals who have suffered due to such accidents, I also know how crucial it is to take the right steps.
Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident
- Seek medical attention: Some injuries, like whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
- Call emergency services: Dial 911. Law enforcement officers need to document the crash.
- Document the accident scene: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, damages, license plate, surroundings, skid marks, traffic signals.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Truck Accident?
Trucking companies and their insurance providers often have significant resources to fight claims.
- Gathering evidence: Truck maintenance records, driver logs, black box data
- Dealing with insurance companies: Reviewing offers before accepting
- Handling legal paperwork: Intricate legal documents and regulations
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
- Whiplash: Neck jerked forward and backward
- Back and spinal injuries: Herniated discs or spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Severe head trauma
- Fractures and broken bones: Often require surgery
- Internal injuries: Internal bleeding, organ damage
Filing a Truck Accident Claim
Your claim, or in the most severe cases a wrongful death claim, will likely be based on either the driver’s or trucking company’s negligence. Crashes involving 18-wheelers and delivery trucks often turn on the same evidence — driver logs, black-box data, and maintenance records.
- Driver fatigue: Many truck drivers push limits of work hours
- Reckless driving: Speeding, DUI, ignoring traffic laws
- Improper maintenance: Trucking company failure to maintain
- Inadequate training: Critical mistakes from untrained drivers
Time is crucial. Statutes of limitations apply.
Long-Term Considerations After a Truck Accident
Recovery costs include:
- Medical bills: Treatments, hospital stays, surgeries, rehab
- Lost wages: Compensation for lost income
- Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, anxiety, physical pain
Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be required. The emotional and mental toll can be profound.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Contact Robert Louis Armstrong Personal Injury Attorney today for services across Wilmington, North Carolina, and throughout all of North Carolina, including New Hanover County, Pender County, Brunswick County, and Onslow County.
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Truck Accident and Wrongful Death
If lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to seek damages by filing a wrongful death claim. Set up a free consult with me to learn your options.