Hickory Truck Accident Lawyers

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Hickory Truck Accident Lawyers

Any motor vehicle accident can require an attorney to represent the victim’s rights. Accidents involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers, however, bring more complexity around liability. It’s also harder to determine responsible parties since commercial vehicles are subject to special laws and regulations. Accidents involving commercial trucks are often more severe because of the size of the vehicle. These accidents require an attorney with special experience and knowledge. One party’s negligence can have physical, financial, and mental effects on the other party. Injury victims should focus on their recovery. Hire a specialized attorney who can navigate the complexities of a tractor-trailer case. A Hickory truck accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf and help you make decisions based on facts instead of emotions. An attorney with experience in this highly specialized area of law can guide your case to a fair settlement. You want to get a settlement that will compensate you or a family member for any present and future needs.

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Why do I need a truck accident lawyer in Hickory?

Personal injury and property damage from accidents involving large trucks are often substantial, and cases are typically more complex. They become even more complicated when commercial trucks are involved. Personal injury attorneys investigate the truck driver and the employer. They find facts about the driver’s employment and training. They also investigate the number of hours the driver worked and the truck’s condition involved in the accident.

Commercial truck drivers have strict standards to follow. These standards determine whether a vehicle is roadworthy. They also address how the truck is loaded. Laws say how many hours the driver can operate the truck in a day. Because commercial trucks are so big, accidents they’re involved in can be dangerous and result in severe, life-changing injuries or even death. The people involved might have short-term and long-term medical needs. Therefore, trucks and their drivers are held to higher standards than average motorists.

A Hickory truck accident lawyer will investigate the factors involved in your accident and protect your rights. These cases’ complexity adds to the importance of getting an attorney to represent your interests. A truck accident lawyer is essential for accidents resulting in severe injuries. These injuries might lead to long-term medical care or loss of potential income. Cases might call for punitive damages for pain and suffering if the responsible party was negligent.

Hickory truck accident attorneys can identify responsible parties and key facts showing responsibility. This can be incredibly complex for commercial vehicles. Incidents that involve multiple injured parties also require attorneys to advocate for the injured parties. Truck accident attorneys have experience communicating with insurance companies. Victims and their families should provide their attorney with all the details they can about the accident. They should also share any recordings, photos, or documentation they have to build a strong case.
Truck accident cases often get settled out of court through negotiations. Other outcomes include jury trials and alternative dispute resolutions (ADRs). ADRs result in a final decision by a facilitator and a panel of about three people.

An overturned big-rig truck on the side of the highway after a jackknife truck accident.

How much does a Hickory truck accident lawyer cost?

Truck accident lawyers typically work on contingency. Contingency means they only get paid if they settle the case successfully. Fees can range from 25% to 40% of the final settlement. The most common fee is 33%. Truck accident lawyers might reduce the contingency fee for strong cases with severe injuries. Related fees get taken out of the settlement amount. Related fees include investigation costs, attorney fees, expert witness fees, court costs, and other expenses. The law firm handling the case processes the settlement check and pays all parties.

Personal injury lawyer fees can also vary depending on the time it takes to resolve a case. Sliding scales can mean lower fees if a case settles quickly. Cases that require a jury trial will require higher fees. If the case requires extra work, the fees will be higher. Accident victims might be responsible for added costs such as separate court fees or document filing fees.

What should I look for in a Hickory truck accident attorney?

When seeking a truck injury lawyer, consider other factors beyond the basic criteria. Hickory tractor-trailer accident lawyers should understand these cases’ unique laws and regulations.

A truck accident attorney will investigate the accident to find important details that can help resolve your case. They will keep you updated on the status of your case while you and your family concentrate on your recovery. A truck accident lawyer focuses on cooperation among the parties. The parties include the insurance companies, other attorneys, and the responsible driver. During the discovery phase, both sides share documentation and facts freely.

To build a strong case, truck accident attorneys should have experience conducting investigations. They need to fill in the blanks where insurance or police investigations are missing information. Cases involving large commercial vehicles will have more complex needs. They might require the help of expert witnesses or accident reconstruction. The attorney will also watch for any evidence that appears online. This includes social media postings and other sources.

