Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Lawyer Charlotte, NC

If you’ve recently been hurt in a truck accident, you may want to get in touch with a Charlotte, NC truck accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An attorney from Ted A Greve & Associates can help you file a timely claim and protect your rights.

 

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Although all vehicle accidents can result in injuries, truck accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries. Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, so it stands to reason that they would cause more damage. Here are the most common truck accident injuries.

• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the most serious injuries someone can sustain in a truck accident. These injuries can occur if you hit your head against an object or your head jolts back and forth violently. Initial symptoms of a traumatic brain injury may include dizziness, confusion, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. These injuries can result in long-term cognitive, physical and behavioral problems.

• Broken bones. The sheer force of a truck accident can cause you to break bones in your legs, arms, ribs and other parts of your body. Broken bones can cause excruciating pain and take a long time to heal. If a bone is broken in more than one place, surgery may be necessary.

• Burns. During a truck accident, the fuel tank can erupt and cause a fire. As a Charlotte truck accident lawyer can explain, this can cause severe burns all over the body. Besides being very painful, burns can lead to infection, nerve damage and even permanent scarring. If your burns are severe, you may need skin grafts.

• Spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can also occur during a truck accident and can dramatically change your life. Symptoms of these injuries include spasms, loss of muscle function, bladder and bowel problems and even paralysis. Early treatment is vital for the best chances of making a recovery. 

• Whiplash. It’s also common for people to sustain whiplash in truck accidents. These neck injuries can occur when your head jerks back and forth suddenly during a collision. Whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness, headaches and dizziness. However, some people do not experience any symptoms initially. That is why you should seek medical attention regardless of how you feel.

• Amputation. Amputation can result directly from a truck accident or from the injuries sustained in the accident. If a limb is crushed very badly during the accident, it has to be removed by surgery. Amputation is one of the more catastrophic injuries you can sustain during a truck accident and can dramatically change your life. You will have to relearn how to perform basic tasks and may use prosthetics. Many accidents who suffer amputation experience emotional distress, like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you plan to pursue an injury claim after a truck accident, you should schedule a consultation with a Charlotte truck accident lawyer from Ted A Greve & Associates as soon as possible.

COMMON TRUCK ACCIDENT INJURIES INFOGRAPHIC

Truck Accidents Can Be Devastating

In addition to physical injuries, they often lead to financial losses as well that can only be avoided with the help of a Charlotte, NC truck accident lawyer to represent your case. If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, then we will make sure that they pay for their actions and compensate you for your injuries and other losses. In some cases, trucking companies may be liable for these losses as well because they failed to provide adequate training or equipment for their drivers or did not maintain safe working conditions on their premises.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, the first thing you need to do is contact a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options. It’s important that you not make any statements or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney.

This is because there are often strict rules about what statements can and cannot be used against you later in court or during negotiations with the insurance company of the other driver involved in the accident. Your best bet is always to get an opinion from a Charlotte truck accident lawyer before making any decisions about how you want things handled moving forward.

The Law Firm’s Approach to Truck Accident Cases

Truck accidents can be some of the worst car accidents that occur because of how much damage these large vehicles can cause when they collide with smaller ones. A truck driver’s negligence may result in serious injuries to other motorists and passengers. In many cases, victims of truck accidents suffer from serious spinal cord damage, brain injuries, and broken bones. Sometimes people are even killed in these types of crashes.

Truck accidents can be caused by several factors, including:

Poorly Maintained Vehicles

Inadequate maintenance is one of the leading causes of truck accidents nationwide. When trucks are not properly maintained, they can break down unexpectedly, which increases their likelihood of being involved in an accident or causing damage to other vehicles on the road.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long hours behind the wheel without adequate rest breaks during their shifts. This can lead to driver fatigue and make them more prone to making mistakes while driving that could result in an accident.

Distracted Driving

Distractions such as text messaging and cell phone use are common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers often rely on cellular devices to communicate with their dispatchers or other drivers, which can lead them to make mistakes while driving that cause an accident.

Speed

Many trucking companies require their drivers to maintain a certain speed at all times in order to meet deadlines and maximize profits. This can lead some drivers to be overly aggressive behind the wheel, which increases their risk of causing a truck accident.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to deal with your injuries after being involved in a truck accident. We will help guide you through each step of the process so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries instead of worrying about what happens next or missing work while recovering from your injuries. Contact Ted A Greve & Associates today to schedule your free consultation with our Charlotte truck accident lawyer on staff. 

Truck Accidents and Cargo

A Charlotte, NC truck accident lawyer knows that although there are many reasons why truck accidents can occur, one of the most consistent factors in the majority of truck accidents is the truck driver. Truck driver error is one of the main issues that lead up to these deadly crashes, whether it is caused by driver fatigue, a rush to meet a delivery schedule, or some other reason.

