Types of Truck Accidents

Truck Accidents

Semi-trucks can stretch up to 75 feet in length and weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. If you are involved in an accident with one of these large vehicles, then you or a loved one could be seriously injured or even killed in a wrongful death accident. It is important that you seek legal assistance in your case if you have been injured due to the negligent acts of a truck driver. At Scott Law Firm, we can provide you with the aggressive representation that you need to effectively pursue money damages to compensate for the financial hardships you may have incurred because of this accident. There are three major types of truck accidents that occur most frequently:

  • Under ride collisions
  • Truck rollovers
  • Jackknife incidents

An under ride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle breaks through the guard rail on the bottom of a trailer in a rear-end accident and travels forward until it hits the rear tires. A jackknife occurs when a truck slams on the brakes, the cab stops, but the trailer continues to slide around until it pins the cab in an immovable position. A rollover accident begins the same way as a jackknife, but rather than pin the cab, the trailer wheels catch and “trip” the truck so that it begins rolling. Any of these accidents can be devastating or even deadly to any individuals involved in them.

Truck Accidents Law

Pursuing Damages

If you have been injured in an accident due to another’s negligence, then there may be damages available for you to collect. It is important that you seek legal representation and pursue compensation as soon as possible because North Carolina’s statutes of limitations may prevent you from collecting damages after a certain period. Our firm can provide you with aggressive representation to argue your case in court and fight aggressively for the damages you need to help compensate for the various financial hardships you may have incurred.

Concord Auto Accident Injuries

Auto Accident Injuries

At the Scott Law Firm, our car accident attorneys in Concord share answers to common questions about automobile accidents and personal injuries in Concord and throughout North Carolina.

  • What information do I need after a Concord car accident injury?Should I see a doctor after a Concord automobile accident injury, even if I feel no pain?
  • Should I contact the insurance companies before calling a lawyer?
  • After a Concord auto accident injury, when should I call an attorney?
  • What issues arise in filing a claim for car accident injury in Concord, NC?
  • How long does it take a Concord automobile accident injury case to settle?

What information do I need after a Concord car accident injury?

  • The other driver name(s), contact information, and insurance policy number(s)
  • Names and phone numbers of witnesses
  • Photographs of the scene and the vehicles before they are moved
  • Police officer’s business card and accident report reference number

Should I see a doctor after a Concord car accident injury, even if I feel no pain?  Yes, a post accident check up could reveal serious conditions such as:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Head injury
  • Soft-tissue or spinal injuries

Should I contact the insurance companies before calling a lawyer?  Consulting an attorney before talking to the insurance companies protects your interests, so contact your Concord auto accident injury attorney first.

After a Concord auto accident injury, when should I call an attorney? Call an attorney immediately. The hours and days following an accident can be crucial and mistakes may affect your claim.

Auto Accident Injuries Claim

What issues arise in filing a claim? When involved in a car accident lawsuit in Concord, NC, three issues typically come up during a personal injury claim:

  • Liability
  • Damages
  • Insurance coverage

Who pays for my auto accident injury in Concord, NC? Generally, if you are not at fault in the accident, the other driver’s insurance company pays your medical costs. If you are at fault, your insurance company may cover a portion of your medical bills, depending on your insurance coverage.

How long does it take a Concord automobile accident injury case to settle? The amount of time depends on several factors:

  • Extent of vehicle damage
  • Extent of the injuries to the parties
  • The cooperation of the insurance companies

Concord Automobile Accident Injury

Accident Injury

Car accidents in Concord, North Carolina can be frightening and leave you feeling anxious. However, the actions taken immediately following automobile accidents in Concord can greatly affect a personal injury claim. Scott Law Firm, PLLC strongly suggests you take the following steps after an accident:

    • Pull over and stop. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder so it does not block traffic. Do not keep going.  failing to stop for an auto accident could result in criminal charges.
    • Call the police. Contact the police so the accident can be reported. Traffic can be directed by the police if necessary and emergency medical treatment EMT personnel access the accident scene.
    • Check for injuries. If any party appears to be injured, do not move them. You could worsen injuries or cause additional injuries. Contact 911 and request an ambulance.
    • Exchange information with other drivers/witnesses. Get full names, addresses, all phone numbers, and insurance information.
    • Take notes/pictures. Write down everything you can remember about the accident, anything the other drivers or witnesses say, and a description of the accident scene. If possible, take photos of the scene and vehicles. (Use your mobile phone camera if none other is available.) Get the number of the accident report from the police officer on the scene so you can get a copy of it later. The information can help your auto accident lawyers prepare an effective claim.

Accident Injury

  • Get medical attention. Even if you feel okay, some injuries do not manifest until hours or even days later. Tell your doctor, you were in an auto accident and ask for a copy of the medical report after the exam.
  • Contact an attorney before contacting the insurance companies. Concord car accident attorneys can advise you on how to proceed with the insurance companies.
  • Contact the insurance companies. On the advice of your car accident attorneys, report the accident to your insurance company and the at fault driver’s insurance company.
  • Keep an accident file. Keep your notes, medical reports, rental car receipts, and other accident related records of expenses. You may need to recall details of the case if your case goes to court. Keeping a file can help you substantiate your case and provide needed details to your  automobile accident lawyers.