What should I do immediately after a tractor-trailer accident?

Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't feel injured. Document the scene and gather contact information from witnesses. Report the accident to the authorities and the employer as soon as possible. Contact Schehr Law PLLC to discuss your case and receive guidance on the next steps.

How long do I have to file a claim after a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it's crucial to report the accident and file your claim as soon as possible to ensure all evidence is preserved and witnesses' memories are fresh.

Can I sue the trucking company for my injuries?

It depends on the circumstances of the accident. If the employer’s policies or practices contributed to the accident, such as through poor vehicle maintenance or inadequate driver training, suing the employer may be possible. Each case is unique, and Schehr Law PLLC can help determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your situation.

What if the trucking company’s insurance denies my claim?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Schehr Law PLLC can assist in this appeal process by providing expert legal advice, collecting further evidence, and representing you in hearings to ensure your rights are upheld.

How much does it cost to hire Schehr Law PLLC?

Schehr Law PLLC operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring that our interests are aligned with yours. For more information or to schedule your free case evaluation, contact Schehr Law PLLC today. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in your journey towards justice and recovery.

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Tractor Trailer Accidents

Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Charlotte, NC

Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Managing Complex Trucking Claims in Mecklenburg County, Wake County, Guilford County, and Throughout North Carolina

Tractor-trailer accidents are a serious concern in Charlotte, NC, given the high volume of commercial traffic in the area. These accidents often involve large trucks, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles, leading to severe consequences for those involved. The impact on victims can be devastating, causing significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and substantial financial burdens.

At Schehr Law PLLC, we understand the complexities and challenges faced by tractor-trailer accident victims. Our firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal assistance to those affected, helping them navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. As a trusted Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients and ensuring they receive the best possible outcome.

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What Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Tractor-trailer accidents are collisions involving large commercial trucks and smaller vehicles. These accidents can occur due to various factors and result in significant damage and injuries. Understanding the common causes and types of tractor-trailer accidents can help in both preventing these incidents and seeking legal recourse when they occur.

Common Causes

Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times, reduced attention, and impaired judgment, making them more prone to accidents.
Distracted Driving: Drivers may use mobile devices, eat, or engage in other distractions while driving. Even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a catastrophic accident due to the size and speed of these large vehicles.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Exceeding speed limits and engaging in aggressive driving behaviors increase the risk of accidents. Speeding reduces the time a driver has to react to hazards and increases the stopping distance required to avoid collisions.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can result in mechanical failures that contribute to accidents. Issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Inadequate Training: Drivers who lack proper training are more likely to make errors that lead to accidents. Proper training ensures that drivers are equipped with the skills needed to handle large commercial vehicles safely.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Incorrectly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unbalanced, leading to accidents. Overloading a truck or failing to secure cargo properly can affect the vehicle’s stability and handling.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can create hazardous driving conditions. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and high winds can make it challenging for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

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Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Rear-End Collisions: Occur when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle, often due to insufficient stopping distance or distracted driving.
Jackknife Accidents: Happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, typically caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
Underride Collisions: Severe accidents where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
Rollover Accidents: Occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, caused by high speeds, sharp turns, overloading, or uneven road surfaces.
Head-On Collisions: Among the most deadly, occurring when a truck collides head-on with another vehicle, often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or loss of control.
T-Bone Accidents: Occur when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, often at intersections, causing significant injuries to the occupants of the struck vehicle.

Legal Rights and Compensation

Victims of tractor-trailer accidents in North Carolina have specific legal rights and protections to ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Understanding the various aspects of liability and the rights of victims is crucial for navigating the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Liability in Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Determining liability can be complex and often involves multiple parties:

Driver Liability: If the driver’s negligence, such as fatigue or distracted driving, caused the accident, they may be held liable.
Employer Liability: The trucking company can be held responsible for issues like poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, or enforcing unrealistic schedules that lead to driver fatigue.
Vehicle Manufacturer Liability: If a mechanical failure caused by a manufacturing defect led to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
Other Drivers' Liability: If another driver’s actions contributed to the accident, they could also be held responsible.

Victims' Rights

Medical Treatment: Victims are entitled to necessary medical care for their injuries, including immediate emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
Lost Wages: Compensation is available for lost income due to the inability to work, covering both the immediate aftermath and any long-term or permanent disability.
Pain and Suffering: Victims can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.

