Gastonia is known for its strong manufacturing sector, with heavy investments in the area in recent years. Higher populations and new opportunities have also led to more semi-trucks on the road and higher accident rates. As your truck accident attorney, we know that the injuries and life disruptions you’re facing are devastating.
You deserve compensation for medical bills, car repair or replacement, lost wages, future lost wages, and other costs. Our compassionate team is here to fight for you after your accident.
Case Illustration of an Accident in Gastonia
Edwin is a 30-year-old manager who is getting off at Exit 20 off of I-85 to go to Cracker Barrel and meet his friend. He enters the exit, and a big rig behind him rear-ends his sedan. He’s been ejected from his vehicle and has serious injuries.
The paramedics arrive quickly and tell him not to move before putting him on a stretcher.
He’s a bit foggy, and when he arrives at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, doctors immediately begin checking his vitals and taking X-rays. Edwin is lucky – he will walk again – but he’s sustained:
- A fractured neck
- Broken facial bones
Therapy, medical bills, and a lengthy hospital stay follow. If he doesn’t seek damages, his life will quickly spiral from financially stable to missing rent payments.
North Carolina Truck Accident Stats
- 3,315 accidents; 7 fatalities; 985 injuries in Gastonia (truck and non-truck)
- 4,920 accidents; 68 fatalities; 1,142 injuries involving semi-trailers
- 3,567 accidents; 21 fatalities; 772 injuries involving trucks and trailers
- 314 accidents; 4 fatalities; 79 injuries involving truck/trailer
- 287 accidents; 0 fatalities; 62 injuries involving unknown heavy trucks
What Causes Truck Accidents?
- Distracted driving
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding
- Driver error
- Driver fatigue
- Drunk driving
- Road conditions
- Poor visibility
- Equipment failure
- Cargo-related issues
- Brake problems
- Roadway problems
Truck accidents can happen for any reason, but when they do, the damage is often significantly worse than a normal motor vehicle accident.
Common Injuries Victims Sustain
Walking away from any accident uninjured is rare, but as a truck accident attorney, we can tell you that big rigs cause significant injuries to victims. You may have broken bones, lacerations, head injuries, spinal injuries, burns, internal bleeding, require amputation or worse, your injuries could result in paralysis.
Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident
- Call 911 to report the accident
- Document anything you can at the scene that you can safely (witness information, driver’s name, license plate, insurance, photos or videos, road conditions, etc.)
- Seek medical attention
- Report the accident to your insurance company
- Contact a lawyer immediately
How to Choose the Best Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Me?
Your attorney needs to have experience and a track record of success. Dealing with insurance companies on your own is frustrating and stressful. You’ll deal with agents who want you to settle for the lowest amount possible.
A lawyer with positive client reviews, experience and testimonials is a good start, but you also need someone with trial experience and who is a good fit for you.
During your consultation, you’ll be able to tell if the attorney is someone you trust and feel confident that they will go the extra mile to help you.
Semi-Truck Accident Injury Claim Process
As your truck accident attorney, we will take care of the nuances of your claim. We’ll:
- Identify any vehicle and personal property damage
- Identify at-fault parties
- Build a claim on negligence
- File a claim with your insurer (if you haven’t already)
- Take over all communication with the insurer
- Communicate with you until a settlement is reached
- Never let you settle for less than you deserve
Determining Liability in Gastonia, NC Semi-Truck Accidents
Fault will play a fundamental role in the success of your claim. North Carolina practices the contributory negligence doctrine, which means that if you are found to be at fault in any way, you cannot seek damages.
Even if the truck driver was 99% negligent and you were 1% negligent, the contributory negligence rule may stop you from seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
But there are exceptions. As your attorney, we may be able to argue that:
- The trucker had one last clear opportunity to avoid the collision and didn’t. If we can prove this argument, then you may still be able to recover damages.
- The driver was willful or wanton in their behavior, which may allow you to seek compensation.
Determining fault is a complicated process that requires the help of a seasoned attorney who has handled truck accident cases. More than one party may share the blame. Responsible parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The driver’s employer
- Manufacturers of defective parts or vehicles
- Third parties in charge of maintaining the truck
- The party responsible for loading and positioning the cargo
As your attorney, we’ll review all of the details and evidence to identify who is liable for the accident.
Truck accidents can cause extensive damage and serious injuries. Due to the high costs of these claims, insurance companies often try to take advantage of North Carolina’s contributory negligence doctrine to pay less than what victims deserve.
At Edwards Injury Law, we are prepared for these arguments and will fight to protect our client’s rights and interests. We are a veteran and black-owned firm committed to helping those who need their voices heard.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Claim?
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be wondering whether you have a case and can seek compensation for damages.
Ultimately, the answer will come down to whether the circumstances of the accident and North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule will come into play.
Our attorneys will review the facts to determine whether you have a valid claim.
What is My Truck Accident Injury Worth?
When valuing your claim, your attorney will consider the economic and non-economic damages that you sustain now and in the future.
Economic damages are easily quantifiable and include:
- The cost of medical care to treat your injuries, including hospitalization, rehabilitation, surgery and other care-related costs.
- Lost wages if your injury forced you to take time off of work.
- Property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle or the replacement of personal items.
- Loss of future income if you’re unable to return to your job.
- The cost of assistive or medical devices.
Non-economic damages are more complex and difficult to quantify, but they often have the biggest impact on the quality of your life. These damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- The loss of enjoyment of life
Once we know more about your case and your injuries, we can provide more details on the potential value of your case.
At Edwards Injury Law We are Effective, Every Day
Truck accidents can cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. When those injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence, an attorney can help you understand your rights and seek compensation for your losses.
At Edwards Injury Law, we understand the stress and uncertainty you’re feeling. We’ll leverage our years of experience in personal injury law to help you navigate the claims process and hold responsible parties accountable.
We are a veteran- and black-owned firm with a track record of success and a commitment to helping our clients propel forward.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our truck accident lawyer.
