Truck Accident Lawyer

Durham Truck Accident Lawyer

We have seen the severity of injuries caused by NC truck accidents. Tractor-trailers introduce a complex legal element after a driver or operator negligently causes your accident injuries or loved one’s wrongful death.

Heavy loads and high speed already present a potential hazard. Also, different laws apply to commercial vehicles. If you or your family member were harmed in a trucking accident, you can pursue a compensation claim equivalent to your financial and emotional losses.

It is critical to recognize that truck accident claims can be challenging, which means that an Durham truck accident lawyer can help you protect and pursue your claim.

Reach out to Tien Law Firm for a free consultation by calling (919) 800-2000.

Signs of Negligence in Durham Trucking Accidents

A truck accident claim is different from the process involved in a typical passenger vehicle accident. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes legal regulations for both truck drivers and operators.

If they fail to meet these civil requirements, they may face significant federal and state penalties. North Carolina civil laws also permit accident injury victims to file a claim for their out-of-pocket-expenses, lost work wages, and more.

Signs of negligence that we will look for include:

Driver fatigue
Failure to follow traffic signals
Improperly secured cargo
Manufacturing defects
Failure to maintain the truck
Poorly trained truck drivers
Driving under the influence
And more

A truck accident can cause catastrophic injuries or death, which means that insurance companies and negligent parties should not take your demands lightly. If a truck driver or operator negligently injured you, contact an Durham truck accident lawyer to pursue the compensation you need.

Tien Law Firm, PC | Durham Accident Attorney
Address: 400 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 400, Durham, NC 27703
Phone: (919) 800-2000

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We Will Work Toward Proving Negligence to Seek Compensation for You

For successfully negotiating a settlement or civil award, you must prove that the trucker’s negligence caused the accident. Since North Carolina follows contributory negligence law, even being found 1% at fault can bar recovery.

Proving negligence will require your Durham truck accident lawyer to demonstrate the following:

1. Duty of Care

The first element is to prove that the truck driver, owner, operator, or government entity owed you a duty of care. There is a general responsibility to drive safely and not endanger others.

2. Breach of Duty

The second element to prove is that a breach in the duty of care occurred. In other words, a reckless or careless act manifested, including distracted driving, failure to follow trucking guidelines, or poorly maintained roads.

3. Causation

The third element to prove is that this breach in the duty of care caused your bodily harm or loved one’s wrongful death. The accident must be the cause of your injury for your damages to qualify for a negligence lawsuit.

4. Damages

The fourth and final element to prove is that your accident injuries or family member’s death resulted in financial, physical, and emotional losses. While all cases are unique, Tien Law Firm’s Durham truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding yours to demand the compensation you deserve.

Depending upon your situation, we can negotiate an insurance settlement or litigate a civil award to pay for things like:

Current and future medical expenses
Current and future lost income
Physical pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Lost enjoyment of life
Wrongful death losses
Punitive damages
And possibly more

If you need money to pay for your injuries, consider hiring an Durham truck accident lawyer to fight on your behalf. Tien Law Firm’s Knightdale truck accident attorney will seek to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions to help injury victims seek to maximize the compensation they receive.

What Clients are Saying About Tien Law Firm

She is One of the best you can ever find...always there to take your calls and responds to your emails fast.

- Bright I.
Sonya is an excellent lawyer whom I would hire again in a heartbeat. She is incredibly intelligent, delightfully clever, intensely dedicated, and wonderfully warmhearted. I completely understand why her clients not only trust her but also love her.

- Tanja H.
Sonya is a brilliant lawyer who absolutely knows what she is doing! As a lawyer myself, it's easy for me to tell when another lawyer is overlooking something, and working with Sonya, I feel confident that nothing at all will be overlooked.

- Melody M. - Attorney
I'm truly grateful to have found your firm. I can't imagine trying to go through this whole ordeal with anyone else let alone on my own. Thank you for all of your help, support, kindness and knowledge.

- Tae T.

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Time Limitations Apply to Truck Accident Cases in North Carolina

Every state has a civil time frame, or statute of limitations, that applies to your accident injury or wrongful death claim. Civil courts enforce this legal time limit strictly.

As such, it is vital to understand this concept so that you do not forfeit your right to seek the compensation you deserve. Under North Carolina General Statutes, the general time limit for a personal injury claim is one year from the date your injury happened.

With short periods involved, consider contacting a Durham truck accident lawyer quickly so that you do not miss these critical deadlines. He or she can review the timeline and details of your case to determine what deadlines apply to you.

