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North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, our team of experienced North Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys at Daggett Shuler is dedicated to fight for you to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, call Daggett Shuler right away for your free consultation. We will:

  • Listen to you to make sure your concerns are met
  • Take care of building your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries
  • Fight the insurance company to get you the settlement you deserve

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Get Help From A Law Firm With The Experience You Need

Daggett Shuler’s team of seasoned commercial truck accident lawyers will handle everything for you so you can focus on what’s most important after a truck crash: your recovery. With decades of combined experience, we know how to handle these often-complicated cases to get the maximum recovery you are entitled to. And at Daggett Shuler, we’ll always provide you with the care and respect you deserve.

When you work with a truck accident lawyer well versed in truck accident law at Daggett Shuler, you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Let us guide you through each step of your case—helping you pick up the pieces and move forward with your life.

You Can Depend on Daggett Shuler After A Truck Crash

Tractor-trailer accidents can result from many different factors, and understanding these common causes is essential in building a strong claim. Some of the most common causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:

  • Drugs, Alcohol, or Fatigue: Truck drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol pose a significant risk to themselves and others on the road. Fatigue can also impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to safely operate a large commercial vehicle, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
  • Negligence or Distracted Driving: Negligent behavior such as speeding, reckless driving, or failure to obey traffic laws can lead to catastrophic tractor-trailer accidents. Additionally, distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or using electronic devices while driving divert the driver's attention from the road, significantly increasing the risk of collisions.
  • Weather Conditions or Faulty Equipment: Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, ice, or fog can create hazardous driving conditions, particularly for large trucks. Mechanical failures or faulty equipment, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can contribute to tractor-trailer accidents, even under normal weather conditions.

By identifying the root cause of your tractor-trailer accident, our dedicated attorneys can build a compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Whether it involves proving negligence, demonstrating violations of safety regulations, or addressing defective equipment, we leverage our extensive experience to advocate for your rights and help you obtain the financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.

Highway with tractor-trailer traffic

What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do For You?

Tractor-trailer accidents may involve multiple cars and several insurance policies. A tractor-trailer accident attorney will investigate the accident, handle the paperwork, investigate the trucking company, and negotiate with the insurance company. If a settlement cannot be reached, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and stand by you every step of the way. The insurance company will always want to pay you as little as possible. Our tractor-trailer accident injury lawyers have years of experience negotiating claims to get the maximum amount of money for our clients. You pay nothing unless we win. Speak with a truck accident lawyer at Daggett Shuler for free today.

common tractor trailer accident Injuries include:

  • Severe Sprains: Truck accidents can subject occupants to sudden, violent movements, often leading to severe sprains in joints such as wrists, ankles, and knees. These injuries can result from the impact of the collision or from attempting to brace oneself during the accident.
  • Complex Fractures: Trucks' sheer size and weight amplify the force of impact in accidents. This increased force can cause complex fractures involving multiple bones or complicated breaks that require extensive medical intervention. Fractures commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis of truck accident victims.
  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Due to the force involved in truck accidents, occupants are at a heightened risk of suffering traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe and life-altering brain trauma. Even with safety measures like airbags and seat belts, the sudden deceleration or impact from a truck collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to serious injury.
  • Back Injuries: Collisions with tractor trailers can cause severe stress, strain, compression injuries, and even breaks of the neck, back, and spine. The long-lasting effects from back injuries can lead to radiating pain, compressed discs in the spinal column, and even paralysis. These injuries can occur even when properly buckled in a seatbelt due to the huge force a truck exerts on a car upon impact.
  • Death: Sadly, fatalities are a tragic outcome of many truck accidents. The size disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles often results in catastrophic consequences for occupants of smaller vehicles involved in collisions with trucks. The high impact forces and potential for multiple points of collision increase the risk of fatalities in these accidents.

Truck accidents can result in a range of severe injuries, from sprains and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and, in the worst cases, death. These accidents often have devastating consequences for victims and their families, highlighting the importance of safety measures and responsible driving practices for all drivers on the road.

What do I do if I have been in a truck accident in North Carolina?

After you have been in a commercial truck wreck, contact Daggett Shuler for help. We will examine your individual circumstances, build the best case for you, and fight the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve.

What to Do in The Immediate Aftermath of An Accident:

Dial 911 so the emergency operator can route your call to the nearest law enforcement agency and other first responders. Notify the dispatcher of any injuries you or your passengers may have incurred. Be sure to get a police report, even if the accident was minor.

