What Is the Average Settlement for North Carolina Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Aug 14 2025
Law Office Of Charles T Brooks III

If you’re involved in a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina, it can be extremely traumatic. You may wonder where to go for help with injuries and property damage sustained during your collision. An attorney can provide invaluable assistance throughout your accident recovery. You might be wondering what is the average settlement for North Carolina tractor-trailer accidents, so you have a sense of what your own accident recovery may be worth.

Tractor-Trailer Accident Settlements

Every accident involving a tractor-trailer is unique. Whether you were hurt while driving along I-40, I-85, or I-95, your potential case settlement is case-specific. Factors such as the involved medical expenses, injury severity, wage loss, property damage, and degree of negligence typically all determine a settlement amount.

These accidents can cause considerable damage, and your accident could be more complex than a standard motor vehicle wreck.

Available Damages for a Tractor-Trailer Accident Settlement

In North Carolina, your damages or suffered losses are often a good predictor when determining the value of your claim. If you have a successful claim, you should be able to recover compensation for your accident-related losses, such as:

  • Your current medical bills
  • Future medical costs
  • Lost income while you were unable to work due to your accident
  • Lost earning capacity if you’re unable to go back to work due to a permanent disability
  • Property damage
  • Non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, etc.
  • Punitive damages for gross negligence, when applicable

After a serious accident involving a tractor-trailer, contact a North Carolina tractor-trailer attorney familiar with these cases. They can investigate your accident, determine its cause, and help evaluate the value of your claim. Some cases can be negotiated by the parties toward a settlement. However, there are some instances when going to court is necessary to maximize your claim value. Contact an attorney to discuss your claim resolution options.

Tractor-Trailer Accidents Are Usually More Complex Than Motor Vehicle Collisions

Due to their size and weight, tractor-trailer accidents are often catastrophic or deadly. The cost of these accidents can be much higher than a standard passenger vehicle accident, which means they can take more time to resolve and involve multiple parties. As a result, it can take longer to get parties to the settlement table to negotiate in good faith.

Also, there are potentially many at-fault parties with this type of accident, which means it can be harder to establish clear liability to hold the right party accountable for the accident.

You may be involved in a case with:

  • The tractor-trailer truck driver
  • Their employer
  • A trucking company or shipping company
  • The party responsible for maintaining the truck
  • The party whose employees load the truck
  • Other drivers involved in your accident
  • And others

These accidents can involve state and federal trucking regulations. You need a knowledgeable accident attorney familiar with tractor-trailer accidents and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Contact an attorney to discuss your specific accident, their track record with these types of claims, and how they can help maximize your recovery.

FAQs

Q: How Much Can Someone Get for Pain and Suffering After a Tractor-Trailer Accident in North Carolina?

A: The amount you may expect to get is fact-specific, but pain and suffering damages are typically higher than with most standard car accidents. North Carolina doesn’t have a limit on damages for pain and suffering in personal injury cases in order to fairly compensate you.

Injured victims are more likely to experience disfigurement, ongoing pain, and long-term disability if they survive. If you lost a loved one, contact an attorney right away about a wrongful death claim.

Q: What Steps Should I Take After a Tractor-Trailer Collision in North Carolina?

A: If you’ve been involved in a tractor-trailer collision in North Carolina, you should:

  • Move to a safe location away from oncoming traffic
  • Seek emergency medical attention, even if you think you’re okay
  • Call the police
  • Gather evidence at the accident scene
  • Contact an attorney
  • Document your medical care and costs
  • Avoid discussing your accident with anyone, especially online

Your attorney can discuss the steps necessary to move forward after a serious tractor-trailer wreck.

Q: How Often Do Tractor-Trailer Accidents Happen?

A: In 2023 alone, 2.44 million people were hurt in car accidents throughout this country. Also, there were 40,901 crash-related fatalities that same year. North Carolina recorded over 70 fatal crashes involving tractor-trailers in 2023.

Unfortunately, this means truck accidents are far too common in our community. If you were hurt in a tractor-trailer wreck, reach out to an attorney. They can investigate whether the driver was following federal trucking guidelines.

Q: What Is the Settlement Process for a Tractor-Trailer Accident in North Carolina?

A: To resolve an injury claim after a tractor-trailer accident in North Carolina, there are specific steps to take, including:

  • An initial investigation
  • Sending a demand letter
  • Negotiation among the parties and their insurance carriers

Negotiation success often depends on the skill of the involved attorneys, which is why it’s important to hire a seasoned attorney. If the parties agree on the settlement terms, your claim concludes. However, if negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney may proceed to court.

Hire a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Serving North Carolina – Call the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

When you need to hire a tractor-trailer accident lawyer, reach out to the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III. We’ve helped the hard-working people in our communities with their personal injury accident recovery since 1996. We have extensive firm resources and the experience to get you the settlement you deserve after a tractor-trailer wreck. When someone else is responsible for your accident, give us a call to pursue justice.

At the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III, we provide high-quality, efficient legal representation for locals across North Carolina. You can trust us to seek the maximum compensation possible after a catastrophic tractor-trailer injury accident in North Carolina.

Contact us right away to schedule an initial consultation.

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