Truck Accident Lawyer in Lexington, NC
Truck accidents are much different than car crashes—they involve unique challenges due to the size of commercial vehicles, the complexity of regulations, and the severity of injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be dealing with extensive medical bills, lost wages, and the long-term impact of life-changing injuries.
Filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the compensation you may deserve. However, the legal process can be daunting, especially when facing powerful trucking companies and their insurers. At Lewis & Keller, we understand the stakes and are committed to helping you navigate every aspect of your claim.
Time is of the essence as North Carolina law imposes strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Contact a truck accident lawyer in Lexington, NC, today to take the first step toward protecting your rights and pursuing the financial recovery you need.
Available
24/7
Hurt in the middle of the night? Don’t wait to call an attorney. A real person is available 24/7 and will answer your call.
Years of
Experience
Founding partner, Mike Lewis, has been practicing law for 50 years. When you call our attorneys, you’ll have our wealth of experience and knowledge on your side.
No Fees Unless
We Win
Working on a contingency fee basis allows our clients to retain our services without worrying about hourly legal fees. You won’t owe us a penny unless we win.
PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
Lewis & Keller is a recognized Best Law Firm in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, as well as Personal Injury Litigation-Plainitffs by U.S. News and World Report. The firm has also been given an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Founding partner Mike Lewis has procured the title of one of the Best Lawyers in America for personal injury litigation and eminent domain, and was also distinguished as a North Carolina Super Lawyer in personal injury. These accolades wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all of the attorneys at Lewis & Keller and their clients who placed their trust in them.
Dealing With the Aftermath of a Truck Accident: What To Do
Being involved in a truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Knowing what steps to take immediately afterward can help protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Ensure Safety and Get Medical Help
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services.
- Don’t overlook medical care. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, might not be obvious right away but could have serious long-term effects.
2. Document Everything You Can
- Use your phone to take pictures or videos of the scene, including vehicle positions, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
- Collect information from witnesses, including their names and contact details. Also, get the truck driver’s information, including their employer and insurance details.
3. Secure an Official Police Report
- The police report will contain essential details about the accident, which can be valuable for your case. Make sure to request a copy once it’s available.
4. Be Cautious When Talking to Insurance Companies
- Insurance adjusters may reach out quickly, especially those representing the trucking company. Avoid giving recorded statements or accepting any initial offers without first consulting an attorney. Their priority is minimizing payouts, not protecting your interests.
5. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer Early
Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties and layers of regulation, making them far more complicated than typical car accident claims. At Lewis & Keller, our team understands these complexities and can help you navigate the legal system while building a strong case for the compensation you may deserve.
You Could Recover Significant Compensation
Truck accidents often result in devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, pursuing a legal claim may help you recover the compensation you may deserve. Truck accident settlements can account for a wide range of losses, ensuring you have the resources needed to rebuild your life.
Compensation may cover your medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and any long-term treatments required for recovery. Given the severity of injuries in truck accidents, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage, these costs can quickly become overwhelming.
In addition to medical bills, you could recover compensation for lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. If your ability to earn a living is permanently affected, your settlement may also reflect future lost income. Beyond financial losses, truck accident settlements often include compensation for pain and suffering—acknowledging the profound impact of physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident claims often result in higher settlements due to the larger insurance policies carried by commercial trucking companies. These policies are designed to cover the significant damage that large trucks can cause. However, securing fair compensation isn’t easy. Trucking companies and their insurers will often fight to minimize payouts.
At Lewis & Keller, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are dedicated to building a strong claim on your behalf. From calculating your full damages to negotiating aggressively with insurers, we’re here to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available.
Our Results Speak For themselves
$
7000000
Motorcycle accident resulting in paralysis.
$
3000000
Auto accident resulting in post traumatic stress disorder.
$
1393000
Workplace accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury.
What Makes Truck Accidents Unique
Truck accidents differ significantly from typical motor vehicle collisions, both in the severity of damage and the legal complexities involved. These accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, intricate liability issues, and involve regulations specific to the trucking industry. Understanding these distinctions is key to building a strong case and securing fair compensation.
Types of Commercial Trucks
Commercial trucks come in various forms, each presenting unique challenges in an accident. These include:
- Tractor-Trailers (18-Wheelers): Their sheer size and weight make collisions with passenger vehicles devastating.
- Tankers: Often carrying hazardous materials, accidents involving tankers can result in environmental damage and severe injuries from chemical exposure.
- Flatbeds: Improperly secured loads can shift or fall, creating hazards for other drivers.
- Delivery Trucks: With frequent stops and high urban traffic exposure, delivery truck accidents pose distinct risks.
