Belmont Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck Accident Attorney in Belmont, NC

Eighteen-wheelers, commonly called semi-trucks, are incredibly dangerous to others on the road. If any accident happens, the ones hurt are typically those in cars. The size and weight difference between a semi and a car make the results of a crash instant and devastating. After a crash, working with a skilled Belmont truck accident lawyer can help secure the compensation you deserve.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer That Locals Trust

For over 40 years, Roberts Law Firm, P.A., has represented North and South Carolina residents during their most challenging times in life. Our team offers an empathetic legal approach and is proud to be a part of our clients’ support system.

We know how difficult it can be after a crash and are here to fight for you.

North Carolina Truck Accident Laws

Belmont residents regularly use Interstate 85, Interstate 40, and Interstate 485. These highways stretch across the United States, making them a common route for long-haul truckers. The distance these truckers have to travel is immense, and tight deadlines make sleep less desirable. It’s common for truckers to feel pressure in their workplace, making sleep deprivation highly likely.

Being sleep-deprived is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Being awake for 24 hours has the same effects as having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%. The legal BAC limit is 0.08%.

The weight of a loaded semi-truck can reach up to 80,000 pounds. The average weight of a car is 4,200 pounds. When faced with such a great size and weight difference, a car and its passengers are never prepared for the damage from a crash. In 2023, there were 4,839 semi-truck crashes in all of North Carolina. In Belmont that year, there were 625 auto crashes.

Luckily, survivors of crashes can pursue compensation. However, unlike other states, if you share any blame for the crash, things can get complicated because of North Carolina’s strict contributory negligence rule.

The law says that if you are even 1% at fault for the accident, you cannot recover any compensation.

For example, if a semi-truck driver caused the crash, but you were slightly speeding, you could lose your right to recover damages. Insurance companies use this rule when deciding how much to pay, so they may try to argue that you share fault to avoid paying your claim.

Types of Damages Available to You

The amount of compensation awarded in a truck accident case is never random. Your lawyer calculates a monetary amount to request during your case based on the real losses you’ve suffered as a result of the crash. This can include getting compensation for your:

• Medical costs, including rehabilitation, surgeries, and medication
• Vehicle repairs and other repairs to your personal belongings, such as your cell phone or clothing
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income due to missing work from your injuries

However, there are strict deadlines for filing. You must also pay attention to time limits for filing a case. Generally, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim for personal injury. If you try to file after the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case. Truck accident cases are typically overseen at the Gaston County Courthouse, located at 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Gastonia.

Filing early ensures vital proof—like police reports, photos, and eyewitness testimony—is preserved. Our team also helps gather black-box and traffic-camera footage to strengthen your case. Understanding how evidence shapes North Carolina accident claims can help you see why timing is so critical.

This timeline may seem like a long time, but filing early is vital. Crash sites are cleaned quickly, injuries heal, and witness memories fade. Preserving this evidence early is key to winning your truck accident case in Belmont, NC.

FAQs

What Should I Do After Being in a Truck Accident in Belmont?

After being in a truck accident, your health and safety are the main priority. Contact 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver, as well as the contact information of any witnesses. Don’t admit fault in the accident or apologize, as this can be used against you. Take extensive photos of any visible injuries, vehicle damage, property damage, and the crash site. Then, hire a truck accident lawyer.

What Do I Need to Prove in My Truck Accident Case in Order to Win?

You need to prove negligence in order to win your truck accident case in North Carolina. All drivers have to use reasonable care on the road. You’ll need to prove that the other driver had a duty to be careful and didn’t do so. You’ll also need to prove that their careless actions directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. Finally, you’ll need to prove that you’ve suffered real loss from the accident, such as money or injuries.

What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Negligence in My Truck Accident Case in Belmont?

Having extensive evidence is key to winning your truck accident case. Courts rely on evidence to make their decisions regarding your compensation. An attorney from Roberts Law Firm, P.A., can help you gather evidence, including eyewitness testimony and professional testimony.

Black box footage from the semi-truck, dashcam footage, surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and homes, and traffic camera footage can be extremely helpful. Include copies of the initial incident report and copies of your medical records.

Do I Have to Report the Crash to the North Carolina Police?

Drivers in North Carolina must report certain accidents to law enforcement. A driver must report any accident that causes injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more. The report should be made right away to the local police if the crash happens in Belmont. If it happens outside city limits, it should be reported to the county sheriff, the State Highway Patrol, or another local authority. Failing to do so can affect your legal case.

Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Law Firm in Belmont, NC

When you choose to work with the attorneys at Roberts Law Firm, P.A., you’re working with a team that truly cares. Reach out to our team today to schedule your first appointment and learn how we can help you. Our passion lies in protecting our neighbors’ legal rights during difficult times in life. We want to help our clients find a way to move forward.