Choosing the best lawyer to represent you in a truck accident claim will mean different things to different clients. Not all Rutherfordton truck accident lawyers are the same. The one you choose to handle your claim can make an important difference in your client experience and in the resolution of your case. If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal truck accident, you may prefer a lawyer with a compassionate and empathetic approach.
If you were injured in a negligence-based commercial truck accident, you should know how to hire the best truck accident lawyer for you and your specific needs and preferences. Look for a lawyer and law firm that offers a free case review and 24/7 helpline so you can get answers to your questions and concerns at any time. In addition, a contingency fee agreement can let you start pursuing damages from the liable parties right away.
Begin Your Search with a Free Truck Accident Lawyer Consultation
During your free consultation, be prepared to listen carefully, respond promptly, and ask questions that can help you choose the best truck accident lawyer for your needs. Ask a potential lawyer:
- Will you investigate the accident?
- What damages can I obtain?
- How many truck accident cases have you had?
- How much do you charge?
- What can I do to help my case?
- What if a loved one was fatally injured?
- How long does it take to reach a fair settlement?
These questions will help you understand how a lawyer will handle the details and intricacies of your case. You should also ask questions about their communication style, attorney-client relationship, and other factors of their approach to client support.
What You Can Expect to Be Asked During a Free Consultation
In addition to learning about the law firm, a truck accident consultation also lets you learn about your case. You will be asked questions that help the firm
- How and where did the trucking accident occur?
- At what time of day did the accident occur?
- Did you speak to the truck driver’s insurance company?
- What happened to each vehicle after the accident?
- Can you describe your injuries?
- Did the responsible party say anything to you?
- Was anyone ticketed or otherwise cited at the accident scene?
- Did you collect any physical evidence or witness contact information?
Your lawyer may also ask if the police were called and by whom. Their questions will help define whether your case meets the appropriate legal parameters.
How Top Truck Accident Lawyers Maximize Your Financial Recovery
Financial compensation after an accident with a commercial truck may include economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. They also include property damage, loss, or diminished value. Economic damages are readily supported with bills, receipts, and other proof of value.
Your compensation request will also include non-economic damages, including physical impairment and temporary and permanent disfigurement. They also include physical and emotional pain and suffering, and life.
Potentially Hidden or Overlooked Recoverable Damages
The best trucking accident attorneys will account for all the damages you are required to recover, including some that might otherwise be hidden or easily overlooked. These can include:
- Prescriptions
- Over-the-counter medications
- Assistive devices
- Travel expenses
- Inconvenience
- Gig-economy income
These damages can be uncovered and included in your compensation request with a comprehensive assessment of your damages and thorough collaboration and documentation.
Financial Recovery for Surviving Families Can Include Two Types of Damages
How much your wrongful death claim is worth will depend on various factors. Your lawyer will pursue the following damages on behalf of your family:
- Final arrangements
- Loss of income
- Loss of contribution
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of guidance
- Loss of support
North Carolina families can file a survival action, seeking compensation for pre-demise medical expenses, property repair, and other damages your loved one would have been entitled to recover had they survived to file a personal injury claim.
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The Best Truck Accident Lawyers Know North Carolina Personal Injury Laws
Truck accident claims are governed by the state’s personal injury and insurance laws and regulations. These laws may change periodically, so an experienced truck accident attorney who regularly handles such claims and stays updated on state regulations can be a great asset to your case.
How to Prove Liability with a Solid Evidence Collection
To pursue the at-fault party after an accident requires proof of the components of negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Your lawyer will establish these elements and other aspects of your case through a robust case file, which may include:
- Evidence related to the collision— Police report, witness statements, accident scene photos and available video, and accident reconstruction expert report
- Evidence related to the truck driver—CDL license, driver logs, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results, if applicable
- Evidence related to your injuries— Medical records, injury photos, prognosis reports from medical experts, and rehab and therapy records
Your lawyer will also collect evidence related to the accident’s outcome and costs, including medical bills, a death certificate (if applicable), and proof of income.
What You Need to Know About Truck Accident Lawsuit Filing Deadlines
Filing your lawsuit on time is a crucial part of your case since failure to do so could have costly financial consequences. Truck accident lawyers know the importance of accurately interpreting the statute of limitations and filing your lawsuit within the allotted time.
In North Carolina, you generally have three years to file your personal injury lawsuit, per G.S. § 1-52 and two years to file your wrongful death lawsuit, per G.S. § 1-53.
Discover How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck versus vehicle collision, you can recover damages from the at-fault party. Our trucking accident lawyers can help you navigate the financial recovery process. Contact one of our legal team members at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC to find out how to hire the best truck accident lawyer for you.