Founding Partner
Truck accidents in Charlotte, North Carolina, can result in serious injuries and complex legal challenges. Due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles, these crashes often cause significant damage, and North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence law can make recovering compensation especially difficult. This guide explains the essential steps to take after a truck accident, from getting medical help to preserving evidence and understanding your legal rights. Whether you’re a local driver or a commercial truck operator, knowing what to do next can protect your health, your claim, and your future.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Immediately after a truck accident, your safety and health come first. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and others for injuries.
Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately apparent.
Be thorough when describing your symptoms to medical providers. This not only ensures proper treatment but also creates a detailed medical record that can support your injury claim. Keep copies of all medical documentation, including reports, bills, and prescriptions.
Step 2: Document the Scene and Collect Evidence
If it’s safe to do so, begin gathering evidence at the scene. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, visible damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any injuries. Capture both wide-angle shots and close-ups.
Collect the truck driver’s name, contact information, commercial driver’s license number, and insurance details. Record the truck’s license plate, company name, and USDOT number. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
Note the time of day, weather, and traffic conditions. These details can be crucial in reconstructing the accident. Don’t rely solely on the police report—your own documentation can play a key role in proving fault and supporting your claim.
Step 3: Know How North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law Affects Your Case
North Carolina is one of the few states that follows a pure contributory negligence rule. Under this law, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be completely barred from recovering compensation.
This strict legal standard makes it critical to avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be misinterpreted. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you to deny your claim.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company without first consulting an attorney. A Charlotte truck accident lawyer can help you navigate these conversations and protect your right to seek damages.
Step 4: Contact a Charlotte Truck Accident Attorney as Soon as Possible
Truck accident claims are often more complex than standard car accident cases. Multiple parties may be involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and various insurers. In addition, federal regulations and commercial insurance policies can complicate the legal process.
An experienced Charlotte truck accident attorney can take immediate steps to preserve crucial evidence, such as dashcam footage, driver logs, and electronic logging device (ELD) data. They can also obtain maintenance records and drug or alcohol test results to determine if any FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) violations occurred.
At Bradford Law, we understand the unique challenges of truck accident cases in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Our team is equipped to handle negotiations with insurers and build a strong case on your behalf.
Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident in Charlotte
Truck accidents in Charlotte can leave victims facing serious injuries, financial stress, and legal uncertainty. Whether you’re a local driver or a commercial operator, taking the right steps immediately after a crash can make a significant difference in your recovery and your case.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, contact Bradford Law for a free consultation. Our Charlotte-based attorneys have the experience and local knowledge to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