One of the truck driver’s responsibilities is the cargo they are transporting. Trucking companies and their drivers are supposed to adhere to weight limits and make sure the cargo is securely loaded. Failure to abide by these rules can increase the risk of truck accidents even more. Unfortunately, there are many accidents where these rules were ignored – often with tragic consequences.

Overweight Risks

A large commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when it is filled with cargo. The massive size and weight mean that in a crash with a much smaller passenger vehicle, the occupants in the passenger vehicle often suffer severe injuries. When a truck carrying cargo is at its weight limit – or overtaking a curve a little too sharp can result in fatal accidents, with the truck overturning onto a small passenger car. Overweight trucks can even roll over on a simple maneuver such as merging into a lane.

A Charlotte truck accident lawyer knows that this extra weight also has the potential of causing dangerous tire blowouts, causing the truck driver to lose control and swerve into nearby vehicles.

Stopping Distance

Because tractor-trailers and other large trucks use air brakes to stop, the distance the need is much longer than a passenger vehicle. In fact, it is estimated that a truck traveling 65 mph needs up to 200 yards to come to a full stop – that is the length of two football fields.

Now imagine that truck is carrying an overweight load. This means the truck will need even longer in the event the driver has to make a sudden stop.

Height Clearance

It is not uncommon to see open-bed trucks piled high with cargo. This too is as dangerous as overweight trucks because of height clearance regulations on overpasses and bridges. If the truck cannot make the height clearance, the result is not just disastrous for the structure, but also for any other motorists that may be nearby when the crash occurs.

Jackknifing

Jackknifing occurs when the truck comes to a quick stop, but the trailer keeps moving forward. This makes the cab of the truck and the trailer fold in such a way that it looks ike a jackknife that is opened. The trailer hitting other vehicles and pedestrians in its wake can be fatal. A Charlotte truck accident lawyer can help victims of jackknife accidents pursue legal action against the trucking company.

We understand how difficult it can be for you to deal with your injuries after being involved in a truck accident. We will help guide you through each step of the process so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries instead of worrying about what happens next or missing work while recovering from your injuries. Contact Ted A Greve & Associates today to schedule your free consultation with our Charlotte truck accident lawyer on staff.

Frequently Asked Questions | Truck Accident 

What is one of the first things I should do after an accident? 

A Charlotte, NC truck accident lawyer can tell you that right after an accident, write down what you remember about the accident as soon as you can. Many people who are victims of personal injury accidents are more likely to misremember important details about their accident if they wait too long to write down their account. Your memory is fleeting, and the longer you wait, the less reliable your memory becomes. It is important to jot down details about what you saw before the accident before you forget. You do not want to second guess your memory or risk forgetting crucial details that no one else can provide to investigators but you. 

What can happen if I decide not to seek medical attention? 

An experienced personal injury lawyer can explain how important it is to seek medical help right away if you ever get into a truck accident. If you decide not to be evaluated or delay medical care, you may risk weakening your case. Seeking medical attention at the right time can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. The sooner that you see a doctor for a medical evaluation shortly after an accident, the better. They will write a detailed report of your condition, what kind of injuries that you have suffered, and give you the treatment you need. 

What kind of evidence should I gather?

Obtaining as much evidence as you can if you have been in a truck accident. A truck accident usually involves many different parties, and some may not be as eager to cooperate during the investigation. When you have a variety of evidence ranging from photos, videos, witness accounts, and medical records, you can paint a clear picture of how the accident occurred and what kind of damages you are owed. Without persuasive evidence to support your case, you may not be able to get the outcome that you are seeking to achieve. If you are having issues gathering evidence, do not wait to talk to a lawyer.  

How important are eyewitnesses in an accident case?

Talk to any witnesses who were there at the accident because it can improve your case outcome. They may be able to give you details that no one else can, as a Charlotte truck accident lawyer can tell you. Not every case may involve eyewitnesses at all, so find out if anyone may have witnessed the accident so that you can ask them questions and collect their contact information. Ask them about crucial information such as the color, make and model of the vehicle, the direction the vehicles came from, and any other details that they can give you leading up to the accident and after it. 

When do I consult a lawyer?

When you have made the decision to file a claim, be sure to speak with a lawyer to discuss your case right away. It is imperative that you do not delay taking legal action because there is not a lot of time to file a truck accident claim. By meeting with an experienced lawyer who has plenty of experience helping truck accident victims, you are much more likely to get the accurate information that you need. They will be familiar with the entire case process, Talk to a reputable Charlotte truck accident lawyer like one from Ted A. Greve & Associates near you now. 

Charlotte Truck Accident Law Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks are involved in an average of 5,000 fatal crashes each year in the United States. The most common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision. Truck accidents are more likely to be fatal than car accidents.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS | TRUCK ACCIDENTS INFOGRAPHIC