Steps After a Truck Accident in Raleigh, NC

The steps you take after a truck accident in Raleigh can make a major difference in filing a claim to recover compensation. While every case has its unique circumstances, some essential actions remain the same for anyone hurt in a collision involving a truck.

The Morgan Law Group has seen how trucking companies and insurers work quickly to protect themselves. Victims, on the other hand, often don’t know what to do after a truck accident to safeguard their claims. 

Let’s walk you through the most important steps to take after an accident and explain why speaking with a Raleigh truck accident attorney as soon as possible is critical.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Raleigh

Accidents involving tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, or other large commercial vehicles can be devastating. 

Here are the key steps you should take immediately:

1. Report the Crash

The first step after any truck accident is to call the police. This ensures that emergency medical responders and law enforcement arrive at the scene. A police report in Raleigh is a critical piece of evidence in any injury claim, as it documents the initial findings and provides an official record of the crash.

2. Seek Immediate Medical Care

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, always get checked by medical professionals. Truck accidents often involve significant force, which can cause internal injuries that aren’t obvious right away. 

Medical records also serve as crucial evidence linking your injuries directly to the crash.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

If your condition allows, collect information before leaving the scene. 

This includes:

• Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries
• Contact details for the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance providers
• Names and contact information of eyewitnesses

Because trucking companies often send representatives or adjusters to the scene quickly, it is important to secure as much independent evidence as possible.

4. Avoid Discussing Fault at the Scene

Don’t apologize or make statements about fault. North Carolina follows a pure contributory negligence rule, meaning even slight fault on your part can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Let investigators and your attorney evaluate the evidence.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company 

You should inform your insurer of the accident, but avoid making detailed recorded statements until you’ve spoken with a truck accident lawyer in Raleigh. Insurance companies often try to use early statements to limit payouts.

6. Consult a Truck Accident Attorney

Because truck accident cases can involve multiple parties, having legal guidance early on is essential. An attorney can handle communications, investigate the accident thoroughly, and preserve key evidence such as the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) data or maintenance records.

What if I’m Partly at Fault in a Truck Accident?

North Carolina is one of the few states that follows a pure contributory negligence rule. This means that if you are found even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation.

Example: Suppose a truck driver was speeding, but you were also distracted at the time of the crash. In that case, the trucking company’s insurer may argue that your actions contributed to the accident. This harsh rule gives trucking companies and insurers strong motivation to shift blame to victims.

This is why one of the most important steps to take after a truck accident is contacting an attorney who knows how to counter these tactics. A truck accident attorney in Raleigh can fight back against unfair fault claims by gathering surveillance footage, analyzing accident reconstruction reports, and using expert testimony to demonstrate the truck driver’s negligence.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in NC?

In North Carolina, the general statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is 3 years from the date of the crash. For wrongful death claims, the limit is 2 years.

Missing these deadlines usually means losing your right to pursue compensation entirely. However, waiting too long can also harm your case because evidence may disappear. 

Trucking companies are only required to retain certain records, such as driver logs or maintenance reports, for a limited time. If these are not preserved quickly, they could be lost.

Prompt action, including seeking medical treatment and consulting a truck accident lawyer in Raleigh, is crucial to ensure your claim is filed properly and supported with strong evidence.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Accident?

The damages available after a truck accident can vary widely depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. 

Common recoverable damages include:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost wages 
• Loss of earning capacity 
• Property damage 
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongful conduct and deter future misconduct. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can calculate the full scope of damages and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Can You Sue for a Raleigh Truck Accident?

Yes. Depending on the facts, you may be able to bring claims against multiple parties. 

Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver for reckless or negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impaired driving)
• The trucking company for poor hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to exceed legal hours of service
• Maintenance contractors, if mechanical failures contributed to the crash
• Manufacturers, if a defective truck part caused or worsened the accident

Identifying the proper defendants is not always straightforward. Trucking companies often operate under different business entities or lease their trucks to third parties. An experienced truck accident lawyer can untangle these issues to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Why Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer Immediately

Time is a critical factor in truck accident cases. 

Here’s why you should speak to a truck accident lawyer in Raleigh as soon as possible:

• Preserve Crucial Evidence: Trucking companies are only required to keep certain records – like maintenance logs and black box data – for a limited time. Your attorney can issue preservation letters to prevent this evidence from being destroyed.
• Handle All Communications: From insurance adjusters to opposing counsel, your lawyer can field all communications and protect you from tactics designed to undermine your claim.
• Build a Strong Legal Strategy: A knowledgeable attorney will know how to reconstruct the crash, consult with accident experts, and develop a case that proves fault and damages.
• Maximize Your Compensation: Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements, especially to those without legal representation. A Raleigh truck accident attorney will negotiate aggressively to ensure your compensation reflects the true impact of the crash.

Without immediate legal help, you risk losing the opportunity to build the strongest possible case.

Get Started Today – Choose the Right Truck Accident Attorney 

After a truck accident in Raleigh, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. But knowing the right steps to take after a truck accident can make all the difference, from securing the care you need to recovering the compensation you’re owed.

At The Morgan Law Group, we stand by individuals and families who have been harmed. Our truck accident lawyer in Raleigh has the legal insight and dedication it takes to hold the responsible parties accountable. 

If you’ve been injured, now is the time to take action. Call our office in Raleigh today at (984) 468-7918 or contact us using our online form to schedule a free consultation.