Shelby Truck Driver Injury Lawyer

Shelby Truck Driver Injury Attorney

Across the state, North Carolinians rely on commercial trucks to carry essential items each day. However, working as a truck driver can quickly become hazardous. If you’re hurt while working, you may be entitled to injury compensation under North Carolina law. For help, contact an experienced Shelby truck driver injury lawyer. Bobby L. Bollinger Jr. from The Bollinger Law Firm, PC, can help discuss your legal recovery options.

The Bollinger Law Firm, PC, proudly represents injured truck drivers in Shelby and the surrounding communities. We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and move forward after an unexpected work-related accident. Contact our office right away to set up an initial meeting.

NC Workers’ Compensation Basics

If you were hurt in a work-related incident as a truck driver, you should file a North Carolina workers’ compensation claim for insurance benefits. All trucking companies are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance to cover employee injuries and work-related illnesses.

Many people erroneously think that workers’ compensation kicks in automatically after a workplace accident. However, that’s simply not true. You must actively file for your own North Carolina workers’ compensation benefits. Also, you typically must demonstrate that your trucking incident or illness was related to your work. Some employers dispute coverage, which can create significant challenges for employees who are also trying to recover from an accident.

If you need help with workers’ compensation and the complicated filing process, contact an attorney with experience helping other injured workers with their benefits claims. They can assist with reviewing your legal recovery options and exploring the value of your benefits claim. An attorney can investigate your injury or illness, help with filing your claim, negotiate the value of your claim, and protect your rights under North Carolina’s laws.

Shelby Trucking Accidents

There are some areas in Shelby that are known as truck accident hotspots, or areas where truck collisions are more likely to happen. These local hotspots include:

• S. Highway 74 (East Dixon Boulevard). This is a notable area for truck accidents in Shelby.
• S. Highway 74 (East Marion Street). This intersection is considered high-risk due to significant traffic volume and potential frequent traffic signal violations.
• S. 74 West (Dekalb Street). This corridor is a recurring problem area for truck-involved incidents as well.
• North Carolina highways, like I-95 and I-74. These highways are identified as truck accident hotspots due to high traffic volumes, sharp curves, and a heavy commercial truck presence.

When commercial vehicles travel through these hotspots, there’s a higher likelihood of accidents happening. As a commercial truck driver, it’s important to exercise additional care when driving through these areas.

North Carolina Truck Accident Data

The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that in 2023, traffic collisions increased by a rate of 3.8 percent. Across the state, there were approximately 284,157 crashes reported, with 115,009 residents injured and 1,686 people killed. About 35% of fatal truck crashes occurred on highways.

In Cleveland County specifically, there were 21 people killed during traffic-related accidents. U.S. 74 along East Marion Street and the areas west of Shelby appear to be major hotspots for truck-related incidents. If you frequent these areas, you can check out real-time accident and traffic information by visiting the North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

As a commercial truck driver, you should drive cautiously throughout North Carolina and in Cleveland County. If you need help after being involved in an accident as a truck driver, contact a trusted Shelby lawyer to discuss your first steps toward collecting workers’ compensation benefits and to hear about your legal rights as an accident victim.

FAQs

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident in Shelby, NC?

A: If you’re driving your truck in Shelby and are involved in an accident, immediately call 911 and wait for emergency responders to provide help. Exchange contact information with any witnesses and anyone involved in the accident. Try to take photographs and videos of your injuries, vehicle damage, and the scene.

After you get medical care, one of your first calls should be to a lawyer to discuss workers’ compensation and your injury compensation.

Q: What Happens if I Was Misclassified as an Independent Contractor?

A: If you were misclassified as an independent contractor, it can impact your ability to recover from your accident under North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system. Typically, only full-time employees, and not independent contractors, can receive workers’ compensation benefits.

As a result, some employers misclassify their employees as contractors to avoid paying benefits. Unfortunately, some employees are unaware of a misclassification until they file for benefits. A lawyer can help you determine if you were misclassified for the purpose of collecting benefits.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Truck Driver Injury Attorney?

A: Hire an attorney to help build your recovery claim. They can:

• Assist with your workers’ compensation claim throughout the process, including filing your paperwork correctly and in a timely manner
• Investigate the trucking accident by gathering evidence like maintenance records, truck driver logs, and available accident reports
• Determine liability, including identifying any other potentially responsible parties
• Help pursue compensation for a truck driver’s injuries, lost wages, and other damages

Contact an attorney who focuses on both workers’ compensation and truck accidents.

Q: Do Truck Accidents Tend to Happen at Certain Times?

A: Yes, truck accidents tend to happen at certain times. The National Safety Council noted that in 2023, many trucking accidents tended to happen in October. Also, more dangerous accidents happened on average on Tuesdays between noon and 3:00 P.M. Approximately 9 percent of all fatal traffic-related accidents in this country involved commercial vehicles. As a result, it’s worth driving with extra care during these times.

Contact The Bollinger Law Firm, PC

If you were injured on the job as a commercial truck driver, it’s important to contact an attorney with experience helping clients with filing for workers’ compensation and with a proficient reputation at the Cleveland County Courthouse. For reliable help, contact The Bollinger Law Firm, PC. We provide comprehensive legal assistance after serious trucking accidents.

We zealously fight for the compensation our North Carolina clients need to move forward after an accident. Contact The Bollinger Law Firm, PC, to schedule your initial consultation with a trusted truck driver injury lawyer.