Topsail Island Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Topsail Island Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney

It is an unfortunate reality that motor vehicle accidents are among the most common cases involving personal injury. Each case entails its unique details and circumstances. If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident in the state of North Carolina, a Topsail Island commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you review your case and weigh your potential options.

Commercial truck accidents can be lethal and devastating to all parties involved. In these cases, it is important to establish negligence and determine who was at fault. The legal team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates has over thirty years of experience in protecting and defending the rights of individuals on Topsail Island. An experienced and qualified attorney can often be the difference in securing the maximum possible compensation available.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents

• • Driving distracted. Distracted driving is a risk to all of those who operate a vehicle on the road. Commercial vehicle drivers are especially susceptible to this risk, as they could be distracted by not only phones and other personal devices but also by the truck’s communication systems or other cockpit distractions not seen in standard automobiles.
  • Driver fatigue. A leading cause of commercial vehicle accidents is the fatigue of the driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations contain very strict logs and guidelines pertaining to the number of service hours allowed in a single shift. Fatigued drivers of any vehicle can pose a serious threat to all of those on the road.
  • Driving under the influence. Any driver who is driving under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk. This impairs the driver’s judgment, perception, motor skills, and reaction time.
  • Insufficient training. There are cases in which it has been proven that a driver was not properly trained or supervised by the commercial trucking company. It often takes a lawyer with strong legal acumen to investigate these matters properly.

Commercial Vehicles Are More Dangerous

Accidents involving commercial vehicles are often more devastating and can lead to serious injuries. Commercial vehicles are often the largest vehicles on the road and weigh several tons, with the possibility of crushing any opposing vehicles. Serious injury, damage, or even fatalities often result from commercial truck accidents.

Important Items to Remember:

• • • Commercial trucks weigh several tons.
    • Commercial trucks have significant blind spots.
      • Truck drivers may not be able to see you if you are driving alongside them due to their large blind spots. It is recommended to avoid these blind spots as much as possible while driving near commercial vehicles.
    • Commercial trucks need a much longer time to come to a stop.
      • Given the significant weight of the vehicle, they almost always require much more time to come to a stop than a typical car.

FAQs About Topsail Island, NC Commercial Vehicle Accident Laws

What Is the Maximum You Can Sue for a Car Accident?

The amount you can sue for a car accident in Topsail Island, North Carolina is not capped at any dollar amount. This applies to economic and non-economic damages. Generally speaking, you can sue for up to the amount that you can prove you have been injured; there is not a cap on the amount. North Carolina state law does limit punitive damages at the greater of three times the proven compensatory damages or $250,000.

Is North Carolina a No-Fault State for Accidents?

North Carolina is considered an at-fault state. This means that the driver proven to be at fault will bear the primary responsibility for payment of associated personal injury costs, damages, and possible punitive damages. If you were involved in an auto accident and you were not at fault, then in most instances, you will be eligible for compensation from either the other driver or their insurance company policy. However, it is possible for one to have a no-fault insurance policy.

How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in NC?

Typically, an insurance adjuster will investigate and assess the auto accident to determine the faulty party. North Carolina enforces contributory negligence. This means that if you were involved in an auto accident and it was found that you contributed in any way to the accident, you may not be eligible to collect the full amount of the liability claim.

Arguments over negligence can often result in a court case. An experienced accident lawyer can help those involved understand and resolve their claim.

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina state law, once the claim has been received by the insurance company, it is to be paid within thirty days, or a notice of incomplete information must be sent out to the claimant. In situations in which additional information is required, the thirty-day window will start upon receipt of the requested information. Generally, if the requested information is not received within ninety days, the insurer may deny paying the claim.

Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Managing a claim that involves a commercial vehicle is much easier with the help of qualified legal representation and guidance. During this time, it is hardly easy to investigate the accident, juggle legal deadlines and filing requirements, and present an effective claim. Working with experienced attorneys can help ease much of that burden.

At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we understand how hard this situation can be for you, and we fight to protect your legal rights. We aim to treat each and every case with the compassionate and sensitive legal care it deserves while working diligently to hold the faulty parties accountable for their negligent and reckless actions. Our legal team fights for the compensation you deserve.

Vehicle accidents and injuries of any kind can be devastating and life-altering, especially if they happen because of the negligence of someone else. This circumstance can often lead one to be filled with confusion, anger, and questions. Our legal team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates can put our client’s interests first. We understand that the compensation awarded to you can assist you on your road to recovery and help you return to a sense of normalcy. Contact us today and find out how our team can help.