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Involved in a Big Truck Accident? Let’s Talk About Your Case.

After a collision with a large truck or 18-wheeler, it can feel like you’re suddenly up against a wall of insurance adjusters and corporate lawyers. You don’t have to face that alone. The sooner you speak with a truck accident attorney, the faster we can start protecting your rights and gathering the evidence needed to support your claim.

Kellum Law Firm has decades of experience handling serious truck accident cases across North Carolina. These claims are rarely straightforward — they often involve catastrophic injuries, out-of-state trucking companies, and multiple layers of commercial insurance.

Our attorneys fight hard to reach a fair settlement for our clients, but if the insurance company refuses to act in good faith, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court and stand by you every step of the way.

Attorneys John Briggs and Norman Kellum

PERSONAL INJURY   |   AUTO / MOTORCYCLE / TRUCK ACCIDENTS   | WORKERS’ COMP.   |   SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY   |   WRONGFUL DEATH

Truck Accident Legal Support

Ready to Take the Next Step? We’re Here for You.

Getting started is fast, free, and confidential—just complete the short form on this page or call us anytime, 24/7. Whether it’s day, night, weekend, or holiday, someone from our team is always available to speak with you.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident or a crash involving a commercial vehicle, don’t wait. These cases can quickly become complicated, especially when they involve out-of-state drivers, national trucking companies, or overlapping insurance policies. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that key evidence disappears or deadlines are missed.

At Kellum Law Firm, our experienced truck accident attorneys are committed to fighting for the full compensation you deserve—covering medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.

Reach out now—we’re ready to help you move forward.

Seeking an award from an insurance company after a trucking accident is likely to prove far more complicated than after a car crash or small-vehicle accident.

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Big Truck Accidents in North Carolina – Truck Crash Lawyers’ Role Explained –

As we all know, trucks come in many shapes and sizes. We also know that in the case of larger vehicles, say an 18 wheeler, fuel tanker, tractor-trailer etc, when a serious highway accident occurs it often involves several vehicles and may even extend to surrounding properties and pedestrians.

Simple or more complex, we strongly recommend the involvement of an experienced truck crash lawyer to help you navigate through the process of making a settlement or heading off litigation.

As we’ve covered elsewhere, North Carolina is one of a handful of states in the country whose laws include ‘contributory negligence’. Should you be involved in an accident in NC, and assuming the general consensus is that it wasn’t your fault, the insurance company of whoever is the target of the claim or action will work hard to determine that you were at fault in some small way. If this can be determined then you may be faced with a situation where you are not entitled to any financial settlement from the other party.

Even if it can be proven that you bear no percentage of blame for the incident, then you can still be certain that a crash involving a larger commercial vehicle will involve an insurance company with deep pockets and a great deal of experience in minimizing their own financial impact.

So regardless of how benign a case might appear on the surface, we recommend that you talk with no one until you’ve sought the counsel of a reputable law firm with a team of lawyers experienced in handling truck crash claims.

Statistics

2021 Data from ncvisionzero.org – Accidents involving CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicles)

  • CMV Involved Crashes – 12,884
  • CMV Involved Injuries – 2,958
  • CMV Involved Fatalities – 133
Content Reviewed By: John T Briggs

Content Reviewed By: John T Briggs

Owner and Managing Attorney - Kellum Law Firm

North Carolina State Bar ID: 18094 • Verify at NC State Bar
This page’s legal content was reviewed for accuracy and clarity. For biography, case focus, and more information on this attorney: view full attorney profile.

Why Choose Kellum Law Firm:

  • Truck accident cases are rarely simple. They often involve catastrophic injuries, out-of-state trucking companies, and complex layers of insurance. These are high-stakes claims that frequently need to be resolved in the courtroom — we’re ready and equipped to take your case to trial when necessary.
  • 50+ years representing North Carolina residents.
  • Lawyers with extensive experience handling Big Truck Accident claims.
  • Your Local Law Firm with office locations including Wilmington, Jacksonville, New Bern, Raleigh and more.
  • Free No Obligation Lawyer Consultation to review your case.
  • Stellar reputation with A+ BBB Rating.
  • Committed to get you the best results!
filing truck accident claims - Truck Injury Lawyers

As a trial attorney, I have spent a significant portion of my career representing individuals and families whose lives were upended by serious truck accidents. These cases are fundamentally different from standard car accident claims. The injuries are often catastrophic, the financial stakes are high, and the defendants are rarely just individual drivers. They are usually large trucking companies, insurers, and corporate entities with extensive legal resources and a strong incentive to avoid full accountability.

My primary focus in every truck accident case is to pursue a fair and timely settlement whenever possible. A well-negotiated settlement can provide injured clients with the compensation they need without the uncertainty, delay, and stress of trial. That said, trucking cases often involve significant damages, complex liability issues, and aggressive defense tactics. Because of the size of the claims and the potential value of these cases, insurers are far more likely to challenge responsibility or undervalue the harm caused. In those situations, a willingness to litigate is not optional — it is essential.

I have extensive experience taking truck accident cases to trial when settlement efforts fail to produce a just result. Preparing a case as if it will be tried before a jury allows us to uncover critical evidence, challenge corporate practices, and hold negligent parties fully accountable. Trucking companies know which firms are prepared to go the distance and which are not. That reputation matters, and it directly impacts the leverage we bring to the negotiating table.

