Your Truck Accident Lawyer in Greensboro
The team at Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers stands up to trucking companies for people injured in truck accidents across Guilford County. Our attorneys understand how to gather the right evidence, how to build a case on your behalf, and how to negotiate with insurance companies. A Greensboro truck accident lawyer on our team is ready to talk through what happened.
Call 336-933-9566 or contact us online to talk about your case.
- What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
- Who Is Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in North Carolina?
- Which Federal Trucking Rules Matter After a Greensboro Crash?
- See What Our Clients Say
- What Insurance Covers a Commercial Truck in North Carolina?
- Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer Immediately After a Truck Accident
- How Do I Know If I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
- Evidence That Disappears Fast After a Greensboro Truck Crash
- What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
- Common Types of Truck Accidents in Greensboro
- Truck Traffic on Greensboro’s Interstate Grid
- Our Results Speak For themselves
- What Happens When You Work With Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers
- PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
- Our Greensboro Truck Accident Attorneys
- Greensboro Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
- Contact a Greensboro Truck Accident Lawyer Today
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What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
When a large commercial truck is involved in an auto accident, everything from the damage done to the complexity of the case is amplified. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which can cause devastating injuries even in low-speed collisions. Higher-speed collisions can cause debilitating injuries or even death.
But what truly sets these cases apart is the legal complexity. Multiple parties may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance provider. On top of that, federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern how trucks must be operated and maintained, adding another layer of complexity to these claims. These factors make proving fault more involved and give trucking companies and insurers more room to deny responsibility or shift blame.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, our team of lawyers understands these unique challenges and knows how to pursue the compensation available to you.
Who Is Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in North Carolina?
Hit by a truck in Greensboro? Liability may extend beyond the driver to the motor carrier, the freight broker, the shipper, and the maintenance contractor. Each company that contributed to the crash may carry its own insurance, so identifying every one of them affects how much coverage stands behind the claim.
The trucking company is generally responsible for its driver’s negligence on the job, and it may also face direct claims for how it hired, trained, or dispatched that driver. Freight brokers are now part of the picture too, after the U.S. Supreme Court held in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II that federal law does not block state negligent-selection claims against brokers.
Our Greensboro truck accident team works out of our Greensboro office and starts by tracing every company tied to the truck, the trailer, and the load.
Shippers, Loaders, and Maintenance Contractors
The companies behind the load and the equipment may share fault too. A shipper or loading crew that overloads a trailer or leaves cargo unsecured may create the conditions for a rollover. A repair shop that returned a truck to service with worn brakes or bald tires may be responsible when those parts fail on the road.
Which Federal Trucking Rules Matter After a Greensboro Crash?
Interstate trucks must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations set by the FMCSA, and a violation may serve as evidence of carelessness. Beyond driving-hour limits, three sets of rules often shape a Greensboro truck claim: post-crash testing, cargo securement, and daily vehicle inspections.
Hours-of-Service Limits
Federal rules cap how long a truck driver may drive before resting, and fatigue claims often start with those limits under 49 CFR 395.3. Drivers also face weekly limits of 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on whether the carrier operates every day of the week.
Comparing the driver’s logs against fuel receipts, toll records, and dispatch messages may show whether the driver was over hours when the crash happened.
Post-Accident Drug and Alcohol Testing
After a crash involving a death, the carrier must test the surviving truck driver for alcohol and drugs, under 49 CFR 382.303. Testing is also required when the driver receives a citation, and someone is treated away from the scene or a vehicle is towed. Alcohol testing must happen within 8 hours and drug testing within 32 hours, so a carrier that missed those windows has to document why.
Cargo Securement
Cargo must be secured so it does not shift in a way that affects the truck’s stability or handling, under 49 CFR 393.100. A load that shifts on a ramp or in a hard stop may cause a rollover or jackknife. Our page on overloaded and improperly secured trucks explains how those claims develop.
Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports
Drivers must report defects that affect safe operation at the end of each day’s work, and carriers must certify repairs, under 49 CFR 396.11. A report that flagged worn brakes days before the crash, with no repair certified, is powerful evidence against the carrier.
Federal Trucking Rules at a Glance
| Rule | What It Requires | Why It Matters in a Truck Claim |
|---|---|---|
| Hours of service (49 CFR 395.3) | Caps driving time before rest, plus weekly limits of 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days | Logs compared with fuel, toll, and dispatch records may show a fatigued driver |
| Post-accident testing (49 CFR 382.303) | Alcohol testing within 8 hours and drug testing within 32 hours after qualifying crashes | A carrier that missed a testing window has to document why |
| Cargo securement (49 CFR 393.100) | Cargo secured so it does not shift and affect the truck’s stability or handling | A shifting load may point to the shipper or loading crew in a rollover or jackknife |
| Daily inspection reports (49 CFR 396.11) | Drivers report defects at the end of each day, and carriers certify repairs | A reported defect with no certified repair is strong evidence against the carrier |
See What Our Clients Say
What Insurance Covers a Commercial Truck in North Carolina?