The type of truck involved can affect both the extent of the injuries and the complexity of proving liability.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements
Truck drivers and their companies are subject to stricter insurance requirements than regular motorists.
- Interstate commercial trucks must carry a minimum of $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage, depending on the cargo.
- Intrastate trucks may have lower minimums, but these are still significantly higher than passenger vehicles.
These larger policies are designed to cover the extensive damage truck accidents cause, but accessing fair compensation requires a thorough understanding of insurance intricacies.
FMCSA Trucking Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces stringent rules to promote road safety, including:
- Hours of Service (HOS) Limits: Restricting the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate to prevent fatigue.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Regular testing to ensure drivers are fit to operate.
- Load Securement Rules: To prevent cargo from shifting or spilling.
- Vehicle Maintenance Standards: Ensuring trucks are roadworthy.
Violations of these regulations can serve as evidence in your case, demonstrating negligence on the part of the truck driver or their employer.
Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even low-speed collisions can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe, life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Severe Burns and Lacerations
- Multiple Bone Fractures
These injuries frequently require extensive medical care, from emergency surgeries to long-term rehabilitation, and can drastically affect a victim’s quality of life. Beyond the physical toll, the financial burden of ongoing treatment, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity can be overwhelming.
In the most tragic cases, truck accidents result in fatalities. For families who lose a loved one, wrongful death claims may provide additional benefits, including compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of their loss. Pursuing these claims can help families find a measure of justice and financial security during an incredibly difficult time.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Truck accident cases in North Carolina involve unique challenges, including navigating federal regulations, identifying liable parties, and calculating the full extent of your damages. A skilled lawyer can provide support and advocacy throughout this process.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Truck accident claims often hinge on detailed evidence. An experienced attorney from our office will:
- Gather key evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened.
- Identify violations of federal regulations, such as Hours of Service rules or improper loading.
Determining Liability
Unlike typical car accidents, accidents with commercial vehicles often involve multiple liable parties, including the driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider. Proving liability requires thorough investigation and legal knowledge to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often aim to settle quickly and for as little as possible. A lawyer will negotiate aggressively on your behalf, helping to ensure that any settlement offer accounts for the full scope of your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Without legal representation, victims may risk accepting a low offer or having their claim denied altogether.
Navigating North Carolina’s Legal System
North Carolina’s pure contributory negligence rule means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you could lose your right to recover compensation. This makes it important to have an attorney who can build a strong case to counter any claims of partial fault.
Maximizing Compensation
In Lexington, NC, an experienced trucking accident lawyer will ensure you pursue the maximum compensation available, whether through negotiation or taking your case to court. They’ll calculate both your current and future losses, ensuring your financial recovery addresses all economic and non-economic damages.
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Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result from negligence or regulatory violations, including:
- Jackknifing
- Brake failure
- Driver fatigue
- Improperly secured cargo
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Mechanical defects or poor maintenance
- Blind spot (no-zone) collisions
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor weather or hazardous road conditions
Lexington, NC, Trucking Accident FAQs:
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Truck accidents can lead to significant damages due to the high costs of medical care, lost wages, and property damage. The only way to determine the true value of your claim is to consult with an experienced attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
What Are the Fees for a Truck Accident Lawyer?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. Our free initial case reviews and upfront explanation of fees ensure full transparency, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Can I File a Lawsuit Without a Lawyer?
While it is technically possible to file a lawsuit without a lawyer, it’s not recommended. Without legal representation, you risk accepting a settlement that won’t fully cover your needs—or worse, having your claim denied altogether. An attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that you pursue the compensation you may deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically 3 years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions, and starting the process as soon as possible gives your lawyer time to build a strong case and avoid missing deadlines.
Should I Take the Insurance Company’s Offer?
No, it’s generally not advisable to accept the insurance company’s initial offer without consulting a lawyer. These offers are often designed to minimize payouts, and accepting one could leave you without the resources needed for your recovery. Let an experienced attorney handle negotiations to ensure you pursue the maximum compensation.
our Winston-salem car accident attorneys
We Fight for the Maximum Compensation
At Lewis & Keller, each Lexington truck accident lawyer is dedicated to being a champion for every client. Truck accidents often bring overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Our mission is to help you recover the maximum compensation you may deserve, addressing both economic damages—such as medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs—and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
We meticulously build every case to account for all current and future losses, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Whether through a negotiated settlement or a trial verdict, we fight to secure a resolution that truly reflects the full impact of your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact us today for a no-cost case review to learn how we can help. We’ll assess your claim, answer your questions, and guide you through the legal process.