Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Charlotte, NC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Charlotte, North Carolina?

  For non-emergency concerns, you can reach the Charlotte Police Department by dialing 311 or 704-336-7600.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Charlotte, North Carolina?

  Authorized persons can obtain copies of accident reports from the CMPD Division Offices and the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) Records Desk. Fill out the Request for Motor Vehicle Crash Report Form available at the CMPD and LEC offices and on the CMPD website. Accident reports can also be purchased online at the Lexis Nexis BuyCrash website.

• What are the causes of truck accidents in Charlotte?

  Accidents involving delivery trucks from companies such as Amazon, UPS, and FedEx happen in Charlotte. There are also types of trucking accidents like underrides, jackknifing, head-on collisions, rollovers, and cargo spills. Many crashes also occur at intersections and when truckers make wide turns, veer off the lane, or fail to check blind spots.

• How does a Charlotte truck accident case differ from a car accident case?

  Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accident cases because they involve multiple defendants, complex state and federal laws, and technical details. They also require evidence that is not needed in a regular car accident case, such as truck maintenance records and driving logs. Another difference is that trucks have a higher minimum insurance coverage, around $50,000 to $1,000,000, compared with $30,000 for regular cars.

• What types of truck accidents happen in Charlotte?

  Accidents involving delivery trucks from companies such as Amazon, UPS, and FedEx happen in Charlotte. There are also types of trucking accidents like underrides, jackknifing, head-on collisions, rollovers, and cargo spills. Several crashes also occur at intersections and when truckers perform wide turns, veer off the lane, or fail to check blind spots.

• What is black box EDS data and its significance in Charlotte truck accidents?

  Black box EDS data is vehicle information stored in an electronic data recorder installed in current models of passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as many models produced in the mid-1990s. It plays a significant role in determining the cause of a car accident in Charlotte because it can provide vehicle information before and after the crash, such as speed, GPS location, acceleration and deceleration rate, tire pressure, and brake application.

• Does Charlotte have a dangerous highway that may be prone to truck accidents?

  Charlotte's Interstate 85 has been named on Teletrac Navman's list of the Most Dangerous Roads in America. In the list updated in 2021, the I-85 ranked 10th because it recorded 30 deaths in a span of several years. This figure accounts for 0.613 deaths per highway mile. A January 2023 accident on the I-85 involving a truck killed four people.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.