Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Durham, NC

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency numbers of the Durham Police Department are 919-560-4600 and 919-560-4601.

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

  You may obtain a copy of the police report from the following:

  Durham Police Headquarters Records Unit 602 East Main Street Open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 919-560-4423

  Durham County Sheriff’s Office Records Division 1st Floor Durham County Courthouse 510 South Dillard St. Durham, NC Open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact: 919-560-0899 or 919-560-0898

• Which intersections in Durham are the most accident-prone?

  According to data from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the intersection of I-40 and Fayetteville Road in Durham is a crash hotspot with 351 vehicular crashes from 2015-2019. The I-40 and NC 55 intersection comes next with 342 crashes. This is followed by the I 85 and NC 157 intersection which logged 259 crashes.

• How do truck accident lawyers in Durham help injury victims?

  Truck accident lawyers in Durham work to recover fair compensation for the client’s injuries and losses. This work includes identifying applicable insurance policies to claim compensation from, collaborating with accident constructionists to identify the party at fault, and gathering witness statements and documentation to prove damages. Truck accident lawyers handle settlement negotiations with the insurance companies involved and litigate cases in court when needed.

• What is the black box and how important is it in truck accident cases in Durham?

  The event data recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, contains computer data, including the speed the vehicle was running, the braking activity, and if the driver/passengers were wearing seatbelts. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled specific black box data be required in truck accident investigations. The data prove conditions before the accident impact and may also reveal errors committed by the truck driver or the trucking company. Recovering the black box is a crucial function truck accident lawyers in Durham perform.

• Can an immigrant sue for a truck accident in Durham?

  Immigrants, documented or undocumented, have the right to file a lawsuit in Durham for their truck accident injuries and losses. The individual’s immigration status has no effect on their qualification to seek damages under the personal injury law.

• What is the statute of limitations for truck accident claims in Durham?

  Under North Carolina law, the statute of limitations depends on the resulting damages. Personal injury cases resulting from a truck accident in Durham must be filed within three years from the date of the accident. However, for truck accidents involving a fatality, the case must be filed within two years from the date the victim passed away.

• 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.