What to Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident in North Carolina 2024

Experiencing a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina can be an extremely traumatic experience, especially when dealing with the intense injuries and damages that are often caused by these large vehicle collisions. When this happens, it’s important to know what to do after a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina. That way, you can protect your rights and obtain the proper medical and legal support you need to recover from the effects of the incident.

Here are some of the most important actions you can take after a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina:

Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first thing you should do after an accident like this is find safety. If you can safely move, get to a secure location away from any oncoming traffic. Check yourself for injuries, then call 911 to prompt emergency services to find you. Even if you feel like you have not been injured, it’s important to still be seen by a medical professional to treat any issues that might not be apparent right away.

Call the Police and File a Report

It’s important to file a police report after a tractor-trailer accident. This report will start creating legal documents that will record key details about the incident, like when and where it happened and what witnesses were present. This can be useful documentation when you pursue compensation for any damages sustained later. When officers arrive, be sure to cooperate with their requests and avoid speaking without your attorney.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

If it’s safe, collect any evidence you can directly from the accident scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries to yourself or others involved. Also, write down the tractor-trailer’s license plate number as well as its company name and contact information. If there is anyone nearby who might have witnessed how the accident occurred, collect their information as well for a possible testimony in court.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You want to connect with your insurance company as soon as you can to inform them of the accident. Provide only the necessary information to prevent any of the insurance adjusters from offering a quick, lowball amount. Having an attorney supervise your engagements with the insurance company can provide peace and confidence that they are acting in good faith and are not trying to deprive you of the funds you deserve.

Understand North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Rule

North Carolina operates under a contributory negligence rule. Therefore, anyone who is found partially responsible for the accident will be prevented from receiving any form of compensation, no matter how severe their damages may be. Some people are surprised to learn that even being found 1% responsible for causing a crash will bar them from compensation under the contributory negligence rule.

Document All Medical Treatments and Expenses

Be sure to keep ongoing medical records of any treatments or expenses required to take care of your injuries. This includes all medical visits, medications, and other expenses, as these should all be tabulated and included in your compensation claim. You should also document any lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses you endure, as this can demonstrate the extent of the impact this accident has had on the quality of your life.

Prepare for a Potentially Long Claims Process

If the injuries in your case are more severe than most, you should start to prepare for a long claims process. To secure as much compensation as possible, you need to stay patient as your attorney works on your behalf. Keep in regular contact with your lawyer to stay informed on where your case is and avoid any unnecessary setbacks.

Avoid Discussing the Accident Online

In the age of online communications and social media, it could be tempting to share what happened during and after the tractor-trailer accident. However, it’s recommended that you avoid doing this for legal purposes. For instance, the opposing party’s attorney could check your social media account and use any comments you made against you in court. To preserve the integrity of your claim, avoid sharing this until the trial is over.

FAQs

How Common Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Unfortunately, tractor-trailer accidents are quite common in North Carolina and across the United States. Thousands happen each year, causing significant devastation due to their significant size and mass when colliding with smaller vehicles. Between these vehicles’ weight and size, the risk for significant damage is much higher than in an ordinary car crash. That is why regulations exist to keep both truck drivers and other motorists safe.

What Is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents?

One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driving errors. This can result from fatigue, distracted driving, or speeding above the posted limit. Because truck drivers operate under a demanding schedule, it’s common for fatigue to set in during a long shift. Understanding all these causes is critical to encouraging safer driving practices and enforcing stricter regulations in the trucking industry.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Injuries from tractor-trailers tend to be more severe than those that happen from impacts by standard cars. Some of the more common injuries found in these accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Severe whiplash
• Damage to the spinal cord

It’s not uncommon for these issues to require extensive medical treatment to help the patient restore their condition to what it was before the accident happened.

What Should I Avoid Doing After a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

After you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, you want to avoid doing anything that could hurt your claim. For example, avoid admitting fault, even if you do feel partially responsible for what happened. Do not speak with anyone from the trucking company’s insurance team without having your own attorney present. Also, avoid talking about the case in person or posting about it online without your attorney’s permission.

Contact Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, Today

If you have recently been injured in a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina, consult the personal injury attorneys of Elam & Rousseaux, PLLC, as soon as you can. We have the experience and legal resources you need to seek justice and secure as much compensation as possible. Contact us today to start your consultation and learn more about how we can help.