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May 26, 2026
Being in any sort of vehicular accident can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience that leaves you with severe injuries and lifelong trauma. However, being in a truck accident can be so much worse. The size and power of a semitruck can cause catastrophic accidents, especially if the accident were to happen on a busy highway during peak traffic hours. You should know what to do after a truck accident in Charlotte, NC. A good lawyer can help you seek damages.
Hiring an experienced Charlotte truck accident attorney can be the most important decision you make throughout this ordeal. A truck accident case can be tough to navigate on your own, especially if you don’t know where to start or how to file an accident claim. The state’s truck accident laws include contributory negligence, which can hurt your case. Steven T. Meier has decades of experience with personal injury claims like yours. He can help you make a plan.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Charlotte
If you are seriously injured in a truck accident in Charlotte, the EMTs will likely take you to Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, which has the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the region. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the location of your accident, you could be taken to Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center or Atrium Health Mercy. In 2024, there were 284,546 reportable crashes in the state. The medical staff will be prepared for your case.
You should always keep in mind that the actions you take following a truck accident will be reflected in the accident report and in your accident claim, so you should try to move forward with a clear head. In 2025, 5,303 large trucks were involved in both fatal and non-fatal crashes throughout the state. These accidents are common and frequently result in terrible injuries. Here are some steps you can take after a truck accident to protect yourself and your eventual claim:
- Stay Calm: It may be hard to do, but you should try your hardest to stay calm. The last thing you want to do here is panic, as that would only make things worse for everyone, particularly you. Feeling scared is totally valid, as you were just in a serious accident. Still, you should take a few moments to compose yourself, take some deep breaths, and assess your situation.
- Check Everyone For Injuries: Truck accidents often cause serious injuries. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, you may be in a state of shock, which can make it difficult to know if you’ve been injured. Start checking your body for injuries, then check any passengers. Look for red spots, blood, bruising, sprains, and protrusions. If you feel pain, but you can’t find a visible injury, tell the EMTs as soon as they arrive.
- Don’t Flee The Scene: One of the worst things you could do for your case is flee the scene of an accident, especially a bad one. North Carolina state law prohibits anyone from leaving the scene of a vehicular accident if they were involved in the crash or the crash resulted in serious bodily injury or death. Simply remain at the accident scene until the police tell you that you can leave.
- Call 911: You need to get police and EMTs to the accident scene as quickly as possible. When the police arrive, they will want to get your statement. Whatever you do, don’t accept any blame for the accident. Doing so will jeopardize your accident claim due to the state’s contributory negligence laws. Don’t lie to the police, and don’t embellish things.
- Document The Scene: Once the police have cleared the scene, you can start documenting things for your own records. Take plenty of photos of the damage, including your own injuries and the damage to your car. Make sure you exchange insurance and contact info with the truck driver. Get the number of the trucking company and their insurance carrier. Speak with any witnesses who may be willing to provide a statement.
- Contact a Lawyer: Finally, once you’ve seen a doctor and contacted your insurance carrier, you should hire a truck accident lawyer to help you build your case for damages.
FAQs
What Is the 60/70 Rule in Trucking?
The 60/70 rule in trucking refers to a strict federal regulation that restricts commercial truck drivers from driving after 60 straight hours on duty within seven consecutive days or 70 straight hours on duty within eight consecutive days. This rule is in place to force truck drivers to rest and prevent them from becoming dangerously fatigued, which can lead to destructive accidents.
How Much Can I Get From a Truck Accident Settlement?
The amount you can get from a truck accident settlement can vary. Every truck accident case is different, and each case has its own unique factors that directly influence the settlement. Many truck accident settlements are worth millions, simply because the trucking company is willing to pay to avoid the public scandal of a trial. Some factors that influence the settlement are the severity of your injuries and any evidence you have of negligence.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Settlement Take?
There is no way to know how long your truck and car accident settlement will take to finalize. Some cases may be finished within a few months. The more complex ones can take over a year to see through to the end. You’ll have to take into account your medical recovery, the investigation into the accident, and the willingness of the trucking company to reach a compromise. Every case takes as long as it needs to take.
What Is Considered an Acceptable Settlement Amount?
An acceptable settlement amount to one person may be totally unacceptable to another person. You don’t have to accept a settlement offer that you feel is insulting or fails to represent everything you’ve been through. Your lawyer can advise you on what a decent offer might look like, and they can counteroffer with an amount that’s closer to that. Ultimately, you should accept whatever you are comfortable with.
Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Steven T. Meier, PLLC, we can guide your case and help you get a decent settlement. Contact us to speak with a member of our team today.
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