Truck Accident Attorney in Jacksonville NC

Commercial trucks are enormous, powerful vehicles. When they’re hauling cargo, they can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. That’s why these vehicles need to be handled with extreme caution and care. Even a simple mistake by a truck driver or trucking company can lead to a disaster on the road. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. Talk to a Jacksonville, North Carolina truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn about your legal rights.

At The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., we understand the toll that a truck accident can take, and we’re here to help. Our Jacksonville, N.C., personal injury lawyers have decades of experience standing up for crash victims like yourself. For three generations, we’ve fought for the rights of our friends and neighbors in Onslow County. Our skilled legal team will manage all the details of your truck accident claim from start to finish. The only thing you need to do is focus on your recovery.

For a free consultation, call us or contact us online. We can talk over the phone or even meet in-person at a place that’s convenient for you. There is no charge for us to start working on your case, and you only pay us if we recover money for you.

Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated?

Unlike typical accidents involving two passenger cars, truck accident claims can be complicated by dangerous cargo, numerous liable parties, extensive regulations, and many other issues. Some of the key reasons that truck accident claims can be complex include:

• Far more devastation to sort through. Commercial truck accidents are often horrible events that destroy other vehicles on the road, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. These large trucks can hit multiple vehicles with immense force, scattering debris so that it’s challenging for investigators to know exactly what happened. As part of a big rig accident investigation, police and others will need to turn to on-board diagnostics and many other forms of evidence to figure out what happened.
• Cargo complications. Semi-trucks are usually carrying cargo that belongs to someone else. This can be anything from food and supplies to heavy equipment and flammable chemicals. An 18-wheeler investigation will need to look into what caused the accident, how the cargo was involved, and who ultimately bears responsibility.
• Federal and state regulations. Truck drivers and companies operate under strict government oversight covering everything from maintenance requirements and cargo loading requirements to how much rest drivers must get. As part of a truck accident case, you’ll need a lawyer who understands how these rules could impact your claim.
• Multiple liable parties. In a typical car accident, two drivers and two insurance companies may be involved. However, in a truck accident, things can get far more complicated. The driver, the company that hired the driver, the company that owns the truck, the cargo owner, the cargo loaders, the truck mechanics, a truck parts manufacturer, and many others may contribute to the accident. As part of a claim for truck accident compensation, any investigation will need to determine who was at fault and how much responsibility they bear.
• Multiple insurance companies. In a truck accident, a claim may involve many insurance policies. The insurers for drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, and many others may be liable. This means you’ll need to understand exactly who was responsible for the accident and what role they played. Insurers may try to push blame on each other and you. That’s why you need an experienced truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C., to fight for what’s right.

Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Truck Accident in Jacksonville, NC?

There are many parties involved before a truck even gets on the road, from truck manufacturers to cargo loaders. Some of the parties that may be responsible for a truck accident in Onslow County include:

• The semi-truck driver. The driver is ultimately responsible for a truck when it’s on the road. Drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent can be held responsible for the damage they cause.
• The company that hired the driver. A trucking company that employs the driver may also be liable. As part of its duties under the law, the company needs to hire drivers who meet legal requirements, and the company must monitor driver performance for problems.
• The company that owns the truck or trailer. If a problem with a truck or trailer causes an accident, the company that owns the equipment could be liable for any injuries.
• Those who loaded the cargo. Loading and balancing cargo is a demanding job that needs to be done right. If loaders don’t balance and secure the cargo correctly, a devastating accident could result.
• Maintenance and parts companies. Commercial trucks operate under heavy loads, and it takes regular maintenance and quality parts to make sure things operate smoothly. When companies fail to get the maintenance they need, or a truck’s part fails at a key moment, the result can be a serious accident.

These are only a few of the parties that may be held responsible after a truck accident. If you have questions about who could be held responsible in your case, speak with a truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C., today.

