Your Winston-Salem Truck Accident Lawyer
At Lewis & Keller, we are committed to providing top-notch legal representation for truck accident victims. Our experienced team understands the complexities of truck accident cases, from investigating the causes and identifying liable parties to negotiating with powerful insurance companies. With our compassionate approach and aggressive advocacy, you can trust our Winston-Salem truck accident lawyers to handle your case with the utmost care and professionalism, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Available
24/7
Hurt in the middle of the night? Don’t wait to contact our office. A real person is available 24/7 and will answer your call.
Years of
Experience
Our team of attorneys have years and years of experience fighting insurance companies and have successfully handled thousands of cases.
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!
Table of Contents
- Damages Available for North Carolina Truck Accident Victims
- What To Do After a Truck Accident
- Why Choose Lewis & Keller?
- Common Truck Accident Injuries
- Types of Truck Accident Cases We Can Help With
- Big Trucking Companies Have Insurance Protecting Them
- Understanding Trucking Regulations and the FMCSA
- What Comes Next?
- Truck Accident FAQs
- Recover the Maximum Compensation With Lewis & Keller
- Related Articles & Info
Damages Available for North Carolina Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents can lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships. In North Carolina, truck accident victims may be entitled to a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future): This includes all costs associated with medical treatment, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care needed due to the accident.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost during your recovery period. This can help alleviate the financial strain of being unable to work.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries result in a long-term or permanent inability to work or a reduced capacity to earn income, you can seek damages for the difference between your previous earning potential and your current situation. This compensation aims to support you in maintaining your standard of living despite your injuries.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering damages acknowledge the non-economic impact of your injuries on your life.
- Emotional distress: Truck accidents can lead to significant psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation for emotional distress addresses the mental health challenges you face following the accident.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, you could be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement costs. This ensures you are not paying out of pocket for expenses related to property damage.
Pursuing these damages requires a thorough understanding of North Carolina law and detailed documentation of your losses. Our team at Lewis & Keller is here to guide you through this process, working to secure the full compensation you may deserve. Speak to our truck accident lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you recover after an accident.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
Experiencing a truck accident can be overwhelming and frightening. Knowing the steps to take immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and ensure your safety. Here’s what you should do:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries. Prioritizing safety helps prevent further harm and allows you to assess the situation calmly.
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance. Promptly call emergency services so that any injuries are treated quickly and the accident is officially documented.
- Gather Information: Exchange information with the truck driver and collect contact details of witnesses. Obtaining this information is crucial for your insurance claim and any future legal actions.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and note important details about the accident. Visual evidence and detailed notes can be invaluable in supporting your case.
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a thorough medical examination, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical report is essential for your claim.
- Contact an Attorney: Reach out to Lewis & Keller to discuss your legal options. Our truck accident attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation.
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.
Why Choose Lewis & Keller?
Choosing the right legal representation after a truck accident can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. At Lewis & Keller, we are dedicated to providing our clients with personalized attention, qualified legal advice, and aggressive representation. Here’s why you should choose us:
Making Sure Your Claim Is Filed on Time
North Carolina has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, meaning you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Our team works to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and filed on time to protect your rights. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation, which is why we prioritize timely action.
Keeping You Updated on Your Case
Communication is key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We keep you informed about the progress of your case and are always available to answer your questions. You will never be left in the dark about the status of your claim, so you can feel supported and confident throughout the legal process.
Gathering Evidence To Prove Liability
Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence that supports your claim. This includes:
- Accident reports: Official documents that provide crucial details about the incident.
- Eyewitness statements: Testimonies that can corroborate your account of the accident.
- Surveillance footage: Visual evidence that can capture the accident as it happened.
- Expert testimony: Professional insights that can help explain complex aspects of your case.
Why Proving Liability Is So Important in NC
In North Carolina, the concept of contributory negligence applies. If a victim is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes proving liability crucial to your case’s success. To establish liability, you must demonstrate that the other party’s negligence directly caused the accident and your injuries. Our team works diligently to establish the other party’s fault, so you have the best chance of recovering the compensation you may deserve after your accident.
Choosing Lewis & Keller means choosing a dedicated team that will fight tirelessly for your rights. We are a champion for every client and are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case, helping you move forward after a truck accident. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents can cause severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These serious head injuries can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting your quality of life and requiring ongoing medical care.
- Broken bones: Fractures and breaks can occur in various parts of the body, often necessitating surgery, immobilization, and lengthy recovery periods.
- Internal injuries: Internal damage to organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can be life-threatening and may require emergency surgery and intensive medical care.
- Burns: Truck accidents can cause severe burns from fires or explosions, leading to painful recovery, skin grafts, and potential disfigurement.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts and lacerations can result in significant blood loss, scarring, and a risk of infection, often requiring stitches or surgery.
