North Carolina Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer

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A tractor trailer accident can be life-changing and overwhelming. If you or a loved one have been injured by a tractor trailer, an experienced tractor trailer attorney can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. The team of legal experts at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters, ‘ are here to help. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your damages caused by the accident. Having an experienced tractor trailer accident attorney advocating for your rights as soon as possible will help ensure that your case is thoroughly and competently prepared. Calling us at (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to receive your free and confidential case consultation.

Tractor Trailer Collisions

Truck accidents often require thorough investigation. Investigations will usually include a review of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, the trucker’s log, transportation company records, and more. Experts, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction may also be involved. With these types of cases, as insurance companies and trucking companies often have vast resources at their disposal and will hold investigations of their own, time is of the essence. You will need investigators to document and preserve critical evidence to receive the best possible outcome. Our tractor trailer accident attorneys will:

Answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the legal process

  • Help your recover lost wages and pay medical expenses
  • Obtain critical data from the trucking company
  • Investigate and preserve key evidence
  • Ensure your rights are protected

As truckers and their companies must comply with many regulations and laws, a tractor trailer accident attorney with advanced knowledge of these laws and regulations can help determine if a violation of these regulations led to your accident. In addition, our attorneys can gather, analyze, and interpret critical data from the trucking company to allow us to paint a complete picture of any negligence made by the opposing party. If you are seeking a tractor trailer accident attorney in North Carolina, you can rely on the law office of Tatum & Atkinson.

Who is Liable in a Tractor Trailer Accident?

If you have been hit by a tractor trailer, the driver of the truck may be held liable. However, the case may other involve other parties such as:

  • Trucking company
  • Truck part manufacturer
  • Truck maintenance and/or service company
  • Other drivers
  • Insurance companies
  • Truck driver

An experienced tractor trailer accident lawyer will determine all liable parties to bring a claim against to obtain the fullest recovery possible.

Tractor Trailer Accident Causes

While building your case, the cause of the accident will need to be determined. Unfortunately, trucking accidents are often caused by the negligent actions of one or more parties leading to a collision that could have been preventable. Common causes of tractor trailer accidents include:

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck driving can be a difficult job, often requiring long hours, many of which may be in the evening or early morning hours. In addition, despite the fact that the Federal Motor Carrier Administration determines how much a driver can work before taking a break to sleep, many drivers will continue to drive the maximum allowable shift, often leading to drowsiness and a decrease in alertness.

Driver Distraction

Just as with any other driver, one of the leading causes of truck accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving can occur when drivers use their phones while driving when a driver reaches for something,

Trucking Company

If the transportation company fails to hire and train safe drivers and one of their drivers is involved in a trucking accident, the trucking company may be held liable. Examples of negligent hiring practices include failing to train employees properly, hiring unlicensed drivers, failing to do a background check on a driver, and more. In addition to failing to hire and train safe drivers properly, trucking companies may also fail to ensure their trucks are properly maintained or may put pressure on drivers to ignore safety protocols or complete other negligent acts in an attempt to maximize profits.

Mechanical Failure

It is possible that trucks may become a risk to everyone on the road if they are not properly maintained. Trucks may have tire blowouts, electrical problems, and other issues that may lead to a crash. If a transportation company fails to repair, inspect, and maintain its vehicles properly, it may be held liable if a collision occurs due to negligence.

Negligent Driving

A trucking accident may also occur due to negligent driving, such as speeding, driving while under the influence, or failing to adhere to traffic laws.

Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer

The first thing you should do after being involved in a tractor trailer accident and receiving medical treatment  is retain a tractor trailer accident attorney as soon as possible, as fighting large trucking companies can be an uphill battle. However, large trucking companies often have vast resources and teams of experts and lawyers who are prepared to fight against any legal action that comes in their direction.

By retaining a truck injury attorney, you may rest assured that you have the help you need, thereby allowing you to spend your energy and effort on recovering. An experienced truck accident attorney will obtain the necessary evidence to prove your claim, negotiate with insurers on your behalf, represent you in the courtroom, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Should I Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident?

However, directly following the accident before leaving the accident scene, there are steps you can follow to ensure that your claim is protected:

  • Remain calm at the scene of the accident and remain in your vehicle unless needing to exit due to safety reasons. Then, call 9-1-1 and do not leave the scene.
  • Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicles, cross streets, the surrounding area, and injuries.
  • Take records of all parties involved, witnesses, and the name and badge number of the responding officer. Try to include names, addresses, and phone numbers.
  • Receive medical attention; even if you believe you are okay at the time of the accident, many injuries may not present themselves until days following the accident.
  • Notify your insurer immediately following the accident so the claims process can begin. When speaking to your insurer, just state the facts pertaining to the accident, and don’t admit fault.
  • Do not discuss the accident with anyone except your attorney, the police, and your insurance agent. You are not required and should not give a statement to anyone else, as this may be used against you later.
  • Receive a copy of the accident report from the police.
  • Keep records of all doctor visits, medications, treatments, and test results.
  • Do not accept any settlement offers without speaking to your car accident attorney first.

Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney

At Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not pay anything unless we win, and you will have no out-of-pocket expenses. We will fight hard to deliver you the best possible outcome and to receive fair and just compensation for your damages. As your attorneys, we will investigate the accident thoroughly to ensure that all at-fault parties are identified and collect the evidence necessary to demonstrate their negligence. Trucking and insurance companies often have vast resources and legal teams at their disposal. They usually begin investigations to discredit or reduce potential claim compensation immediately.

In order to receive the best possible outcome, it is necessary to stay ahead of the opposing party. We will investigate the accident, interview witnesses, analyze accident reports and medical records, consult with experts, and ensure that supporting evidence is kept intact when necessary. We have the required skills to successfully and aggressively negotiate with insurers for a settlement that will compensate you fairly for damages you have suffered. Truck accident cases are often complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side will help you get the maximum recovery possible. Call us today at (800) 529-0804 or contact us online.