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Accidents involving long-haul trucks (also referred to as big rigs or semi-trucks) can be particularly catastrophic and result in severe or even fatal injuries. Passenger cars, pickup trucks, and motorcycles are unlikely to withstand a collision with one of these massive commercial vehicles, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, a Cherryville personal injury lawyer can help.
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, our goal is to achieve excellence in our legal services, in every case and with every client. We have a 24/7 helpline and are available to answer any questions or concerns involving your case at any time.
How Trucks Are Regulated to Prevent Accidents in North Carolina
Both state and federal governments regulate the operation of large commercial vehicles. These rules are designed to improve road safety, and violations can lead to serious consequences like accidents and injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces interstate rules and regulations for trucks, their drivers, and trucking companies designed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries involving them, including:
- Driver hour restrictions and reporting
- Driver alcohol and drug testing
- Requirements for hauling hazardous cargo
- Mandatory insurance coverage limits
- Guidelines for securing cargo
- Quality and frequency of vehicle inspections
- Vehicle markings
North Carolina itself has intrastate rules, regulations, and traffic laws for commercial vehicles that truck drivers and owners must adhere to. For example, truck drivers must immediately notify the closest police precinct, local county sheriff’s office, or state highway patrol if any accidents cause injury or death or result in anticipated property damage of $1,000 or more.
To help determine negligence regarding state and federal trucking laws, a Cherryville personal injury lawyer who understands the rules and regulations associated with these vehicles can provide sound legal advice.
What Damages Can Be Pursued for a Truck Accident Injury in Cherryville?
Many of the damages you can pursue are related to your economic losses. These are typically calculated based on bills and receipts and commonly include:
- Past and future medical costs for your physical injuries, such as emergency medical care, surgeries, hospitalization, doctor’s visits, or physical therapy.
- Lost income due to sick leave or taking time off work
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Property damage
Other common damages include those that are non-economic, which are estimated based on special legal calculations and not monetary losses. These may include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
A truck accident lawyer in Cherryville can help you identify your damages, calculate their worth, and pursue compensation that reflects your total economic and non-economic losses.
What Damages Can You Pursue for Wrongful Death in a Truck Accident?
If you’ve lost a family member in an accident involving a large commercial truck, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death suit. Losing a loved one to the negligence of another can be shocking and traumatic, and the law recognizes how the unexpected death of a loved one affects the entire family. For this reason, potential beneficiaries may pursue compensation for:
- The decedent’s medical bills up to the time of their passing
- Loss of the decedent’s financial support and future financial contributions
- Loss of the decedent’s services
- Loss of the decedent’s love, companionship, guidance, and support
- Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
At Farmer & Morris Law, we understand that families need time to grieve for their loved ones. You shouldn’t have to be concerned about legal matters and how you’ll pay for your losses. We can handle all of the required legal tasks so you can focus on spending time with your family and saying goodbye to your loved one.
Proving Negligence and Liability in Your Cherryville Truck Accident
To secure compensation in a truck accident claim, you and your attorney must prove that another party was negligent. While the driver is often at fault, the trucking company and their insurance are often responsible for paying for the injured person’s damages. Other liable entities could include a third party responsible for the truck’s maintenance or the shipping company that loaded the trailer.
To pursue compensation, we must prove the four elements of negligence, which include:
- The party owed you a duty of care. Truck drivers owe others on the road a duty to drive cautiously and avoid causing harm to another individual.
- The party breached their duty of care. If a truck driver broke a traffic law or didn’t adhere to trucking regulations, these would be examples of a breach of duty.
- Your injuries were a direct or proximate cause of the truck driver’s breach of duty. In other words, your injuries were not pre-existing or caused by something else.
- You suffered quantifiable losses as a result of the driver’s negligence, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
To help prove negligence and determine liability, the personal injury attorneys at Farmer & Morris Law can investigate your case and collect evidence to support your personal injury claim. This could include police reports, traffic citations, medical records, or consultations with various experts, such as accident reconstructionists.
Contact a Cherryville Truck Accident Attorney at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC Today
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident in Cherryville, it is essential to seek legal assistance promptly. Our committed team of attorneys at Farmer & Morris understands the law and how to apply it to your truck accident case. We can provide you with the compassion, guidance, and support you need during this challenging time. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
