It only takes a second.
You’re cruising down I-40. Then—screeching brakes, metal crunching, glass shattering. The semi that was in the next lane is suddenly in your lane. And your life just changed.
Truck accidents in North Carolina aren’t just terrifying—they’re legally complex. You’re not just dealing with one driver. You’re potentially up against a corporation, their insurance team, their lawyers, and a maze of federal and state regulations.
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, what you do next can make or break your injury claim. Here’s what North Carolina truck accident attorneys say you must do to protect your health, your rights, and your case.
1. Call 911—Even If It Feels “Handled”
First things first: report the accident. Always. Even if you feel okay. Even if the truck driver seems cooperative.
Police documentation is step one in building your case. An official accident report becomes vital evidence when insurance companies start pointing fingers or downplaying what happened.
Tell the officer exactly what you remember, but avoid guessing or speculating. (“I’m not sure” is better than a wrong guess.)
2. Get Medical Attention—Immediately
Even if you think you’re fine. Even if you’d “rather not make a fuss.”
Here’s the truth: injuries from truck accidents often show up hours or days later. Adrenaline masks pain. And that stiff neck could be a spinal injury in disguise.
Seeing a doctor creates a medical record—and that record is a powerful piece of evidence. Insurance adjusters love to argue, “If it was that serious, why didn’t they get help right away?”
Don’t give them that opening.
3. Document Everything (Yes, Everything)
Once you’re safe, become your own investigator.
- Take photos of your car, the truck, road conditions, signs, skid marks—everything.
- Get names, phone numbers, and insurance info from the truck driver.
- Collect contact info for any witnesses.
- Save your clothes if they were torn or bloodied—they may serve as evidence later.
If you’re too injured to do this, ask a bystander or a family member to help. You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Don’t Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance—Yet
This is crucial: the trucking company’s insurance rep is not your friend.
They might sound polite. Sympathetic, even. But their job is to minimize what they pay out—and ideally, to get you to say something that weakens your case.
Anything you say can be twisted. So if they call? Politely decline to comment and tell them your attorney will be in touch.
5. Avoid Social Media (Seriously)
It’s tempting to vent online. A dramatic post. A selfie from the ER. A “thankful to be alive” story.
Don’t do it.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers monitor social media. That smiling photo you post today could be used to argue that your injuries “aren’t that bad.”
Until your case is settled, treat your social media like a courtroom. Stay silent.
6. Preserve the Evidence—Before It Disappears
Unlike regular car accidents, truck accidents involve federal safety regulations and complex vehicle data—logbooks, GPS data, maintenance records, and more.
The problem? Trucking companies only have to keep some of this evidence for a short time. After that, they can destroy or “lose” it.
North Carolina truck accident attorneys know how to send a spoliation letter—a legal notice that forces the company to preserve crucial evidence. The sooner that letter is sent, the better your chances of building a strong claim.
7. Get Legal Help—ASAP
Here’s the deal: the trucking industry is heavily insured, legally fortified, and often ruthless in minimizing claims.
To stand a chance, you need someone on your side who understands:
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
- North Carolina’s contributory negligence laws
- How to uncover violations like driver fatigue, drug use, or falsified logs
- What your claim is really worth—not just today, but in the long-term
An experienced attorney will also deal with medical bills, lost wages, insurance filings, and negotiating the final settlement. That means you focus on healing, while they handle the hard part.
And if a fair settlement isn’t offered? They’ll be ready to take your case to trial.
8. Know the Clock Is Ticking
In North Carolina, you typically have three years to file a personal injury claim—but that doesn’t mean you should wait.
Witness memories fade. Evidence disappears. And insurance companies act fast to protect themselves.
The best time to call a lawyer? Right after your crash—or as soon as you’re medically able.
Final Thought: You’re Not Powerless
Getting hit by an 80,000-pound truck feels like the end of control. But it’s not. The actions you take in the hours, days, and weeks that follow can shift the outcome in your favor.
Don’t guess your way through this. Don’t go it alone. And don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Your recovery starts with the right first step.
