Truck Accident Lawyer in Wilmington, North Carolina
When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle on Wilmington’s busy roads, the results can be devastating. The massive size difference between an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer and a 4,000-pound car means that people in smaller vehicles often suffer severe, life-altering injuries. If a truck wreck someone else caused has disrupted your life, you may be eligible for substantial compensation.
At Hardison & Cochran, we understand the challenges that truck accident victims face in every area of their lives. Our Wilmington truck accident attorneys have helped countless North Carolina families rebuild their lives after serious collisions with commercial vehicles. We are thoroughly familiar with the complex federal and state regulations that govern the trucking industry and know how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for the harm they cause.
Our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call Hardison & Cochran or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Wilmington
Wilmington’s position as a major port city means our roads see heavy commercial truck traffic year-round. Our attorneys handle all types of commercial vehicle accidents, including:
- Rear-end collisions – These often occur when fully loaded trucks cannot stop in time due to their massive weight and momentum. They may also be the result of a faulty braking system.
- Jackknife accidents – When truck drivers brake suddenly, it can cause the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle.
- Rollover crashes – Rollovers can happen when trucks take curves too quickly or face strong port winds on highways like I-40.
- Underride collisions – These often catastrophic incidents occur when passenger vehicles slide beneath the trailer.
- Wide-turn accidents – Common at Wilmington’s busy intersections, these collisions happen when trucks swing wide to navigate tight corners.
- Blind spot crashes – These truck accidents tend to occur during lane changes on multilane roads like Market Street and College Road.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in Wilmington
Our experience investigating truck accidents in Wilmington has revealed several common factors that contribute to these serious crashes:
- Driver fatigue – Long hours behind the wheel, especially for truckers rushing to meet Port of Wilmington delivery schedules, can lead to dangerous drowsy driving.
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Worn brakes, defective tires, and other mechanical failures put everyone on the road at risk.
- Distracted driving – Using phones, adjusting GPS systems, or other distractions take drivers’ attention away from the road.
- Improper cargo loading – Unbalanced or unsecured loads can cause trucks to become unstable, particularly during tight maneuvers.
- Aggressive driving – Speeding, tailgating, and unsafe lane changes often result from rushed delivery schedules.
- Weather-related hazards – Wilmington’s coastal weather can create dangerous conditions. If truck drivers fail to adjust accordingly, they can be held liable for resulting crashes.
Legal Rights After a Truck Wreck in NC
As a truck accident victim in North Carolina, you have specific legal rights that protect your interests. Understanding these rights can help you make informed decisions about your truck accident case:
Right to Seek Compensation
When someone else’s negligence or misconduct causes your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable and pursue compensation through the civil justice system. This compensation covers the accident-related injuries and losses you suffer.
Right to Access Evidence
You have the right to obtain crucial evidence related to your collision, including the truck’s electronic data recorder (black box), driver logs, maintenance records, and company safety records. Federal regulations require trucking companies to preserve some of this evidence for a specified period.
Right to Medical Care
You have the right to seek medical treatment from providers of your choice. Your medical decisions should be based on your healthcare needs, not pressure from insurance companies.
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer to protect your interests. Your lawyer can communicate with insurance adjusters for you, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.
Right to Refuse Early Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers before the full extent of injuries becomes clear. You have the right to decline these offers and pursue fair compensation that covers all your losses.
Time limits apply to exercising these rights, so consulting a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Wilmington promptly can help protect your legal position. At Hardison & Cochran, we ensure our clients understand and can fully exercise their rights under North Carolina law.
Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims
A serious truck crash can create significant financial burdens for victims and their families. North Carolina law allows truck accident victims to seek several types of compensation through personal injury claims:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical needs, and all other accident-related healthcare costs
- Lost wages for missed work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if permanent injuries impact your ability to earn income in the future
- Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and ongoing pain caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress and other psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress following the accident
- Loss of quality of life if your injuries affect your ability to enjoy daily activities and maintain relationships
Talk to Our Experienced Wilmington Truck Accident Lawyers Today
For over 40 years, the team at Hardison & Cochran has fought for truck accident victims throughout North Carolina. Our track record speaks for itself: we have secured several six- and seven-figure settlements and verdicts for our deserving clients, including $1.4 million for a truck accident claim.
We are also proud of our many positive testimonials, including this one from Stevie T.:
“My experience with Hardison & Cochran was amazing. When I first called them they made me feel like I was important. They advised me that someone would come to me and do my intake and that I didn’t have to come to them. They always called to check up on me they was always requesting medical records and stayed on top of my case. My lawyer was superb in the courtroom. This is a firm that I trust with my life. I would recommend and would gladly use them again! Thanks Hardison & Cochran.”
Call Hardison & Cochran today or complete our online contact form for a free initial consultation with a truck accident attorney in Wilmington.
