[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident\/","headline":"What to Do After a Truck Accident in North Carolina","name":"What to Do After a Truck Accident in North Carolina","description":"Commercial truck accidents happen daily on Interstates 40 and 95 in the Triangle and other highways across North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, more than 6,000 crashes involving tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are reported to police in the Tar Heel State every year. Being unfortunate...","datePublished":"2024-08-21","dateModified":"2025-06-24","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/author\/david-e-vtipil\/#Person","name":"David E. Vtipil","url":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/author\/david-e-vtipil\/","identifier":43,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/David-E-Vtipil-bio-96x96.png","url":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/David-E-Vtipil-bio-96x96.png","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks P.A.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/logo2020b.png","url":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/logo2020b.png","width":390,"height":107}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/what-to-do-after-truck-accident-nc.png","url":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/what-to-do-after-truck-accident-nc.png","height":366,"width":500},"url":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident\/","about":["Truck Accident"],"wordCount":1084,"articleBody":"Commercial truck accidents happen daily on Interstates 40 and 95 in the Triangle and other highways across North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, more than 6,000 crashes involving tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks are reported to police in the Tar Heel State every year.Being unfortunate enough to be involved in a truck accident means you are likely to be seriously injured. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them do terrible damage when they collide with passenger cars.If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, you need to understand your legal rights, including the right to compensation for your injuries. We suggest you talk to a semi-truck accident lawyer at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., in Raleigh, N.C., as soon as possible for prompt assistance. A serious truck accident will involve the police, doctors, insurance companies, and possibly the courts. You\u2019ll need an attorney dedicated to looking after your best interests.There are certain steps to take after a truck accident to increase the potential for a successful claim. In this article, we explain what to do after a semi-truck accident.Report a Truck AccidentPhone 911 to report the accident to the police if there are any injuries or significant property damage. This is required by North Carolina law. If there are injuries, request an ambulance. Later, you\u2019ll want to get the police report, which will serve as evidence in an insurance claim.\u00a0Exchange Information with the Truck DriverBe ready to provide and ask the truck driver for full name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information.\u00a0Be courteous and businesslike when dealing with others after a truck accident. Take caution to not admit fault or make statements that could be interpreted as admitting liability.If you feel uncomfortable approaching the truck driver, the police should obtain this information and share it with you, but getting it yourself ensures you have it.Identify the Semi-Truck\u2019s OwnerFind and photograph or write down the truck\u2019s DOT certification number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns DOT numbers to identify a truck\u2019s owner, monitor the individual\u2019s or company\u2019s safety record, and track any\u00a0compliance information\u00a0the agency may want to collect after an accident.In a truck accident claim, we will typically seek compensation from the truck\u2019s owner, such as a trucking company, which has vicarious liability when a driver it employs is at fault for an accident. The owner would also likely be responsible if a mechanical failure on the truck contributed to the accident.Look for a series of numbers preceded by \u201cUSDOT\u201d or \u201cDOT.\u201d USDOT numbers are most often applied to the cab doors of commercial trucks.\u00a0By law, the number is to be displayed\u00a0on both sides of the vehicle in bold lettering and contrasting color to the surface it is applied to.If the truck has one or more flat tires, find and record the tires\u2019 DOT number. Sometimes, faulty tires contribute to truck accidents, and we can seek compensation for an injured client from the tire manufacturer.Seek Medical Care for Truck Accident InjuriesIf EMTs respond to the accident and suggest you go to the emergency room, let them take you to the hospital. Even if you have minor injuries or do not feel injured, it is important to see a doctor within 24 hours of the accident. Some injuries, especially head and brain injuries, may not seem to be significant but can cause serious complications later.A doctor\u2019s exam will ensure you get the medical care you need and document your injuries for a truck accident claim. Be sure to tell your doctor about the accident and to follow all orders for additional appointments and care.In most cases, the majority of \u201cdamages\u201d (compensation) recovered in a truck accident claim will be for medical expenses.Seek Legal Representation After a Semi-Truck AccidentAn\u00a0experienced Raleigh truck accident lawyer from Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. can investigate the accident and your injuries. We can then guide you through the complex process of pursuing fair compensation for serious injuries caused by a large truck.A truck accident may have multiple responsible parties and require filing claims with several insurance companies. Potentially responsible parties in an 18-wheeler crash include:The truck driverThe trucking companyThe owner of the trailer,The cargo shipperThe company that loaded the cargoThe manufacturer of truck components that failed, such as brakes or tiresOur lawyers will maximize the compensation available to you by identifying all parties responsible for the truck accident you were in. We\u2019ll also\u00a0calculate the full extent of your losses\u00a0from the truck accident, including the cost of yourMedical expensesLost incomeProper damages for your pain and sufferingCosts to repair or replace your vehicleIf you have suffered disabling injuries, we will demand compensation for your:Future medical and rehabilitation expensesCosts to remodel your house to make it accessibleReduced earning capacityThe compassionate and experienced legal team at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. understands how much a serious injury disrupts an accident victim\u2019s life and their family\u2019s. You may be struggling with pain, financial stress, and an uncertain future, but we can help you regain control by providing you with quality legal representation and hands-on attention.Get in Touch with Our Truck Accident AttorneysAt Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A., our semi-truck accident attorneys represent clients from across North Carolina who have suffered significant injuries in commercial truck crashes. We can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other costs and losses. In the meantime, we understand your challenges and will provide you with the care and personal attention you deserve. Our law firm has fluent Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff who can ensure your needs get appropriate attention.Reach out to Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. in Raleigh, N.C., to discuss your legal options with an experienced North Carolina truck accident attorney.CONTACT US TODAY(877) 287-5385 | (919) 351-8765About the AuthorDavid E. VtipilDavid Vtipil is an attorney at Younce, Vtipil, Baznik & Banks, P.A. and concentrates his law practice on personal injury and workers' compensation. David E. Vtipil was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 21st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America\u00a0in the field of Workers\u2019 Compensation Law."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What to Do After a Truck Accident in North Carolina","item":"https:\/\/www.attorneync.com\/blog\/what-to-do-after-a-truck-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]