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Last Modified on Feb 11, 2026
Knowing what to do after a truck accident in North Carolina can make a major difference in both your physical recovery and protecting your legal rights. Truck crashes are often more complicated than car accidents, as they involve federal regulations and multiple insurance carriers. This makes your initial actions after the accident critical. It is essential to understand the North Carolina personal injury statute of limitations so you do not lose your right to pursue compensation.
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Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene
Over 76,000 people were injured in truck accidents in 2022, and those accidents involved over 120,000 large trucks. Interestingly, 65% of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by overloaded trucks.
In the moments after a truck accident, your safety and documentation efforts matter most. Taking calm, deliberate actions now can protect you later on. Some immediate steps to take include:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance
- Move to a safe location if possible, to avoid further danger
- Exchange information with the truck driver and any witnesses
- Cooperate with law enforcement without speculating about fault.
These initial steps help to create an official record and preserve the facts that could support a truck accident claim later on. If the accident occurred on a major highway, a skilled North Carolina I-85 truck accident lawyer can help investigate specific factors like lane changes and high-speed impacts.
Get Medical Care and Document Your Injuries
Truck accidents often cause severe injuries that might not be immediately obvious, so it’s very important that you get medical treatment right away. In addition, seeking medical treatment creates an official record linking your injuries to the truck accident. Some important medical documentation steps include:
- Getting emergency medical care or seeing a doctor as soon as possible
- Following all medical instructions and attending follow-up visits
- Keeping copies of all medical records, medical bills, and diagnoses
- Notifying medical providers that your injuries are accident-related
Medical documentation is essential for a skilled North Carolina truck accident attorney to evaluate liability and when calculating the value of your truck accident claim.
Preserve Evidence and Information
Trucking companies act fast to protect themselves. This means evidence can disappear quickly if you don’t protect it. Some helpful types of evidence to preserve include:
- Photos or videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and injuries
- Contact information of witnesses and any responding officers
- The truck company’s name, DOT number, and insurance details
- Any communications from insurers or trucking representatives
Preserving this information can strengthen your position when dealing with insurers and can help your North Carolina truck accident attorney apply the right truck accident laws to your claim.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer and Move Forward After Your Accident
When you hire a truck accident lawyer, it’s important to choose one that’s experienced. They should know how trucking companies, federal trucking regulations, and insurers intersect.
At Roberts Law Firm, P.A., we’re proud to serve clients all across North Carolina by helping them understand their options, protect their rights, and determine their next steps. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