Most for-hire trucks hauling general freight across state lines must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage under 49 CFR 387.9, and carriers hauling certain oil, hazardous materials, or hazardous substances must carry $1 million to $5 million. Those minimums are far higher than the coverage behind a typical car.
By comparison, a North Carolina car policy issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025 must carry at least $50,000 per person in bodily injury coverage, according to the NC Department of Insurance. Many carriers also carry excess or umbrella coverage above the federal minimum, and identifying every layer of coverage, for the carrier, the broker, and any shipper involved, is part of valuing a serious truck claim.
Your own policy may matter as well. For North Carolina policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, underinsured motorist coverage is no longer reduced by the at-fault driver’s liability payment, so it may add coverage when injuries exceed the trucking company’s limits.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been hit by a truck, what you do next matters. These steps can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
- Call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request medical assistance. Emergency responders will also create an official crash report.
- Get medical care at the scene or go to the hospital. Your safety comes first. Even if you don’t feel injured, get checked out, because some serious conditions don’t show symptoms right away.
- Document the scene if you can. If you’re physically able, take photos or video of the vehicles, your injuries, the road, and anything else that could help tell the story of what happened.
- Exchange information with the truck driver and any witnesses. Get names, contact details, insurance information, and the name of the trucking company.
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company or their insurance adjusters. They may try to downplay your injuries or pressure you into a quick settlement.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can step in quickly to preserve evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and start building your case.
Why You Should Speak with a Lawyer Immediately After a Truck Accident
Seeking legal counsel immediately after a truck accident matters. Trucking companies and their insurers get to work right away protecting their interests. You need someone working just as quickly to protect yours.
A trucking accident lawyer can help preserve evidence, investigate the crash, and protect your right to pursue and recover compensation. They can navigate the commercial trucking regulations, deal with insurance companies, and help determine the parties at fault.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more time and leverage you’ll have to build a strong case. Waiting risks losing the evidence or the compensation you may be entitled to.
How Do I Know If I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
If you were hurt in a crash involving a big truck, you might be wondering whether your case is serious enough to call a lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation, but only if someone else’s actions caused or contributed to your injuries.
Was Someone Negligent?
Most truck accident claims are based on negligence, meaning someone failed to follow the rules of the road or federal trucking regulations. Here are some common signs:
Truck Drivers
Crashes often happen when drivers are fatigued, distracted, under the influence, or ignoring traffic laws. When a driver’s careless behavior leads to an accident, they can be held accountable.
Trucking Companies
Companies may be liable if they pressure drivers to skip rest breaks, fail to train them properly, or neglect truck maintenance. These business practices can directly lead to dangerous conditions on the road.
Vehicle Technicians
If poor repairs or missed inspections contribute to a mechanical failure, like brake or tire issues, the maintenance provider may be at fault.
Other Drivers
Sometimes, other vehicles on the road cut off a truck, drive aggressively, or ignore traffic signals. In these cases, fault may lie with the other driver, not the truck operator.
If any of these sound like what happened to you, it’s likely not just an accident, and you may have legal grounds to take action.
Were You Injured?
Truck crashes often lead to more serious injuries than regular car accidents because of the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Even if you’re not sure how badly you’re hurt, it’s worth speaking to a lawyer. Truck crash claims often involve:
- Head or brain injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage or paralysis
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Severe burns or disfigurement
- Ongoing issues like back pain, PTSD, or anxiety
You don’t need to be hospitalized to have a valid case, but you do need evidence that shows the crash caused your injuries.
Are You Within the Legal Deadline?
In North Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But waiting too long can hurt your case, because evidence disappears fast in commercial vehicle cases. The sooner we can investigate, the better the chance to preserve engine data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
What Evidence Do You Need to Win a Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident cases are often won or lost based on the quality and timing of the evidence. That’s why it matters to gather and protect key information as soon as possible after the crash.
The most important types of evidence in a truck accident claim include:
- Police reports: An official crash report documents the scene, lists the involved parties, and often includes initial fault assessments, all of which may help support your case.
- Photos and videos: Images of the damage, the surrounding area, road conditions, and visible injuries can be powerful proof. If available, dashcam or surveillance footage can also be valuable.
