Wilmington, NC Truck Accident Lawyer

If you suffered injuries in an accident involving a commercial truck on I-40 or another major transportation route in Wilmington, you deserve the opportunity to hold the truck driver and their employer accountable. The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., is a well-established firm with extensive resources and three generations of attorneys serving injured clients.

We’re ready to support you in your fight for justice. Contact us today to meet with an experienced truck accident lawyer and learn more about how we pursue results for our clients.

What Makes Truck Accidents More Severe Than Car Accidents?

Truck accidents often cause more severe damage than collisions involving only passenger cars. Since many tractor-trailer rigs weigh up to 80,000 pounds, crashes involving them are more forceful and destructive. Their large size creates longer stopping distances and larger blind spots, which increases the risk of accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident in Wilmington?

After being involved in a truck accident, focus on your health and recovery and take steps to protect your legal rights. Secure legal representation from a trucking accident lawyer who can prepare your claim and manage communication with the insurance companies. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without your attorney present, don’t admit fault, and don’t accept early settlement offers that may be much less than you deserve.

How Can a Wilmington, NC Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?

A Wilmington, NC, truck accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your claim. They’ll gather evidence and evaluate your case to identify all liable parties and potential sources of compensation. Their experience with complex trucking laws and insurance practices will give them the necessary insight to build a strong claim and pursue the maximum recovery possible.

Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies. However, if doing so fails to yield a fair settlement offer, they’ll be fully prepared to fight for your rights in court. They’ll do this at no upfront cost to you, collecting a fee only if they recover compensation for you.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Wilmington Truck Accident?

Depending on how the collision occurred, multiple parties may share responsibility for a truck accident. Building a strong claim involves identifying each liable party through an investigation of the crash’s circumstances. Your attorney may pursue compensation from multiple liable parties, including:

• Driver
• Trucking company
• Truck maintenance contractor
• Truck parts manufacturer
• Cargo loaders
• A third party

What Are Some Different Types of Wilmington Trucking Accidents?

Truck accidents can occur in many ways, and each type poses unique dangers to drivers and other occupants of the passenger vehicles involved. Some common types of truck accidents include:

• Jackknife accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• Under-ride collisions
• Wide-turn accidents
• Lost load accidents

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Wilmington?

Most truck accidents are the result of driver error. Their employers’ actions and the actions of other parties can also contribute. Outside factors beyond the driver’s control, but that they are responsible for accounting for, may also cause crashes. Some common causes of truck crashes include:

• Distracted driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Overloaded truck
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Tire blowout
• Fatigued driving (ignoring hours-of-service laws)
• Bad weather
• Bad road conditions

What Injuries Can Result from a Trucking Accident?

Truck accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, especially when crashes happen at high speeds or involve multiple other vehicles. Some severe injuries for which an attorney can pursue compensation on your behalf include:

• Whiplash
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Burn injuries
• Internal injuries

Do Truckers and Trucking Companies Need to Follow State and Federal Regulations?

Truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with strict North Carolina state and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations intended to promote safety and reduce accidents. These rules govern a full range of subjects relevant to the trucking industry, including:

• Hours of service – Limits how long a driver may operate a truck without rest
• Driver qualifications – Addresses requirements such as commercial driver’s licenses and medical certifications
• Truck weight limits – Specifies restrictions on how much cargo a truck may legally carry
• Truck inspection – Requires regular safety checks to confirm trucks are in proper working order

What Insurance Coverage Must Trucking Companies Carry?

Trucking companies are required to carry higher levels of insurance than passenger vehicle drivers because of the greater harm large trucks can cause. Federal law sets minimum coverage amounts based on the type of cargo, which often extend into the millions. This insurance covers medical bills, lost income, and other losses for accident victims when a truck driver or their employer is at fault.

What Compensation Could I Recover in a Wilmington Truck Accident Claim?

Your truck accident compensation depends on the type and severity of your injuries, the amount of medical care you receive, how long you’re expected to need treatment, whether you’re expected to heal fully, how long you’re out of work, how much income you lose, and numerous other factors. Your attorney will pursue full compensation for your losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages (in some instances)
• Wrongful death damages

What Happens If I Share Fault for the Trucking Accident?

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, meaning you could be barred from recovering compensation if you are found even slightly at fault for the crash. However, you may still be able to pursue a claim if the truck driver had the last clear chance to avoid the collision, if the injured party is a minor, or if the other driver’s actions demonstrated willful and wanton conduct. A lawyer can review your case to determine whether these exceptions apply.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in North Carolina?

In most Wilmington truck accident cases, North Carolina law gives you just three years from the injury date to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party or parties. This deadline may be a long time away. However, your attorney will need to start gathering evidence right away to prepare the most substantial possible claim. Don’t delay in reaching out to secure legal representation.

Contact a Wilmington, NC Truck Accident Lawyer Near You

The Law Offices of John Drew Warlick, P.A., is a full-service law firm. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys have recovered millions for our satisfied clients. If you suffered injuries and financial losses in an accident with a commercial truck, let us put our resources toward preparing your case while you focus on healing. Contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.