Reporting Accidents and Gathering Evidence

To build a strong case, it is crucial to:

Report the Accident: Notify both authorities and the employer immediately to create an official record.
Document the Accident Scene: Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries.
Collect Witness Statements: Obtain contact information and statements from witnesses.
Maintain Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident.

Insurance Claims

Victims can file insurance claims to seek compensation for their damages. This process often involves:

Employer’s Insurance Policy: The trucking company’s insurance policy may cover damages if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident.
Other Parties’ Insurance Policies: Claims can also be filed against other drivers’ or manufacturers’ insurance policies if they contributed to the accident.

How Schehr Law PLLC Can Help

Schehr Law PLLC provides a range of legal services to support and advocate for tractor-trailer accident victims, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance throughout the legal process.

Comprehensive Legal Support

We begin with a free initial consultation and case evaluation, where we assess your situation and outline a strategic approach tailored to your needs. Our team meticulously gathers and organizes evidence, including accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case.

Negotiating with insurance companies can be daunting, but we handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Client-Centered Approach

Our approach is highly client-centered, focusing on personalized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. We provide regular updates and clear communication throughout the process, ensuring that our clients are fully informed and comfortable with every step of their case. Our commitment extends to securing the best possible outcome for our clients, whether through negotiation or litigation.

As your Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC, Schehr Law PLLC is dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover from your injuries.

The Claims Process

Navigating the claims process can be complex. Schehr Law PLLC provides a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect.

Initial Steps

Reporting the Accident: Report the accident to the authorities and the employer as soon as possible.
Seeking Medical Treatment: Obtain immediate medical attention and follow all recommended treatments.
Filing an Insurance Claim
Contacting the Employer’s Insurance: Notify the insurance provider about the accident and begin the claims process.
Completing Necessary Paperwork: Fill out all required forms accurately and completely.
Adhering to Deadlines: Ensure all deadlines are met to avoid jeopardizing your claim.

Pursuing a Lawsuit

Identifying Liable Parties: Determine who is responsible for the accident, which could include the driver, the employer, the manufacturer, or other drivers.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Appealing Denied Claims

Steps to Appeal a Denial: If your claim is denied, follow the necessary steps to appeal the decision.
Gathering Additional Evidence: Collect more evidence to support your claim.
Representation in Hearings: We represent our clients in hearings to ensure their rights are protected.

As your Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney, Schehr Law PLLC is committed to guiding you through the claims process and fighting for your rights.

Why Choose Schehr Law PLLC?

Choosing the right law firm can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Schehr Law PLLC, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience and proven track record of success in handling tractor-trailer accident cases. Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate legal representation to each client, ensuring they receive the best possible outcome for their case.

Extensive Experience in Handling Tractor-Trailer Accident Cases

Our team has a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by tractor-trailer accident victims. With years of experience dealing with the complexities of these cases, we know how to navigate federal and state regulations, handle commercial trucking insurance, and build strong cases to maximize compensation.

Proven Track Record of Successful Outcomes

We have successfully represented numerous clients, securing substantial compensation for their injuries. Our strategic approach and thorough preparation have led to winning settlements and verdicts that cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Client Testimonials and Success Stories

Our clients' testimonials and success stories highlight our dedication and effectiveness. They speak to the personalized attention, clear communication, and positive outcomes we deliver. These testimonials provide confidence in our ability to handle your case with care and expertise.

Commitment to Personalized, Compassionate Legal Representation

At Schehr Law PLLC, we treat each client with compassion and respect, providing personalized legal strategies tailored to their needs. We listen to your concerns, understand your situation, and develop a customized legal strategy to achieve your goals. We maintain open communication throughout the process, ensuring you are informed and involved every step of the way.

By choosing Schehr Law PLLC as your Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC, you are selecting a team dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We support you from the initial consultation through to the resolution of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery with confidence.

Contact Schehr Law PLLC for a Free Case Evaluation

The sooner you consult an experienced attorney, the sooner you can take control of your life again. At Schehr Law PLLC, we handle the complexities of your legal claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we push for the full compensation you deserve. For dedicated assistance from a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Charlotte, NC, contact Schehr Law PLLC online or call us today.

For comprehensive support and expert legal representation, contact Schehr Law PLLC. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your case and securing the compensation you deserve. As your Charlotte 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney, we assure you of confidentiality and a steadfast commitment to your best interests. Reach out to us today to schedule a free case evaluation and let us help you through this challenging time.