- Engine control module data: The truck’s black box may record speed, braking, and throttle in the seconds before the crash, which can show whether the driver was speeding or braked late.
- Driver logs and records: Federal law requires truck drivers to log their hours, usually on an electronic logging device. These records may show if the driver was violating rest requirements, often a key factor in proving negligence.
- Maintenance and inspection records: If poor maintenance played a role in the crash, these documents can help hold the trucking company or service provider accountable.
- Witness statements: Independent accounts from people who saw the crash can support your version of events, especially if liability is disputed.
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatment, and prognosis helps connect the crash to your damages and shows the impact the accident had on your life.
Our legal team moves quickly to secure and preserve this evidence before it’s altered or lost.
Evidence That Disappears Fast After a Greensboro Truck Crash
Much of the proof in a truck case sits with the trucking company, and federal retention periods are short. Drivers’ hours-of-service records and supporting documents only have to be kept for six months, and daily inspection reports generally for three months.
Black Box Data Versus Logging Device Data
Two different systems record what happened. The engine control module, often called the black box, may record speed, braking, and throttle in the seconds before impact. The electronic logging device records the driver’s duty status and hours. Both belong to the carrier, and both may be overwritten or lost once the truck returns to service.
Why a Spoliation Letter Goes Out Within Days
A spoliation letter puts the carrier on written notice to preserve the truck, its data, and its records. When a party with notice loses or destroys evidence in its control, a North Carolina jury may infer the evidence was damaging to that party, as the pattern jury instruction on spoliation explains. The letter carries the most weight when it arrives before the truck is repaired and back on the road.
Still Unsure? Talk It Through.
Even if you’re not sure who’s at fault, or how serious your injuries are, a conversation with our Greensboro truck accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options. Call 336-933-9566 to talk through your situation.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?
After a serious truck accident, the financial fallout can be heavy: medical bills, missed work, ongoing care, and more. If someone else’s negligence caused your crash, you may be entitled to compensation that covers much more than just your immediate expenses.
Depending on the details of your case, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgery, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any long-term medical needs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from working, temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for missed income and loss of future earnings.
- Pain and suffering: The law recognizes that serious injuries cause more than just financial stress. You may be compensated for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and the loss of enjoyment in daily life.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the crash, you can include those losses in your claim.
- Ongoing care and support: For severe injuries, compensation may cover in-home care, home modifications, or specialized treatment equipment.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim will depend on the extent of your injuries, who’s at fault, and the long-term impact on your life. Our legal team can help you understand what your case may be worth.
How North Carolina’s Fault Rule Affects a Truck Claim
North Carolina follows contributory negligence, so an injured person found even slightly at fault may be barred from recovering. Trucking insurers know this rule and may look for a lane change or a speed estimate to pin on the other driver. Engine data and dashcam video are often the most direct answer to those arguments.
A narrow exception, the last clear chance doctrine, allows recovery when the truck driver discovered, or with reasonable care ought to have discovered, the danger in time to avoid the crash and failed to do so, as the Court of Appeals explained in Parker v. Willis.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Greensboro
The way a truck crash happens often points to which rule was broken and which company is responsible. The crash types that raise the most distinct trucking questions include:
- Underride crashes: a car sliding under a trailer, which raises questions about rear guards, side guards, lighting, and reflective tape
- Rollovers: speed on curves and interchange ramps, or cargo that shifted
- Wide-turn crashes: a trailer cutting across lanes during a turn at an interchange or city intersection
- Rear-end crashes: following distance, driver fatigue, or brake condition in slowing interstate traffic
- Tire blowouts: inspection and maintenance history for the tires on the truck and trailer
Each crash type calls for different evidence, from ramp geometry and lighting to maintenance logs and cargo records.
Truck Traffic on Greensboro’s Interstate Grid
Greensboro sits where several freight routes meet. I-40 and I-85 share the southern arc of the Greensboro Urban Loop, I-73 joins it on the west side, and the loop’s final segment opened in January 2023, according to AARoads’ route history. On the east side, I-840 and I-785 end at a major interchange with I-40 and I-85.
Those junctions put heavy trucks into merges, lane splits, and ramp transitions throughout Guilford County. Crash patterns such as jackknife crashes, wide-turn collisions at interchange ramps, and rear-end crashes in slowing traffic follow from that layout.
When a crash involves only passenger vehicles, a Greensboro car accident lawyer on our team handles the claim. For crashes farther west on I-40 in Forsyth County, a Winston-Salem trucking accident attorney on our team takes the case.
