Tractor Trailer Accidents

Any collision with a truck can be very devastating. And the cases resulting from them can be very complex and hard-fought, as insurance companies and trucking companies fight hard to avoid paying large settlements and verdicts.

The Law Offices of C. Douglas Maynard, Jr., PLLC can fight back. We offer free initial consultations to families whose loved ones have suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Although headquartered in Winston-Salem, our practice extends to accidents occurring on roads throughout North Carolina, including I-40, I-77, I-73, I-74, I-85, I-74, I-95, I-240, I-285, I- 440, I-485, I-495, I-587, Hwy 220, Hwy 421, Hwy 52, and more. Contact us immediately.

How Truck / Tractor-Trailer Wreck Cases Work

Any time you sue to get compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, etc., you are a plaintiff in an auto accident case. Your opponents are defendants, and in truck accident involving a commercial motor vehicle there are often multiple defendants: a truck driver, a trucking company, shipper, and / or broker, and possibly multiple insurance companies.

As soon as an accident involving a semi-truck takes place, truck drivers are required to call it in. The insurance company then immediately sends an adjuster, attorney and /or an accident reconstructionist to the scene. This can give the trucking and insurance companies a huge jump on attorneys representing the other people involved.

The insurance company and trucking company will try to gather evidence that supports their side — you need someone who will build a case for you. In North Carolina, if you cannot prove that you were not at fault for an accident, you cannot collect. The sooner you get a lawyer working on your behalf, the better your case will be. Failure to hire an attorney immediately may result in valuable evidence being lost.

Insurance Coverage Limits

The limit for tractor trailer insurance is at least $750,000. If hazardous materials at involve, the limit required is higher. Frequently, truckers carry more insurance coverage than the minimum required. Depending on the facts of the case there may be additional coverage through the trailer (in addition to the tractor unit), the broker, and the shipper. This amount can cover everything from pain and suffering, lost wages, permanency, medical bill to funeral costs.

Homework, Satisfaction, Attention

"I was referred to The law Office of Douglas Maynard Jr. from another attorney who said Doug was the man for the job. As I soon found out, he was the man for for the job. My case was an interesting one. His office did a great job throughout my whole case and and dug through every law that may have pertain to my case.

Doug did his homework and it was proven in the settlement!

He went out of his way to make sure his client was 100% satisfied, which I am. I would definitely recommend his firm. His staff was always there what I needed to find out any details. I feel the one-on-one attention I received made me feel relaxed in a tense situation. Thanks, Doug!"

– J.K.

A Testament of Gratitude

"I could actually write a book on how much Mr. Maynard's office has help me through the years. My story and journey with Doug's office started in 2004, they have stuck with me though the highs and lows of my ordeal. Everyone in his office has worked tirelessly through the years to make sure my Workers Comp medical bills were always paid, and I received my checks for my salary. Jeannie the office Paralegal would actually call and check on me if I hadn't called the office in a while. My case finally settled this year with what I think is an amazing outcome.

I would recommend, Mr. Maynard's help to anyone and everyone, so if you want to be treated seriously and with the utmost respect, I would call Mr. Maynard and his Staff. I can't thank them enough."

Types of Evidence

For example, you need a lawyer demanding access to black box evidence. All major big rigs have black boxes that record what happens and are built to survive accidents. Also, truck companies track the movement of tractor trailers and other delivery vehicles by satellite and keep careful logs -- but if your lawyer does not get this evidence within a short period of time the company will destroy it.

This type of information often reveals that truck drivers or companies were violating regulations. There are many federal motor carrier safety regulations governing the actions of the trucking industry, governing everything from driver fatigue to maintenance. If it turns out that an accident was due to a violation of trucking regulations, the case can turn dramatically in your favor.

At the Law Offices of C. Douglas Maynard, Jr., PLLC, we fight hard to get black box and tracking device information. We also hire accident reconstructionists, human factors experts, medical experts, etc. Our attorneys use all this evidence, along with their own extensive knowledge, and build a strong case for each client.

Tractor Trailer Accidents

How Truck / Tractor-Trailer Wreck Cases Work

Insurance Coverage Limits

Extensive Background in Injury and Insurance

Have You Been Injured in a Car Wreck?

concern for clients

Homework, Satisfaction, Attention

A Testament of Gratitude

Types of Evidence

Do you know what your accident report means?