Being involved in an accident with a truck can be overwhelming and life-altering. At Shipman & Wright, we understand the gravity of your situation. Our dedicated Wilmington truck accident attorneys are here to navigate the complexities of your truck accident claim and ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us take the weight off your shoulders.
Why You Should Work With Shipman & Wright
Choosing the right legal representation after being injured in a truck accident can make all the difference in your truck accident claim. At Shipman & Wright, our experience and dedication set us apart:
- Experience Handling Truck Accident Claims: Our Wilmington personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of success in navigating complex truck accident cases.
- No Fees Unless We Win: Our law firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.
- Free Initial Consultation: We offer a free consultation to understand your case and guide you on the next steps.
- Experienced Legal Team: Our Wilmington truck accident attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.
Choosing Shipman & Wright means partnering with a law firm that genuinely cares about your recovery and is committed to achieving the compensation you deserve.
Meet Our Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyers
The team of Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Shipman & Wright LLP is led by founding partners Gary Shipman and William Wright. Founded in 1980, the personal injury law firm handles all types of cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and more. When you choose the truck accident lawyers at Shipman & Wright, you will receive personalized attention and high-quality representation for your injury claim. Contact our law firm today to receive a free case evaluation.
Understanding How Truck Accident Claims Work in North Carolina
North Carolina roads and highways see a significant number of truck accidents each year, often leaving victims with severe injuries and financial burdens. Securing fair compensation after a truck accident is crucial as such accidents can be particularly devastating for the victims.
Insurance companies aim to minimize how much they pay for accident claims. But with skilled legal representation, you can fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve. It is well-documented that accident victims represented by an experienced team of attorneys, like those at Shipman & Wright, achieve far more favorable compensation than those who do it alone.
Factors That Contribute To Causes of Truck Accidents
A truck accident can happen for a variety of reasons, each bringing unique challenges to a legal claim:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers spending long hours on the road without sufficient rest can lead to mistakes.
- Improper Loading: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can cause trucks to overturn or lose cargo.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues can lead to catastrophic and fatal truck accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using mobile phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road, which greatly increases the chances of pedestrian accidents as well. If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident involving a truck, contact our Wilmington pedestrian accident lawyers.
- Speeding: Truck drivers exceeding speed limits or driving too fast for conditions is a common cause of truck crashes and puts the lives of motorcyclists at great risk.
Identifying the cause of a truck accident is a critical first step in building a strong legal case.
How Do I Establish Liability for Truck Accidents in Wilmington, North Carolina?
In North Carolina, establishing liability in truck accident cases involves proving negligence. This can mean:
- Driver Negligence: Demonstrating that the truck driver failed to adhere to the standards of care expected on the road.
- Employer Responsibility: Sometimes, trucking companies can be held liable due to inadequate training or failure to follow safety regulations.
- Maintenance Failures: If a truck’s mechanical failure was due to improper maintenance, the maintenance company might be liable.
- Violation of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: Non-compliance with these regulations is a strong indicator of liability.
- Contributory Negligence: North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law means that if a plaintiff is found even slightly at fault, they may be barred from recovering any compensation. (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-139)
Understanding these aspects of liability is important for building a compelling case for compensation.
What Compensation Is Available For a Truck Accident
Victims of truck crashes in Wilmington may be entitled to various forms of compensation to cover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: For immediate and ongoing healthcare needs related to your truck accident injuries. Common injuries include spinal cord and brain injuries, which our Wilmington spinal cord injury lawyers and Wilmington brain injury lawyers can help you with.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: To cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident results in long-term limitations on your daily activities.
Each truck accident case is unique and differs from car accidents in Wilmington, NC, which requires the expertise of a Wilmington car accident attorney. The compensation will depend on the specifics of the accident and the extent of the injuries.
The Statute of Limitations For Truck Accident Claims in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the law sets a clear time limit for filing a truck accident lawsuit—typically three years from the date of the accident (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-52). However, it is important to note that certain circumstances can extend or shorten this period. A Wilmington truck accident lawyer can help you understand the nuances and exceptions to the law.
Furthermore, while the statute of limitations applies to lawsuits, an insurance claim should be initiated as soon as possible after the accident to ensure the best chance of a favorable outcome. Prompt action is crucial in truck accident cases to preserve evidence and ensure your injury claim is filed within the legal timeframe.
How Can a Wilmington Truck Accident Attorney Help?
Seeking the assistance of a Wilmington truck accident attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your truck accident case. Here’s how Shipman & Wright can help:
- Case Evaluation: We will review your case for free to determine the best course of action.
- Negotiations: Our truck accident attorneys in Wilmington are skilled at negotiating with insurance companies and insurance adjusters to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Legal Strategy: We will develop a tailored strategy to present the strongest case possible.
- Litigation: If necessary, we will be prepared to take your case to trial to fight for your rights.
- Peace of Mind: Let us handle the legal details while you focus on your physical recovery.
The benefit of hiring an experienced Wilmington truck accident lawyer in Wilmington lies in their commitment to securing the compensation accident victims deserve.
If you have lost a loved one in a trucking accident, be sure to contact the Wilmington wrongful death attorneys at our law firm to learn about your legal options.
Contact Shipman & Wright Today To Learn More
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Wilmington, do not navigate this challenging time alone. The skilled Wilmington truck accident lawyers at Shipman & Wright are ready to offer you the support, guidance, and representation you need to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out to our law firm today for a free consultation. Call (910) 762-1990.