Evidence Our Team May Use in a Truck Accident Claim

Each truck accident claim is built on a solid foundation of evidence. While every case will have unique evidence and needs, there are common types of evidence that our team may use to understand what happened. Types of evidence our team may collect in a truck accident case include:

• Driver logs showing a driver’s hours on the road
• Employment records for a driver, including any screening records
• On-board diagnostics and event recorder information
• Police records and reports about the accident, including intoxication information
• Medical records showing injuries
• Truck maintenance records
• Cargo records and loading information
• Ownership records for the truck, trailer, and cargo
• Eyewitness statements
• Cellphone records
• Photos from the scene and surveillance video

Demanding Maximum Truck Accident Compensation for You

After an accident, you may be facing hospital bills and significant losses. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the resources that you deserve. Truck accident compensation can take many forms, such as:

• Coverage of your medical costs. After a truck accident, you may need surgeries, time in a hospital, and treatment down the line. A truck accident claim may include compensation for these costs.
• Compensation for your lost wages and damage to your future earnings. As part of a claim, you can pursue compensation for the time you’re out of work and the damage that the accident does to your future earning potential.
• Property loss and repair cost compensation. In a truck accident, you may lose your vehicle and valuable personal property. A claim may seek compensation for these losses.
• Pain and suffering. A truck accident can cause victims lingering pain. You may seek compensation for these lasting problems.

After a truck accident in Onslow County, these and other forms of compensation may be available. If you have questions about compensation that may apply in your case, speak with a Jacksonville, North Carolina truck accident attorney today.

What Is the NC Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits?

For truck accidents in North Carolina, you’ll generally have three years from the date of the wreck to file your claim. If you need to file a wrongful death claim related to the crash, you usually have two years from the date that the person passed away. To make sure that you bring any lawsuit within the time limits set by North Carolina law, speak with a truck accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Hurt in a Truck Accident in Jacksonville, NC?

The days and weeks after a truck accident can be incredibly stressful. Even during these difficult times, it’s important to take steps to protect your truck accident claim. By doing so, you can help support your case and make the process easier down the line.

After a truck accident injury:

• Talk with an experienced truck accident lawyer about your case.
• Don’t discuss the accident or your injuries on social media.
• Keep copies of any medical records related to your injuries.
• Follow your doctor’s orders and make sure you get the medical care you need.
• Hold onto any information you have about the accident, such as witness names, copies of police reports, photos, and any other information that could be helpful.
• Write down any information you can remember about the accident.
• Keep a journal of your experience after an accident, including any pain or changes in the way you live your life.

What Are The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in North Carolina?

All too often, truck accidents are preventable. Leading causes of truck accidents in the state include:

• Speeding. Excessive speed is a leading cause of truck accidents and it’s one that drivers can avoid with proper training and care.
• Distracted driving. Because of cell phones and other electronic devices, distracted driving is becoming a more serious problem every day.
• Lack of rest or breaks. Under the law, drivers must get enough rest to do their jobs safely. If they don’t, fatigued driving can lead to a collision.
• Intoxication. Alcohol and drugs are dangerous when mixed with the power of a commercial truck. Although intoxicated driving is illegal, it’s still a common cause of accidents.
• Driver errors. This may include misjudging traffic flow before a turn or failing to check blind spots.
• Cargo loading failures and shifts during travel. Those who load cargo must do their jobs correctly. Otherwise, cargo can shift, sending a truck off balance and endangering lives.
• Truck part failures, including brakes, tires, or hitches. Trucks with cargo are under tremendous stress, and a part failure can result in tragedy.
• Unsafe weather. Dangerous conditions can cause a driver to lose control, leading to serious accidents.

What Are Some Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents can cause life-threatening injuries, including:

A truck can result in these and countless other traumatic injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a commercial truck, get the care you need and speak with a lawyer about your options.

How Can Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Jacksonville, NC, Help You?

The time following an accident can be overwhelming. Our Jacksonville, N.C., truck accident attorneys can help you during this challenging time by managing all the details of your claim. Some of the ways our lawyers could help you include:

• Reviewing your case for free after an accident and answering all your questions
• Explaining how North Carolina law may affect your claim
• Exploring options for compensation, including insurance policies and your own coverage
• Conducting a thorough investigation to secure all available evidence
• Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Standing up for your rights in court if that’s what is necessary to get justice for you

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Jacksonville, NC Today

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, contact The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., today. Whether you’re in Jacksonville, based out of Camp Lejeune, or anywhere else in Onslow County, our North Carolina truck accident attorneys are here for you. Get started now with a free consultation.

Visit Our Jacksonville, NC Truck Accident Offices