Wrongful Death From a North Carolina Semi-Truck Collision

Losing a loved one to a commercial truck collision is one of the most traumatizing experiences a family can face. It can feel confusing and anger-inducing trying to navigate the law while also grieving a devastating loss. Wrongful death from a North Carolina semi-truck collision often results in a sudden and permanent loss, typically caused by preventable actions such as driver fatigue, improper maintenance, or speeding.

Wanting to seek compensation and justice for your loved one is a natural feeling. You deserve to do so and have the legal right to open a case. Consulting a trusted, compassionate attorney is a vital next step in any wrongful death case.

Hire a Wrongful Death Attorney in North Carolina

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., has represented families across North Carolina in wrongful death cases for over 30 years. Attorney William T. Corbett, Jr., is extremely familiar with local courts, being a Mooresville resident himself. As a father and husband, he understands how much a wrongful death can impact the entire family.

Our firm is committed to holding negligent parties accountable and guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. Attorney Corbett approaches every client with the empathy they deserve. We offer free consultations to grieving families to discuss their case details in detail.

Understanding North Carolina Wrongful Death Laws

A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when loaded, which is about 20 times heavier than the average car. This weight difference makes truck accidents much more dangerous. Accidents often lead to death for people in smaller vehicles. In North Carolina, there were 3,567 semi-truck and trailer crashes in 2023.

Because of the nature of being a long-haul driver, mistakes are unfortunately common. This can include fatigue from driving for long hours and meeting delivery deadlines or failing to brake in time.

In North Carolina, if a person dies because of someone else’s carelessness, recklessness, or intentional act, their family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims allow families to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses.

In some cases, additional money may be awarded as punishment if the party responsible acted with extreme recklessness or malice. For example, if a truck driver was under the influence of drugs during the crash, the court might award compensation to the victim’s family to punish that behavior and discourage others from doing the same.

Each claim depends on the unique facts of the case and the harm done to the family. If the case is successful, the money awarded as compensation is first used to pay for reasonable case expenses and attorney fees. The amount left over is then distributed to the surviving family. Some examples of damages that may be recovered include the following:

• The victim’s medical bills
• Funeral and burial costs
• Pain and suffering the victim experienced before passing away
• Loss of income, services, companionship, and support

Courts allow many types of evidence to show how the loss has affected the family. This could include documents like:

• Pay stubs
• Medical bills
• Witness testimony from those who knew the deceased

Working closely with a North Carolina wrongful death attorney can help you throughout the entire legal process.

Why Choose Us

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., understands the trauma involved in wrongful death cases. Of the total number of large truck crashes in the United States in 2022, 66% of those who died were not occupants of the truck itself.

Mr. Corbett has more than 30 years of courtroom experience and has handled hundreds of civil jury trials. As a longtime resident of Mooresville, he cares deeply for his community and wants to help protect the rights of North Carolinians.

Mr. Corbett approaches every case with his personal experience as a father and husband guiding him, knowing how deep the impacts of a wrongful death can be, even years after the incident. We want to handle the legal side of things for you and your family so you can focus on healing. While compensation cannot bring back your loved one, it can make the financial burden easier and bring your family justice.

FAQs

What Is the Average Wrongful Death Settlement in North Carolina?

Because most cases settle before going to a public trial, there is no clear average payout. The final compensation amount depends on factors like who was at fault, how much insurance coverage is available, and how much the family has lost in financial and emotional support. The results of a case usually depend on a variety of factors.

What Should I Expect During the Legal Process?

The process of filing a wrongful death claim can be complex. It includes investigating the cause of death by gathering all available evidence, such as accident reports and witness statements. Your attorney can work to determine who was responsible. Attorneys also negotiate with insurance companies to reach a settlement. If one cannot be reached, a trial will be necessary.

How Do I Make Sure My Case is Successful?

To succeed in a wrongful death claim in North Carolina, the family must prove several key elements. First, they must show that the party responsible for the crash owed a duty of care to the victim. Next, they must prove that this duty was breached. The final step is proving that the breach directly caused the death.

How Long Do I Have to File My Wrongful Death Claim?

Under North Carolina’s statutes, § 1-53(4), wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of the victim’s death to be legally valid. This means that a claim can only be opened after the person has died. Because these rules can be complicated, it is very important to hire a wrongful death lawyer to understand your rights and how to proceed.

Next Steps for a North Carolina Truck Crash

The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., has spent over three decades helping local families pursue justice and compensation under state law. Our firm works with a variety of professionals to gather evidence and build a persuasive case.

If your family has lost a loved one in a fatal truck collision in North Carolina, contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.