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 Happens When You Work With Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers
Calling a lawyer can feel intimidating, especially after a serious accident. At Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers, we keep the process as simple as possible, starting from day one. Here’s what you can expect when you reach out:
- Case review: You tell us what happened. We listen, answer your questions, and explain whether you may have a case.
- We investigate immediately: If we move forward, our legal team gets to work fast. We collect evidence, review crash reports, request driver and maintenance records, and preserve any time-sensitive data.
- We handle the insurance companies: You won’t have to talk to adjusters or argue over your injuries. We handle communication and negotiation while you focus on healing.
- A written fee agreement: North Carolina requires contingent fee terms to be in writing and signed, under Rule 1.5(c), so you see the terms before work begins.
- Clear, honest updates: Throughout the case, we keep you informed, with no legal jargon and no surprises.
We take on the burden so you don’t have to. Our goal is to protect your rights, pursue the full value of your case, and help you move forward.
PUT AN AWARD-WINNING FIRM ON YOUR SIDE
Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers 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 Injury Lawyers and their clients who placed their trust in them.
Our Greensboro Truck Accident Attorneys
Greensboro Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
Is It Worth It To Hire An Accident Attorney?
Often, yes, especially in truck accident cases. These claims are often complex, involve serious injuries, and include multiple parties and insurance companies. A lawyer can gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident Case?
To prove negligence, you need to show that the other party:
- Had a duty of care (for example, driving safely),
- Breached that duty (for example, by driving tired or speeding),
- Caused the crash, and
- Caused your injuries or losses as a result.
Evidence like police reports, engine data, driver logs, and eyewitness accounts all help build a strong negligence case.
How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident?
Fault is determined by reviewing the facts of the crash, including:
- Police reports
- Crash scene evidence
- Truck maintenance records
- Driver behavior and logs
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
In North Carolina, contributory negligence applies, meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. That’s why it matters to have a lawyer investigate your case thoroughly. meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. That’s why it’s critical to have a lawyer investigate your case thoroughly.
What 4 Things Are Required to Prove Negligence?
To win a truck accident case, your lawyer will need to prove 4 key elements:
- Duty: The at-fault party had a legal responsibility to act safely.
- Breach: They failed to meet that responsibility.
- Causation: That failure directly led to the crash.
- Damages: You suffered injuries or losses as a result.
We cover these concepts throughout this page, but if you’re unsure how they apply to your case, our team is here to help.
What Are North Carolina’s Legal Deadlines for Truck Accidents?
In most cases, you have 3 years from the date of your truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina. Evidence can also disappear quickly, so it helps to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What Are the Most Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents?
Because of their size and weight, truck accidents often lead to serious, long-lasting injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Head and brain injuries: from concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can cause memory loss, confusion, or long-term disability.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: damage to the spine may lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Internal organ damage: crashes can cause internal bleeding or injuries to organs like the liver or kidneys, sometimes without immediate symptoms.
- Broken bones: fractures are common due to the force of impact.
- Neck and back injuries: including whiplash and herniated discs, which may result in chronic pain.
- Burns: especially when trucks carry flammable materials; these injuries can be severe and require long-term care.
- Psychological trauma: such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, or fear of driving after the crash.
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or TBIs, can take time to appear. A lawyer can also help you understand how your injuries affect your right to compensation.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
Settlement amounts vary widely depending on the severity of injuries, who was at fault, and how much insurance coverage is available. The most reliable way to estimate the value of your case is by consulting an attorney who can evaluate its specific details.
What If the Truck Was Hauling Freight for a Broker?
The broker may share responsibility if it chose an unsafe carrier. In May 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court held that federal law does not preempt state negligent-selection claims against freight brokers, which means a broker’s insurance may add coverage in a serious Greensboro truck claim alongside the carrier’s policy.
What Records Does a Trucking Company Have to Keep After a Crash?
Federal rules set short retention periods. Hours-of-service records and supporting documents must be kept for six months, and daily vehicle inspection reports generally for three months. Post-crash drug and alcohol test records follow separate rules. A preservation letter sent early asks the carrier to keep everything beyond those minimums.
Does My Own Car Insurance Matter If a Truck Hit Me?
It may. Medical payments coverage, if you carry it, may pay some bills regardless of fault. If the trucking company’s coverage falls short of your damages, your underinsured motorist coverage may add to the recovery, and for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, that coverage is no longer reduced by the truck’s liability payment.
Contact a Greensboro Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Lewis & Keller Injury Lawyers, we are committed to every client we represent. Trucking companies have teams protecting their bottom line, and you need someone looking out for yours. Our Greensboro truck accident lawyers are ready to help.
Call 336-933-9566 or contact us online to talk about your case.
