Driving a U-Haul truck does not require any special licensing, which means that these large vehicles are often operated by people inexperienced with handling trucks of this size.
Because of this, accidents are common and frequently serious. If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a U-Haul truck, contact a U–Haul truck accident lawyer in Charlotte immediately.
At Auger & Auger, we’ve been advocating for injury victims in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina since 1995. Our attorneys bring an average of 19 years of personal injury experience each and are deeply familiar with the unique challenges that U-Haul truck accident cases present.
Set up a free case review today to learn how a Charlotte moving truck accident lawyer can help.
What A Charlotte U-haul Truck Accident Attorney Will Do For You
When you work with a Charlotte truck accident lawyer after being hurt in a U-Haul truck accident, they’ll take immediate steps to protect your rights and build a strong claim.
Determining liability in these cases can be challenging, but fortunately, an experienced attorney will know what to look for when deciding who is to blame.
Investigating the crash thoroughly is one of the first and most important steps in the legal process. Your attorney may do the following as part of their investigation:
- Visit the accident scene to take photos and document any relevant conditions that may have contributed to the crash
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the collision occurred
- Gather and analyze police reports and other official records
- Interview witnesses who saw the crash or its aftermath
- Review footage from traffic or security cameras, if available
- Review your medical records and consult medical professionals to understand the extent of your injuries
- Examine maintenance records or rental agreements related to the U-Haul vehicle
After collecting and reviewing all relevant evidence, your attorney will assess the full extent of your financial and emotional damages. From there, they may file an insurance claim or initiate a lawsuit on your behalf and proceed to prepare your case for a potential trial.
Throughout the process, your lawyer will work to negotiate a settlement that covers all your losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, they’ll take your case to court and advocate aggressively for your rights.
Understanding North Carolina’s Contributory Negligence Law
When pursuing compensation after a U-Haul truck accident, it is important to understand that North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule, which can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation after a U-Haul truck accident. Under this rule, you are barred from pursuing damages if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the crash.
This harsh legal standard makes it especially important to hire a skilled Charlotte personal injury lawyer who can build a compelling case and prove that the other party was entirely at fault.
Don’t Miss The Filing Deadline When Attempting To Recover Compensation After A U-haul Truck Accident
When considering your options for pursuing compensation after a U-Haul truck accident in Charlotte, it is critical that you pay attention to all applicable deadlines.
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to seek compensation entirely.
However, some exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances, which is why it’s critical to consult a lawyer, even if you believe the filing deadline has passed.
At the same time, exceptions can place further limitations on the amount of time you have to take legal action. Your lawyer can identify any exceptions that may apply and ensure you meet all deadlines.
Acting quickly also puts your U-Haul truck accident attorney serving Charlotte in the best position to build a strong case in support of your claim. They will have a better chance of preserving key evidence before it can become lost or corrupted and securing eyewitness accounts while they are still fresh.
Types Of Compensation Available After A U-haul Truck Accident
Accidents involving large rental vehicles like U-Haul trucks can cause substantial financial and emotional harm. You will likely be eligible to pursue a wide range of damages after a crash, and determining all the damages that apply is critical for recovering the full value of your claim. A seasoned attorney will help identify all the damages you may be entitled to recover.
All compensatory damages available in your case can be split into the subcategories of economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover measurable, out-of-pocket losses that affect your financial future. Some of the most commonly available economic damages in U-Haul truck accident cases include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Property damage
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for the personal impact of your injuries. Due to the intangible nature of these losses, assessing their value can prove challenging.
Some of the most commonly available non-economic damages in U-Haul truck accident cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Permanent disability
- Loss of companionship or support
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are also available in a small percentage of cases. In cases where the liable party acted with gross negligence or intended to cause harm, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
An experienced U-Haul truck accident lawyer serving Charlotte can help you determine whether punitive damages apply.
Speak With A U-haul Truck Accident Attorney In Charlotte Today
If you’ve been hurt in a U-Haul truck accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The consequences of these accidents can be long-lasting, and pursuing compensation without the right representation can put your future at risk.
At Auger & Auger, our team is dedicated to helping accident victims handle the legal system and get the financial recovery they deserve.
The sole focus of our firm is personal injury, and we have been helping injury victims hold those liable for their damages accountable for decades.
We understand the impact of your accident and will fight aggressively on your behalf while offering personal attention. Contact us for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
