At Paynter Law, we understand the catastrophic effects a truck accident can have on your life. The injuries can be severe, medical bills can quickly pile up, and often, victims are left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. As the common saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, so today our North Carolina personal injury team is bringing you some important tips to avoid a truck accident.
However, if you’ve been in a trucking accident in North Carolina already, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal representation promptly is crucial.
We’ll also explain why you should reach out to a personal injury attorney after a truck accident to ensure that your rights are protected, and you receive the compensation you are rightfully entitled to.
8 Great Tips To Stay Safe With Trucks On The Road
Here are some important tips to consider when sharing the road with large trucks:
- Maintain Safe Distances: Large trucks require a greater stopping distance than other vehicles. To account for this, always maintain a safe distance when you’re behind a truck, and don’t cut in front of a truck too closely, as it may not be able to stop in time.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots on all sides. Remember, if you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver can’t see you. Stay out of these “no zones” when possible.
- Use Your Indicators: Signaling your intentions well in advance helps truck drivers plan their maneuvers accordingly. This can be particularly crucial, given the longer braking distances of larger vehicles.
- Don’t Tailgate: It can be difficult to see what’s ahead when you’re too close behind a truck. Keeping a safe distance allows you a broader view of the road and gives you more time to react.
- Be Patient: Trucks may move slower due to their size and weight. Rather than making risky moves, it’s better to wait until it’s safe before overtaking a truck.
- Overtake Safely: When overtaking a truck, make sure you can see the entire cab in your rearview mirror before moving back into your lane.
- Prepare for Wind Gusts: Large trucks can create wind gusts. Be prepared for this, particularly when overtaking, by firmly gripping your steering wheel.
- Watch for Wide Turns: Trucks require extra space to turn. If a truck has its turn signal on, never try to squeeze by or get between the truck and the curb.
Remember, safety on the road should always be your priority. It’s essential to respect all road users, understand their challenges, and drive defensively.
If You’ve Been In A Truck Accident, What Should You Do?
In the unfortunate event that you do get involved in an accident with a truck, seek legal counsel as soon as possible. These cases can become complex due to the multiple parties involved and the severity of the injuries that can occur. At Paynter Law, we’re committed to ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, it’s crucial to contact us as soon as possible, ideally within the first few days following the accident. Here’s why:
- We Can Help Protect Your Rights: Trucking companies and their insurance providers often have legal teams ready to defend them in the event of an accident. They may act quickly, potentially before you’ve had time to fully understand your rights and the extent of your injuries. At Paynter Law, we can help ensure that your rights are protected.
- We Can Help Navigate Complex Liability Issues: Accidents involving trucks can be more legally complex than other vehicular accidents, with multiple potential defendants such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, or even a third-party maintenance provider. We can help identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.
- We Can Help Handle Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize the amount they pay out. We can negotiate with these companies on your behalf, ensuring that you’re not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement.
- We Can Help You Understand the Full Extent of Damages: After a truck accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We can help identify all potential damages and fight for a comprehensive settlement or verdict.
- We Can Help With Evidence Collection: Evidence in truck accidents can be time-sensitive. For example, “black box” data from the truck can record crucial information about the accident, but may be overwritten if not promptly preserved. We can act quickly to preserve such evidence.
- We Have Expertise in North Carolina Laws and Regulations: Trucking is a heavily regulated industry with specific federal and state laws. Our experience in trucking accidents means we understand these laws and how they apply to your case.
It’s also worth noting that we work on a contingency fee basis – that means you don’t pay unless we win your case, so don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking legal representation after a truck accident.
Contact Paynter Law Today For A Confidential Consultation
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in North Carolina, you shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact Paynter Law today to ensure you have a strong advocate protecting your rights and seeking the compensation you deserve.
We offer free, confidential consultations and will help guide you through the complex legal landscape, handle the insurance companies, and work tirelessly on your behalf so that you can focus on healing. You don’t have to face this alone, and remember, we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you.