Look for a truck accident attorney who has experience in complex accidents involving large commercial vehicles. You want one that seeks the most efficient and fair way to resolve your case, so you can get compensated for your losses.

Large semi-trucks awaiting inspection outside of a large service station.

How does liability work for truck accidents in Hickory, NC?

Like other motor vehicle accidents, liability is a key factor in who pays for damages. A thorough investigation should include assessing the accident scene. It will also include reviewing police documentation and getting information from witnesses. Truck accidents call for the driver and the driver’s employer to be investigated as well. Both truckers and their employers can be liable in these cases.

Truck driver training and the number of hours the driver worked on the day of the accident are important factors. Drivers require specific training and must follow many more regulations than regular motorists. These regulations address the number of hours a day they can drive. The truck’s condition might also be a cause of an accident. Inspection records and evidence of mechanical issues could provide more proof of liability. Liability affects settlements significantly.

A truck accident lawyer will confirm that the truck driver is qualified. This can be done by requesting a driver qualification file from the employer, which is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It includes driver history, records, and medical information. The attorney will check the electronic on-board recorder or electronic logging device. Attorneys or their investigators might also examine the scene of the accident and the truck involved. Accident reports from the National Transportation Safety Board might also be part of a case.

Attorneys need to determine the trucking company’s relationship with the driver to determine who is liable. Sometimes companies own the vehicles. Other times truck drivers own the trucks. Drivers might be direct employees or contractors, so an attorney must determine the liable party.

What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

Truck accidents can happen anytime. The most common causes of truck accidents in Hickory, however, include:

  • Inattentive driving. Drivers can be distracted by everything from in-person conversations to texting. If a truck driver isn’t paying attention to the road ahead, the chances of an accident happening increase. Truck drivers need to focus on their driving above all else.
  • Reckless driving. Speeding, swerving in and out of traffic, and tailgating are all factors that can contribute to truck accidents. Truck drivers who drive aggressively increase their chances of causing an accident.
  • Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can slow drivers’ reflexes and reaction times. Drivers also shouldn’t get behind the wheel if they’re very tired, which is another type of impaired driving.
  • Shifting cargo. If the truck’s load isn’t tied properly, it might move during a turn or stop. This shift in cargo weight can cause the truck to swerve or overturn, resulting in an accident.
  • Poor maintenance. Many trucks are hazardous because of poor maintenance. If a truck breaks down on the road, it increases the chances of an accident occurring.
A truck accident causes highway traffic to come to a standstill in both directions.

Contact Our Truck Accident Attorneys in Hickory, NC.

Find an experienced Hickory truck accident lawyer soon after a truck accident. These large vehicles often cause severe accidents.  Attorneys representing victims of commercial vehicle accidents must have experience investigating drivers. They might also need to look at the employers and the trucks involved. Truck accident cases are more complex than regular vehicle accidents. The complexity comes from the laws around liability, driver regulations, and vehicle inspections.

If you or a family member are the victims of a truck accident, contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor P.C. for a free consultation. Our team has the experience needed to get you the settlement you deserve.

120 3rd St NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 327-9004
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

 

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120 3rd St NE
Hickory, NC 28601

Phone: (828) 327-9004
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

301 S McDowell St #1016
Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: (704) 676-1093
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

130 Church St NE
Concord, NC 28025

Phone: (704) 787-9419
Toll Free: (800) 351-3008

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Rock Hill, SC 29732

Phone: (803) 980-5300
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The Law Offices of
Jason E. Taylor, P.C.
Hickory Injury Lawyers & Attorneys at Law

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Notice of Data Security Event
Updated March 28, 2025

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor is providing notice of an event that may affect certain individuals’ information. Although we have no indication of identity theft or fraud in relation to this event, we are providing information about the event, our response, and additional measures individuals can take to help protect their information, should they feel it appropriate to do so.

What Happened? On October 28, 2024, The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor identified suspicious activity related to our email system. We quickly took steps to investigate and determined that an unknown actor may have accessed certain emails within our email system between August 7 and November 7, 2024. We then conducted a comprehensive review of the potentially affected emails and attachments to determine what information was contained therein and to whom the information related, which was completed on February 25, 2025. Unfortunately, we were unable to verify the addresses of certain affected individuals, so we are providing this notice to ensure potentially affected individuals receive information about the event.