Even if you think you missed the statute of limitations, it is still possible to file a claim due to extenuating circumstances. However, the only way you can have certainty is by obtaining legal advice from a lawyer.

Tractor-trailer accidents in Durham can have devastating consequences, leading to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and complex legal battles. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, it's crucial to understand your rights, the potential causes, and the steps you can take to protect your interests.

Common Causes of Durham Tractor Trailer Accidents

Durham's busy roadways and the sheer size and weight of tractor trailers can create a perfect storm for accidents. Some of the most common causes of these incidents include:

Driver Fatigue: Long-haul truckers are often under intense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, leading to extended hours behind the wheel and increased risk of fatigue-related accidents.

Distracted Driving: Just like passenger vehicle operators, truck drivers can become distracted by cell phones, in-cab technology, or other activities, compromising their ability to react to changing road conditions.

Improper Maintenance: Tractor trailers require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety. Neglecting these crucial tasks can result in mechanical failures that contribute to accidents.

Inclement Weather: Durham's unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, snow, and ice, can make it challenging for even the most experienced truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Reckless Driving: Speeding, sudden lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors by both truck drivers and passenger vehicle operators can increase the likelihood of collisions.

Common Injuries in Durham Truck Accidents

The sheer size and weight of tractor trailers involved in accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries for those in smaller vehicles. Some of the most common injuries sustained in Durham truck accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The immense force of a collision can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation below the point of injury.
Broken Bones: The impact of a truck accident can easily lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or other parts of the body, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal Organ Damage: The immense force of a collision can cause severe internal injuries, including ruptured organs, internal bleeding, and life-threatening complications.
Severe Burns: In the event of a fire or explosion, truck accident victims may sustain devastating burn injuries that can require extensive treatment and leave lasting scars.

Liability in Durham Commercial Truck Accidents

Determining liability in a Durham tractor trailer accident can be a complex process, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potential liable parties may include:

The Truck Driver: If the driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired operation, contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.
The Trucking Company: Employers have a duty to ensure their drivers are properly trained, licensed, and operating well-maintained vehicles. Failure to uphold these responsibilities can make the company liable.
The Truck Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure or design defect in the tractor trailer caused the accident, the manufacturer may be held accountable.
Third-Party Entities: Other parties, such as cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or government entities responsible for road conditions, may also bear some liability.

Damages Recoverable in a Durham Big Rig Accident

Victims of Durham tractor trailer accidents may be entitled to recover a range of damages, including:

Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care for injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work due to their injuries, they may be able to recover compensation for lost income and future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Victims may be awarded damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from their injuries.
Property Damage: Compensation may be available for the repair or replacement of the victim's vehicle and any other damaged personal property.
Wrongful Death: In the tragic event of a fatality, the victim's family may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional anguish.

How to File a Truck Accident Claim in Durham, NC

If you've been involved in a Durham tractor trailer accident, it's crucial to act quickly to protect your rights. In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, the process of filing a claim can be complex, and it's recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced North Carolina truck accident lawyer.

When filing a claim, you'll need to gather relevant evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements. Your attorney will also handle communication with the insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if necessary, represent you in court.

Why Choose Tien Law Firm for Your Durham Truck Accident Claim

At Tien Law Firm, we understand the unique challenges and complexities of Durham tractor trailer accidents. Our Durham truck accident attorney has more than a decade of personal injury experience and Tien Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our client from large insurance companies. Our Durham truck accident lawyer has a proven track record of obtaining favorable outcomes for our clients.

We take a personalized approach to every case, taking the time to understand the specific details of your accident and your individual needs. Our commitment to excellence, combined with our deep knowledge of North Carolina's personal injury laws, makes us the ideal choice to handle your Durham truck accident claim.

How Our Durham Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Tien Law Firm dedicates itself to helping injury victims seek financial compensation after a truck accident. You should not have to pay for the losses that a negligent driver, company, or operator inflicted upon you or your loved one.

You will have only one opportunity to file and pursue compensation through a Durham truck accident settlement or civil award. Ensure you do not miss vital steps by hiring Tien Law Firm to represent your case.

Contact Our Durham Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer

Don't face the aftermath of a devastating tractor trailer accident alone. Contact our Durham truck accident lawyer today to learn more about your options and how we can help you navigate this difficult process.

We do not charge you attorneys’ fees upfront to take on your case. Call us for a free consultation at (919) 800-2000 today.

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