A medical evaluation for you and your passengers may find injuries that did not have immediate symptoms. By having a doctor perform a full physical assessment, you may uncover hidden injuries that may have been life-threatening if untreated. Additionally, a medical report can be used to help your case and determine how much compensation you may receive.

If you are able, document any evidence at the scene of the truck accident. This includes pictures of damage and the accident scene if possible, contact information of the truck driver, insurance details, license plate numbers, witness contact information, and details about the accident. You may also note any weather patterns that may have affected driving conditions.

The police will investigate the truck accident scene and take statements from the drivers and witnesses. Do not admit fault, even if you were at fault. There may be multiple factors that can reduce your liability, and admitting fault will hurt your case. Do not post on social media or make comments to any news stations that may be looking for more information.

Your next step should be to contact a commercial truck accident lawyer who can fight and get you as much compensation as possible to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, long-term disability, missed time at work, and any other monetary compensation that you may be owed. Our North Carolina tractor-trailer accident lawyers work to get you the most compensation for your truck accident claim. Call us at (336) 724-1234 to speak to a truck accident attorney today.

Truck Accident Lawyers Who Stand Up To The Insurance Companies For You

Semi-truck accidents can be devastating due to the size and load of the truck. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a tractor-trailer accident, our team of North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers will get you the compensation you need to cover expenses such as:

  • Medical expenses: Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, leading to extensive medical treatment and hospitalization. Our legal team works tirelessly to secure compensation for your medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
  • Missed work: Following a serious tractor-trailer accident, victims may be unable to work due to their injuries, resulting in lost wages and financial strain. We fight to recover compensation for your lost income, ensuring that you are fairly compensated for the time you were unable to work while recovering from the accident.
  • Future damages: Beyond immediate medical expenses and lost wages, truck accident victims may suffer from long-term consequences such as chronic pain, disability, and emotional distress. Our experienced attorneys assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma, to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your suffering and future needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try and remain calm and assess if you and your passengers have any serious injuries. Call 911 to speak with a dispatcher who will notify the police and any other first responders. If you or your passengers have been injured, seek immediate medical treatment. Write down or request all details about the accident, including photos, video surveillance, license plate numbers, insurance details, contact information, witness contact information, and police reports.

Don't be rash; remain calm and collected, and think before you speak. Do not claim fault, even if you were the cause of the accident. Do not post on social media. Finally, do not provide comments to news crews that may show up at the scene.

You are not obligated to speak to an insurance adjuster. Simply mention that you have spoken to a lawyer, and they will contact the insurance company. The insurance adjuster often tries to elicit a response that says you will be okay. The adjuster works for the insurance agency and will do anything to reduce the amount of compensation that you may receive.

A tractor-trailer accident lawyer will work to get you the maximum compensation possible for your case. Attempting to settle with the insurance company on your own can leave hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table. Your truck accident attorney will fight to get you a fair settlement for medical expenses, loss of wages, or long-term medical care.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our semi-truck accident attorneys cover all associated costs and only receive payment if you receive a verdict or settlement for your case. Hiring our truck accident lawyers costs you nothing out-of-pocket.

In North Carolina, determining liability for trucking accidents involves considering multiple parties who may bear responsibility, including:

  1. The Driver: The primary responsibility often falls on the driver operating the truck at the time of the accident. Factors such as negligence, recklessness, or violations of traffic laws by the driver can establish liability.
  2. The Owner of the Trailer or Cab: If the truck is leased or owned separately from the trucking company, the owner of the trailer or cab may share liability if negligence related to the maintenance or operation of the vehicle contributed to the accident.
  3. The Trucking Company: Trucking companies can be held accountable for accidents caused by their drivers if they are found negligent in areas such as hiring practices, training, scheduling, or enforcing safety regulations.
  4. The Driver's Employer: If the truck driver was operating the vehicle within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer may also be liable for damages resulting from the accident under the legal principle of vicarious liability.
  5. Those Responsible for Maintaining the Truck: Entities or individuals tasked with maintaining the truck, including mechanics, repair shops, or maintenance personnel, may share liability if inadequate maintenance or faulty repairs contributed to the accident.

Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex and may require a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties. It often involves analyzing various factors such as driver behavior, vehicle maintenance records, company policies, and applicable state and federal regulations governing the trucking industry.

We have offices conveniently located in Winston-Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina. However, if you cannot get to our offices, let us know; we will come to you.

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We’ll Fight For You.

Many trucking companies have their own legal teams or retain external law firms with experience in transportation and trucking law to represent their interests. These lawyers handle a range of legal matters for the trucking company, including regulatory compliance, contract negotiations, litigation defense, and insurance claims.

