Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Winston Salem

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency line of Winston-Salem Police Department is 336-773-7700.

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

  The police report for your Winston-Salem truck accident is available online, in person, and over the phone. To make a request online, go to https://winston-salem.ecrash.interplat.com/SearchReports.aspx and enter the report number, crash date, driver's name, and accident street name. Wreck reports can be obtained in person by making a request at the Winston-Salem Police Department's Records Division. A desk officer will assist you further if you file your request over the phone.

• How much time do you have to submit a Winston-Salem truck accident claim?

  In Winston-Salem, the statute of limitations, or time restriction, for truck accident claims is three years from the accident's date. In other words, you have three years, starting from the date of the incident, to bring a lawsuit for the damages you are entitled to if you were hurt in a truck accident that wasn't your fault. You might not be able to get any compensation at all if you don't act within this window of time.

• What are the typical causes of Winston-Salem truck accidents?

  The careless actions of drivers, such as excessive speeding, aggressive driving, crossing the median or center line, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances, are some of the most frequent causes of large truck accidents in Winston-Salem. Truck accidents are also typically caused by defective vehicle parts, poor truck maintenance and inspection, overloaded or unbalanced cargo loading, and poorly qualified or vetted drivers.

• Where do truck accidents in Winston-Salem typically occur?

  On U.S. 52 and Interstate 40, there are numerous tractor-trailer or truck collisions close to Winston-Salem. When the truck jackknifes or overturns, it frequently causes the most devastating semi-truck accidents. Multiple cars are commonly involved in these truck accidents, which shut down major thoroughfares for hours as emergency personnel clear the site. These potentially catastrophic tractor-trailer collisions can leave victims and their families with severe injuries and enduring scars.

• How long does it take in Winston-Salem to resolve a truck accident claim?

  Personal injury cases typically settle in about 1.5 years, but truck accident claims in Winston-Salem can take much longer. While some cases are resolved in a year, others might drag on for more than five years. Your case will rely on the length of your treatment, your insurance provider, the difficulty of the investigations, and other elements.

• In Winston-Salem, who is accountable for truck accidents?

  The following parties could be held accountable for a truck accident in Winston-Salem:

  • the truck driver
  • the trucking firm, also referred to as the carrier
  • the trucking company
  • the producer of truck parts
  • the truck maintenance company
  • the truck's cargo's owner
  • organizations that the carrier hires for their services
  • government agencies or companies in charge of designing and maintaining highways

• 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.