Because of the weight and size difference, truck accidents tend to have more drastic consequences than regular car accidents. Knowing the common truck accident injuries in North Carolina can help survivors understand examples of past cases where others have successfully secured compensation for their pain.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer to Represent Your Legal Claim After a Crash
For over 23 years, Attorney Helton of Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC has helped hundreds of North Carolina residents seek justice after suffering injuries because of another party. He knows that while compensation can’t take away what happened to you, it can help you recover your financial losses and hold the responsible party accountable for what they did.
Even if the idea of pursuing a legal case feels overwhelming, Attorney Helton, an experienced personal injury lawyer, is dedicated to taking care of the legal side of things so you can focus on your recovery process.
The Most Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Fully loaded semi-trucks can reach up to 80,000 pounds. The average car only weighs 4,200 pounds, making the effects of a truck crash more severe for survivors. Throughout the United States in 2023, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes, making up 9% of the vehicles involved in a fatal crash that year. That same year in North Carolina, there were 4,839 tractor/semi-trailer truck crashes.
Whether you were the truck driver in the crash, a driver of a different vehicle, or a pedestrian involved, knowing the most common injury types can help you understand what to expect in the event of a truck crash. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Whiplash. This happens when a person’s neck is injured during sudden movement during the crash. It can either last a short while or lead to long-term pain.
- Spinal cord injuries. These injuries are classified as complete or incomplete. A complete spinal injury means loss of all sensation and function below the injury site, while an incomplete spinal injury keeps some function intact.
- Broken bones and fractures
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding. These injuries, along with concussions, may take longer to present symptoms.
- Crush injuries. These injuries happen when a large object, such as a part of a truck or car, crushes or pins a body part, usually leading to long-term disability
- Chronic pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This disorder can be just as devastating as any physical injury. Along with anxiety, other symptoms of PTSD include depression, insomnia, and sleeping problems, a phobia of driving, and suicidal ideation. Seeking professional help is necessary to help survivors seek brighter futures and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Steps to Take After Getting Into a Truck Crash
After being in a truck accident, there are several key steps to take to preserve your safety and future legal case. Be sure to:
- Call 911 to report the incident and request medical attention, even if you feel fine. Certain injuries may not present symptoms until it’s too late. Because of how severe truck incidents tend to be, being checked over by a medical professional is key to ensuring your safety. Be sure to request copies of your medical records and the incident report.
- Collect the insurance and contact information of the other driver involved in the crash. If they refuse to cooperate, stay calm and don’t argue with them. Instead, wait for law enforcement to arrive and explain the situation to them. They’ll be able to collect the information on your behalf.
- Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident.
- Take extensive photos and videos of the crash site, including any skid marks or nearby property damage.
- Take photos and videos of your visible injuries.
- Take photos and videos of damage to your vehicle and other personal belongings, such as your cell phone, bag, or clothing.
- Hire a truck accident lawyer to help you navigate the next steps in your legal case.
FAQs
How Much Compensation Can I Win in a Truck Accident Case?
The amount of compensation you can win in a truck accident case depends on the details of what happened during the crash. North Carolina allows victims to pursue compensation for their pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, medical bills, lost income due to recovering from injuries, and damage to personal belongings. The amount of compensation you win depends on who was at fault for the incident and the extent of your personal losses.
Can I Request Punitive Damages in My Truck Crash Claim?
You may be able to request punitive damages in your truck crash claim if the responsible party acted with extreme malice or negligence. These damages are typically capped at $250,000, but if the guilty party was driving while under the influence, there is no cap. These damages are awarded by courts to further punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior from happening in the future.
How Do Courts in North Carolina Determine Fault in a Personal Injury Case?
North Carolina courts determine fault in personal injury cases by assigning everyone involved in the incident a percentage of fault. The state has stricter rules compared to others. If victims are found to be even 1% at fault for the incident, they won’t be able to recover compensation. This means that even small mistakes during the crash may bar you from winning your case. Your lawyer can explain if a personal injury case can be pursued in your unique situation.
Can I Speak to Insurance Companies Without My Lawyer Present?
You can speak to insurance companies without your lawyer present, but it’s important to be cautious when doing so. Only provide them with basic facts about the crash. Don’t speculate or admit fault in the incident. It can be helpful to write down what you plan to say before the meeting. If the adjuster asks you to answer questions under oath or make a recorded statement, only do so with your lawyer there.
Choose a Trusted Injury Law Firm in North Carolina to Fight for Your Legal Rights
Contact the Law Office of Lyndon R. Helton, PLLC, to learn how Attorney Helton can help you during your case. We offer confidential consultations at our office in Hickory, where new clients are treated with respect from the first handshake. We provide legal help to residents of Burke County, Catawba County, and Caldwell County during difficult times in life.