Trucking companies and their truck drivers often face legal challenges related to accidents, cargo claims, labor disputes, regulatory violations, and other issues inherent to the industry. Having dedicated legal representation helps these companies navigate complex legal landscapes, protect their rights, and mitigate potential liabilities.

The importance of hiring truck accident lawyers

When you have been involved in a big truck accident, it can make you feel as though you must act right now. While it is important to not put off speaking with a tractor-trailer accident lawyer, it is equally important that you remember not to take certain actions without first consulting with one.

Before contacting your insurance company, call an experienced truck accident lawyer at Daggett Shuler. When you are dealing with the stress, pain, and financial burden associated with an accident, it can be difficult to make tough decisions about your case. The effects of your injuries can often be long-lasting or even permanent. That's why it is critical that you get full and fair compensation. You can learn more by contacting the North Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers at Daggett Shuler today.

Common reasons why a truck accident may occur:

  • Improperly loaded trucks: Uneven weight distribution can lead to instability, increasing the risk of tipping over or losing control.
  • Truck maintenance neglect: Worn-out parts or mechanical failures can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, or other critical malfunctions.
  • Vehicle defects: Faulty components such as brakes, steering systems, or tires can fail unexpectedly, compromising the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
  • Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers: An inexperienced driver might lack the necessary skills to handle complex driving situations, respond to hazards, or properly operate the vehicle.
  • Aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, and sudden lane changes significantly increase the likelihood of collisions.
  • Fatigued drivers: Drowsiness may impair reaction time, decision-making, and overall alertness, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
  • Distracted drivers: If attention is diverted from the road, the ability to recognize and respond to hazards promptly may be significantly reduced.

North Carolina Truck Accident Statistics

In North Carolina, there are three classes of commercial trucks: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A is any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 13 tons, provided that the GVW of the vehicle(s) being towed is greater than 5 tons. A Class B truck is a singular vehicle with a GVW of 13 tons or more. If towing or carrying a vehicle, it must have a GVW under 5 tons. Finally, a Class C Truck does not fall into Class A or Class B, but can carry 16 or more passengers or transport hazardous materials.

How many semi-truck accidents happen per year in North Carolina?

According to the 2021 North Carolina DMV Crash Facts Report, North Carolina experienced a 20% increase in motor vehicle fatalities over the previous five years and 11% more vehicle crashes than 2020. In total, there were nearly 16,500 tractor-trailer accidents across the state.

Where in North Carolina Are Commercial Vehicle Accidents Common?

Rural roads and Interstates are where fatal tractor trailer accidents are most likely to happen. Rural locations are where 54% of all big truck accidents occur, and Interstate crashes account for 27%.

When Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents Mostly Likely to Happen?

The majority (82% of all fatal crashes) of commercial motor vehicle accidents happen during the work week (Monday through Friday). 37% of fatal accidents happen in the evening and overnight (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.).

Does Weather Play a Factor in Big Truck Accidents?

While the weather can make a difference in a tractor-trailer accident, most fatal accidents take place on clear days (67%). The second highest percentage of fatal accidents occur on cloudy days (14%).

Why are Tractor Trailer Accidents so dangerous?

The average passenger vehicle weighs about 2.5 tons, whereas the average commercial truck weighs about 40 tons. This means that big trucks require a much longer braking distance and they are harder to maneuver. It is because of the size difference that most fatalities in accidents between a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer are the occupants of passenger vehicles. In fact, in 2020, 71 percent of people killed in large-truck accidents were occupants of other vehicles. Currently 15.5 million trucks operate in the U.S. Approximately 2 million are tractor-trailers. In North Carolina in 2020, 7.3% of large truck accidents were fatal crashes.

What classifies a vehicle as a commercial truck?

A truck is classified by its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR. The GVWR is the maximum weight, including the cargo and passengers. This number is the maximum weight the vehicle can safely travel with.

Class-A Truck

Class-A Truck

Heavy duty tractor-trailers or dump trucks with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or greater.

Class-B Truck

Class-B Truck

Medium Duty dump trucks or box trucks with a GVWR of 10,001 to 26,000 pounds.

Class-C Truck

Class-C Truck

Light duty trucks with a GVWR under 10,000 pounds.

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I was injured while on the job performing my duties with a local company, and the next Monday was fired because they did not want to pay my medical bills. After going to Daggett Shuler and being accepted for my claim, they took me in as family and looked after me throughout the process. The Daggett Shuler team was outstanding in their professionalism and empathy. David Daggett and Griff Shuler have put together an outstanding team.

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