Cornelius Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck Accident Attorney In Cornelius, NC
Being in a truck accident can be a horrific experience for all involved. Not only can a truck accident harm you physically, but there are mental, emotional, and financial implications as well. Hiring a Cornelius truck accident lawyer may help you navigate the process of making the most out of an awful situation.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Although truck accidents are relatively common, not every accident is compensated. When this occurs, you want an experienced, compassionate, and aggressive lawyer on your side to help you receive a fair settlement. Our lawyers at Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, have over 30 years of experience with personal injury claims and may be able to help with your case.
Causes of Truck Accidents
A truck accident can happen anytime and anywhere. In North Carolina, specifically, I-77 is considered a hotspot for traffic accidents, such as one in December 2025 in Mecklenburg County involving a tractor-trailer. While the cause of this specific accident was unknown, common causes of accidents include:
- Speeding. Driving above the speed limit or failing to reduce speed contributed to over 80,000 crashes in 2023 in North Carolina. When a truck speeds, the impact can be even more harmful because of the sheer size and weight of the truck.
- Improper lane changes. Changing lanes quickly without using a signal or making other improper movements can also lead to an accident for anyone. However, when a truck changes lanes improperly, it can be even more catastrophic.
- Failure to yield. Many drivers fail to yield the right of way for several reasons. It could be due to distractions, misjudgments, or other reasons. However, in North Carolina in 2023, failure to yield contributed to 44,272 accidents.
- Distracted driving or inattention. With the rise of smartphone usage, distracted or inattentive driving has increased, leading to serious and preventable accidents.
- Weather and road conditions. Poor weather conditions can make trucks highly susceptible to accidents. The sheer size, weight, and length of time to stop play a factor in this.
- DUI. Driving under the influence of either alcohol or drugs causes a significant number of accidents.
- Poor maintenance. Trucks require unique maintenance and repairs. If the trucking company does not keep up with its maintenance, and something goes wrong, an accident can easily occur.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The steps you take following a truck accident could be vital in the recovery of damages that you may be entitled to. If you are involved in a truck accident, follow these steps:
- Move your car or truck to safety to avoid further damage if possible
- Call 911
- Get the other driver’s information, including their driver’s license number and insurance information.
- Get the exact name and insurance policy number from the other driver
- Take photos if possible and collect witness statements
- Call your insurance agent for more information on how to make a claim
Your lawyer will use this information to help you build a case against the driver, their company, and the insurance company representing the truck.
Truck Accident Laws in North Carolina
As an at-fault state, North Carolina holds the person responsible for causing the accident financially responsible for covering damages, etc. Specifically, North Carolina follows the contributory negligence rule, meaning that if a person has any fault in an accident, no matter how small, they may not be able to recover damages.
Under North Carolina General Statute 1-139, the defendant carries the burden of proving that the plaintiff contributed to at least some part of the accident. If they can prove this, there is a chance the defendant will not receive any compensation. Determining who is at fault can be a complicated process, and it sometimes must be resolved in court. If this occurs, you may want to contact a Cornelius truck accident lawyer.
What Can I Expect From a Truck Accident Settlement?
Although nothing can fully compensate for the damages incurred from a truck accident, receiving financial retribution can make a difference. Additionally, reaching a settlement can help the families of victims of fatal truck accidents. Specifically, if you are in a truck accident, you may be able to recover damages related to:
- Medical bills and expenses
- Property damages
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
FAQs
Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Accidents?
As an at-fault state, North Carolina holds whoever caused the accident financially responsible for the accident. Additionally, because NC follows the contributory negligence rule, victims of accidents may be ineligible to receive compensation should they be involved in an accident. This may be problematic if you are in a truck accident, so it is wise to contact a lawyer to help you with your claim.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Who is liable for a truck accident depends on the nature of the accident. The truck driver, the other driver, or even the trucking company may be liable. If the truck driver is negligent, ignores traffic signs and signals, speeds, or does something else illegal, they may be liable. Moreover, the trucking company may be at fault if they fail to follow their maintenance schedule, etc.
How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?
It is difficult to determine how much one can expect from a truck accident settlement. Factors that are considered include the extent of damage, either to property or injuries, the nature of the accident, the insurance coverage, the amount of lost income, and who was at fault. To understand the amount you may receive, speak with your lawyer, who will review your case’s unique details and help determine the damages to seek.
What Happens if a Truck Driver Gets in an Accident?
If a truck driver gets in an accident, they should follow similar steps as in any other accident. First, all drivers should move to safety if possible, to avoid further damage. Then, they should collect the other driver’s personal and insurance information. They may also need to report the accident to the trucking company unless they are a personal contractor. Finally, they should contact their own insurance adjuster and file a claim.
Cornelius Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents can be more catastrophic because of their massive size and weight. These accidents often result in serious bodily injuries as well as property damage. If you are in a truck accident, you should contact the lawyers at Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, to help you recover compensation you may be entitled to.
Our team is dedicated to serving the needs of our clients in and out of court. When you work with us, your case receives the attention it deserves. Let our Cornelius truck accident lawyers put their knowledge and experience to work for you.
