7 Helpful Answers to Your Questions about Truck Accidents [FAQs]

Truck Accident Questions & Answers

Not all vehicle accidents are handled the same way in court. Trucking accidents are vehicle collisions involving semi-trucks or other large commercial vehicles that often cause much more damage than an ordinary car accident.

1. What is the difference between a truck and car accident?
Trucking accidents are far more serious than regular automobile accidents because semi-trucks can weigh up to 20 times more than an ordinary car. Due to this massive weight the injuries caused by large trucks can cause a lifetime of damages.

Semi-trucks, 18 wheelers, tractor trailers, “oversized load” trucks and even buses can all cause catastrophic injuries to other drivers and to pedestrians. Damages can include spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, paralysis, loss of limbs, scarring, disfigurement and even death.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an accident?
In North Carolina and most other states there is a statute of limitations on how long you can wait before filing a case. North Carolina’s statute of limitations for negligence claims is typically three years.

However, it is always better to seek legal help as soon as possible. Insurance companies are acting immediately to gather evidence to protect the trucking company. That’s why the sooner you have a strong legal team on your side, the greater the odds of success in your personal injury case may be.

At Fisher Stark, we are experienced at collecting truck accident evidence. From cases involving mismanagement, negligence and even cover ups, we fight for proper compensation, not what corporate insurance adjusters say is right.

3. Are there special laws that apply to truckers?
There are laws and regulations in place to protect motorists from the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies. For example, there are regulations regarding driver fatigue, traveling speeds, and maneuvers such as passing and making turns.

 

4. What are some common causes of trucking accidents?
Some causes of trucking accidents include:

• Speeding
• Fatigue
• Driver inexperience/lack of training
• Failure to yield
• Reckless driving
• Mechanical failure
• Drunk/impaired driving
• Distracted driving

5. What damages can I recover from a trucking accident?
You may have claims for lost wages, medical bills, permanent injury, and pain and suffering. In cases where a death was the result of a trucking accident, the victim’s loved ones can seek recovery of the loss of the victim’s companionship and income.

6. Who can I sue?
Those responsible for truck accidents can include:

• The Trucking Company
• The Truck Driver
• Parts Manufacturers
• A Third Party such as the DOT for negligent road design

7. Should I hire a lawyer if I have been in a truck accident?
To get fair compensation from a truck accident claim in Asheville, North Carolina, you need Fisher Stark P.A. We are a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who know how to investigate an accident and take your case to trial.

We know what evidence to look for, how to properly file a claim, when to negotiate with corporate insurance companies and when to go to court if negotiations fail.

If you have been hurt in a truck accident and you want help to get you the fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, recuperation and your pain and suffering that you deserve then call Fisher Stark P.A. at 828-505-4300 for a free consultation.