Suffering from these injuries can be life-altering, both physically and emotionally. Our truck accident lawyers are here to handle the legal details of your case so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Get a free case review today.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Can Help With
We handle various types of truck accident cases, including:
- Rear-end collisions
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
- Blindspot accidents
- Rollover accidents
- Tire blowouts
- Wide turn accidents
- Cargo spills
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone collisions
Our experienced attorneys at Lewis & Keller are equipped to handle these and other complex truck accident cases. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
See What Our Clients Say
Big Trucking Companies Have Insurance Protecting Them
Trucking companies often have powerful insurance companies and legal teams protecting their interests. These entities work diligently to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line, often at the expense of accident victims. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to take on these companies and fight for the compensation you may deserve. We understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters and defense lawyers and are prepared to counter them effectively. By thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering compelling evidence, and negotiating aggressively, we aim to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t let the trucking companies’ resources intimidate you; with Lewis & Keller on your side, you have a strong advocate fighting for your rights.
Understanding Trucking Regulations and the FMCSA
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations that govern the trucking industry. These regulations are designed to enhance safety and reduce accidents on the road. Key areas covered by FMCSA regulations include:
- Hours of service (HOS) limits: These rules limit the number of hours a truck driver can be on duty and behind the wheel, aiming to prevent fatigue-related accidents. For instance, drivers are typically limited to 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour workday, followed by a mandatory 10-hour off-duty period.
- Vehicle maintenance standards: Regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs are required to ensure that trucks are in safe operating condition. This includes checks on brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Driver qualification requirements: Truck drivers must meet specific qualifications, including holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), undergoing regular medical examinations, and maintaining a clean driving record. These requirements help ensure that only qualified individuals are operating large commercial vehicles.
- Cargo securement rules: These regulations dictate how cargo must be loaded and secured to prevent shifting or falling during transit. Proper cargo securement is essential to maintaining vehicle stability and preventing dangerous road debris.
Violations of FMCSA regulations by trucking companies or drivers can be significant evidence of negligence. At Lewis & Keller, we have extensive knowledge of these regulations and use them to hold responsible parties accountable. By thoroughly investigating your accident and identifying any regulatory breaches, we aim to strengthen your claim and maximize your compensation.
What Comes Next?
Free Case Review
Contact us today for your free case review. We have years of experience handling truck accident cases and are here to listen to your story. If it’s determined we can assist with your unique circumstances, we’ll take care of everything from there.
Compile Evidence
Your attorney will compile all the evidence needed to build the strongest case possible on your behalf. The compilation of evidence may include witness statements, trucking company documentation, photos of the accident scene, accident reconstruction and more.
Negotiations
Getting into an accident with a semi-truck means you’ll be dealing with powerful insurance companies and their skilled legal teams. Your lawyer will be your loyal advocate and expertly negotiate with all the at-fault parties’ insurance companies to reach the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.
Court Case
Truck accident cases are typically settled out of court, but on the rare occasion, we may need to go to court to seek the full amount of compensation you deserve. Let us put you at ease; your attorney will handle everything on your behalf and advocate for you and the full settlement you’re entitled to recover while you focus on recovering.
Settlement
If the insurance company makes an offer, your attorney will go over all your options with you. If you accept, we’ll get you your check as soon as possible.
our winston-salem truck accident attorneys
Truck Accident FAQs
Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
Having the right attorney on your side and one that is well-versed in handling truck accident cases can dramatically impact your case’s outcome. At Lewis & Keller, we have an experienced team of attorneys who understand the laws surrounding accidents, so we understand the full scope of your accident and can seek the full compensation you deserve.
What Is the Average Settlement Amount for a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are complicated and may involve multiple at-fault parties, so there isn’t an average settlement amount we can give you. The settlement you may receive will depend on a variety of factors such as your injuries, the suspected impact the accident will have on your future, and the extent of the losses you suffered as a result of the accident. Our attorneys at Lewis & Keller will do everything we can to seek the full compensation you’re entitled to for your losses.
Will My Truck Accident Need an Investigation?
A lot can go wrong and lead to a truck accident, so in some cases, an investigation is needed to see what factors contributed to the accident. The insurance companies or your lawyer may request an investigation to look into the driver’s records, the trucking company’s training, the truck logs, and more. When you work with our team, we will guide you through each step of the process of pursuing your claim so you are never in the dark about your case.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
Because of the complexity of truck accidents, your case may take some time to settle. Cases also take longer if they involve multiple at-fault parties or a court case. No matter how long your case takes, your attorney at Lewis & Keller will keep you updated the entire time and ensure your case is treated with the highest level of urgency.
Should I Speak to the Insurance Company?
Insurance adjusters are out to protect their own company’s interests, not yours. If the insurance company calls, direct them to your own insurance company or your attorney.
Recover the Maximum Compensation With Lewis & Keller
At Lewis & Keller, we are committed to helping you recover the maximum compensation possible for your truck accident injuries. Our skilled truck accident lawyers in Winston-Salem will thoroughly investigate your case, gather essential evidence, and build a strong claim to help ensure you receive the full financial support you need. We will stand by your side throughout the legal process, negotiating aggressively with insurance companies and, if necessary, taking your case to court to secure the justice and compensation you may deserve. Trust Lewis & Keller to fight tirelessly for your rights and help you move forward after a truck accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Related Articles & Info
- How To Prevent Your Truck From Jackknifing When Driving Through North Carolina
- How Fault Is Determined In A Commercial Truck Accident In Winston-Salem
- What Causes Brake Failure In Semi-Trucks & Who Is Responsible When It Causes Accidents
- How To Maximize Your Chance At Fair Compensation After An Accident In Winston-Salem
- Steps You Can Take If The Insurance Company Denies Your Personal Injury Claim