What Information Was Involved? The information affected may include individuals’ Social Security number, driver’s license and state ID information, financial account number, and health information.

What We Are Doing. We are notifying individuals about this matter and providing guidance about free resources that are available to assist with monitoring relevant accounts, credit reports, and how to place a fraud alert or security freeze on one’s credit file. Further, as with our typical security practices, we will continue to evaluate our policies, procedures, staff training, and technical security measures to reduce the likelihood of an event like this reoccurring.

What Individuals Can Do. We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements and monitoring your free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors. We also recommend you review the below “Steps Individuals Can Take To Help Protect Personal Information”.

For More Information. If individuals have questions about this matter, we have a dedicated assistance line with agents ready to answer their questions. Please contact our toll-free dedicated assistance line at 1-800-939-4170, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m., excluding holidays. You may also write to us at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, Attn: Compliance, P.O. Box 2688, Hickory, NC 28603.

Sincerely,

The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor

STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT PERSONAL INFORMATION

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a 1-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if they are a victim of identity theft.

Should consumers wish to place a credit freeze or fraud alert, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services/ https://www.experian.com/help/

https://www.transunion.com/credit-help
1-888-298-0045 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
Equifax Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 105069 Atlanta, GA 30348-5069 Experian Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Fraud Alert, P.O. Box 2000, Chester, PA 19016
Equifax Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 105788 Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 Experian Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013 TransUnion Credit Freeze, P.O. Box 160, Woodlyn, PA 19094

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect their personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state attorney general. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state attorney general. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For District of Columbia residents, the District of Columbia Attorney General may be contacted at: 400 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001; 1-202-442-9828; and oag.dc.gov.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/.

For New Mexico residents, consumers have rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, such as the right to be told if information in their credit file has been used against them, the right to know what is in their credit file, the right to ask for their credit score, and the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. Further, pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the consumer reporting bureaus must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information; consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information; access to consumers’ files is limited; consumers must give consent for credit reports to be provided to employers; consumers may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance based on information in their credit report; and consumers may seek damages from violators. Consumers may have additional rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act not summarized here. Identity theft victims and active-duty military personnel have specific additional rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. We encourage consumers to review their rights pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act by visiting www.consumerfinance.gov/f/201504_cfpb_summary_your-rights-under-fcra.pdf, or by writing Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.

For North Carolina residents, the North Carolina Attorney General may be contacted at: 9001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-9001; 1-877-566-7226 or 1-919-716-6000; and www.ncdoj.gov.

For Rhode Island residents, the Rhode Island Attorney General may be reached at: 150 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903; 1-401-274-4400; and www.riag.ri.gov. Under Rhode Island law, individuals have the right to obtain any police report filed in regard to this event.
STEPS INDIVIDUALS CAN TAKE TO HELP PROTECT A MINOR DEPENDENT’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

Typically, credit reporting agencies do not have a credit report in a minor’s name. To find out if a minor has a credit report or to request a manual search for a minor’s Social Security number each credit bureau has its own process. To learn more about these processes or request these services, consumers may contact the credit bureaus by phone, writing, or online:
Equifax Experian TransUnion
https://www.equifax.com/personal/help/article-list/-/h/a/request-child-credit-report/
https://www.experian.com/help/minor-request.html
https://www.transunion.com/fraud-victim-resources/child-identity-theft

1-800-685-1111 1-888-397-3742 1-800-916-8800
P.O. Box 105788
Atlanta, GA 30348-5788 P.O. Box 9554
Allen, TX 75013 P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19016

To request information about the existence of a credit file in a minor’s name, search for a minor’s Social Security number, place a security freeze or fraud alert on a minor’s credit report (if one exists), or request a copy of a minor’s credit report consumers may be required to provide the following information:
● A copy of their driver’s license or another government issued identification card, such as a state identification card, etc.;
● Proof of address, such as a copy of a bank statement, utility bill, insurance statement, etc.;
● A copy of the minor’s birth certificate;
● A copy of the minor’s Social Security card;
● The minor’s full name, including middle initial and generation, such as JR, SR, II, III, etc.;
● The minor’s date of birth; and
● The minor’s previous addresses for the past two years.

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