When you’re hit by a large truck, the consequences can be much more severe than those from a crash with a smaller car. The sheer size of a semi-truck can cause life-altering injuries to the passengers in the smaller vehicle. These types of crashes can leave you feeling confused about who’s responsible. Is it the driver? Is it the trucking company?
Our team at Ted A. Greve & Associates has seen these types of accidents again and again. Our truck accident lawyers in Wilmington, NC, help people just like you who have been involved in collisions with commercial trucks. We can answer your legal questions, handle insurance matters, and recover as much compensation as possible for you so you can regain control of your life. Call (800) 693-7833 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The minutes and hours after a truck accident can feel like a blur. Knowing what to do after a truck accident can help you protect both your health and your legal rights.
Medical Attention and Documentation
Your well-being is the top priority. Call for an ambulance if anyone is hurt. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s in your best interest to see a doctor as soon as possible. Large trucks can create powerful impacts, and some injuries might not be obvious right away.
Keep every record of any treatments you receive. Hold on to doctor’s notes, diagnostic test results, and information about therapy or medication. These records can show how the crash has affected your life. Our team can use these documents to strengthen your case and highlight any long-term consequences you may experience.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able, gather as much detailed information from the crash site as possible. Important evidence might include:
- Pictures of vehicle damage from different angles
- Photos and videos of the surrounding accident scene
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Weather or traffic conditions at the time of the collision
- Written or recorded statements from anyone who saw the accident and their contact details
- License plate numbers for all vehicles and USDOT numbers on the side of the truck
Each accident has different circumstances with unique details that lead to the crash. By capturing as much evidence as you can, it can help create a clear picture of what actually happened. We can use this evidence to show the truth if insurance companies try and shift the blame.
Reporting the Accident and Legal Notifications
Once law enforcement arrives, share your account of the event. This will all be recorded on the police report, which can help build your claim. In North Carolina, certain wrecks are required to be notified to the state—like those with injuries, death, property damage over $1,000, or if a government-owned vehicle is involved.
Navigating Your Truck Accident Claim
Bringing a claim against a trucking company or driver can feel overwhelming. A single crash can involve multiple policies and layers of responsibility. Our goal at Ted A. Greve & Associates is to simplify this confusing process and help you make sense of the legal path ahead.
Types of Compensation Available
After a crash with a big rig truck, you most likely have mounting medical bills and are missing much-needed paychecks. Not only that, but these types of traumatic events create physical and emotional stress that just can’t be measured on paper. We will come up with a financial figure that seems fair for all that you’ve gone through.
Our law firm can help you seek payment for:
• Medical costs, including hospital stays and ongoing therapy
• Loss of wages or reduced ability to earn in the future
• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Emotional strain and the impact on your daily life
We will take the time to hear your specific story, review every single detail of your circumstances, and put together a strategy that addresses your personal needs.
Handling Insurance Companies and Negotiations
Trucking companies and their insurers might reach out to you quickly but they only have their own interests in mind. Their goal is to minimize payouts. What you say can be used against you. This is where our skilled team of lawyers will step up for you. Our team handles calls, statement requests, and other important steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim.
Our firm will work to gather the proof you need to seek the payment you’re rightfully owed. This approach can involve presenting police reports, witness statements, and analysis of any trucking company data, such as driver logs or vehicle maintenance records. We won’t let them downplay what you’ve been through.
Time Limits and Legal Deadlines for Filing a Claim
North Carolina law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims. The statute of limitations for personal injury in North Carolina allows three years from the date of the accident for the injured person to file a lawsuit against those who harmed them. If you don’t file within this period, the law can bar you from seeking any financial recovery at all. Some cases involve multiple parties, such as trucking companies or third-party contractors, making it even more important to act quickly and build a strong case before time runs out.
Our lawyers will keep track of every deadline and keep your case on schedule. Whether we need to file court documents or submit forms to an insurance carrier, we’ll make certain everything is handled properly. This frees up your valuable time to focus on health and family.
Contact Ted A Greve & Associates Today
We know the road ahead feels like a struggle, and Ted A. Greve & Associates will relieve as much of that stress as we can. Our truck accident lawyers in Wilmington, NC, will fight to make sure there is justice and accountability. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