Ultimately, my role is to protect my clients’ interests at every stage of the case. Whether through settlement or trial, my goal is the same: to pursue the maximum recovery the law allows and to ensure that trucking companies and their insurers are held responsible for the harm they cause.

John Briggs

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accident Claims in North Carolina

1. What should I do immediately after a truck accident?

Your first priority should be safety—move to a safe area if possible and call 911. Get medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurt. Document the scene with photos, exchange information with the truck driver, and avoid admitting fault. Finally, contact a qualified truck accident attorney to help preserve your rights.

2. Who can be held liable in a truck accident case?

Liability can extend beyond the truck driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers may be held responsible depending on the circumstances. An attorney will investigate driver logs, black box data, and company practices to determine all liable parties.

3. How is a truck accident different from a car accident legally?

Truck accidents often involve commercial insurance policies, federal transportation regulations, and multiple potentially liable parties. These factors make cases more complex than standard auto accidents and typically require legal expertise and investigative resources.

4. What types of compensation can I receive?

You may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages. The total value depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of fault, and the insurance policies involved.

5. How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in North Carolina?

In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury in North Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. However, certain claims—especially those involving government entities—may have shorter timeframes. Prompt action ensures vital evidence is preserved.

6. What evidence is most important in a truck accident claim?

Key evidence includes the truck’s black box data, dashcam footage, police reports, driver logs, maintenance records, photos from the scene, and witness statements. A skilled attorney can issue preservation letters to ensure critical evidence is not destroyed or altered.

7. Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. Many truck accident cases settle out of court. However, if the insurance company denies liability or offers an unfair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve.

8. What if I was partially at fault?

North Carolina follows a strict contributory negligence rule. If you are found to be even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovering compensation. That’s why it’s vital to have legal representation that can challenge inaccurate fault determinations. 

9. Can I file a wrongful death claim if a loved one was killed in a truck accident?

Yes. If a truck accident results in death, surviving family members may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation may cover funeral costs, lost future income, medical expenses, and emotional loss. These cases often require experienced legal guidance due to their complexity and high stakes.

10. How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer at Kellum Law Firm?

At Kellum Law Firm, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict in your favor. This allows you to pursue justice without added financial stress.

Kellum Law Firm's Law Offices in North Carolina

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face the legal aftermath alone. Kellum Law Firm has the resources and experience to take on powerful trucking companies — and we’re ready to help from any of our local North Carolina offices.

Helpful Resources for Truck Accident Victims in North Carolina

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, the following resources may be useful as you gather information and begin the claims process:

Attorney John Briggs of Kellum Law Firm

Our Owner and Managing Attorney

Mr. Briggs is our firm's owner and managing attorney, with over 30 years' experience, he practices in the area of Personal Injury Law.

Personal Injury Lawyers in North Carolina - Kellum Law Firm

From Impact to Compensation: How Truck Accident Claims Really Work

When you’re involved in a truck accident, the immediate aftermath is chaotic—medical concerns, police reports, and dealing with insurance all come at once. But once the dust settles, the question becomes: what happens next? Understanding the claim process can help you protect your rights and avoid costly mistakes.

The First Steps Matter

As soon as you’re safe, document everything—photos, witness names, vehicle details. If you’re able, gather information about the trucking company and request a copy of the police report. The sooner you speak with a qualified truck accident attorney, the better your chances of preserving critical evidence, such as the truck’s black box data or driver logs.

Determining Fault in a Truck Accident

Unlike standard auto accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple responsible parties. The driver, their employer, a maintenance contractor, or even a parts manufacturer may share liability. At Kellum Law Firm, we launch a full investigation to determine exactly where fault lies—and whether federal regulations were violated in the process.

To better understand how complex these cases can get, read our in-depth article on how truck accident lawsuits work and why multiple defendants may be named in a single case.

Medical Treatment and Documentation

Don’t delay getting care—even minor injuries can become serious over time. Keep all receipts, treatment notes, and medical reports. These records are essential when calculating damages and justifying your claim for compensation.

Filing the Claim

Your attorney will typically begin by notifying the truck driver’s insurance company and filing a demand letter once the full scope of damages is known. In many cases, we negotiate directly with insurers, but we’re always prepared to take the matter to court if the settlement offer is unfair or delayed.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Truck accident victims can pursue a wide range of damages, including:

  • Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Vehicle repair or replacement
  • Future care needs or disability support

In some situations, you may even be eligible for damages stemming from hazardous cargo or unsafe road debris. For example, victims of tire blowouts or cargo spills can file a claim even if there was no direct collision. 

The Litigation Process (If It Comes to That)

If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to litigation. This can involve depositions, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and ultimately, trial. While not every case makes it to the courtroom, having a law firm prepared for that path often leads to better outcomes—even in pre-trial negotiations.

Your Legal Team Matters

Truck accident claims are high-stakes legal matters. With deep knowledge of federal trucking regulations and years of experience fighting for injury victims across North Carolina, Kellum Law Firm is ready to stand in your corner and demand the compensation you’re owed.

From Impact To Compensation - Truck Accident Infographic
Image of truck accident lawyers in Roanoke Rapids
John T Briggs - Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Attorney at Kellum Law Firm

Truck Accident Resources

Why Small Law Firms Struggle With Big Truck Accident Cases

Why Small Law Firms Struggle With Big Truck Accident Cases

Truck Accidents on Rural Roads in Rocky Mount, NC: Legal Steps and Safety Tips

Truck Accidents on Rural Roads in Rocky Mount, NC: Legal Steps and Safety Tips

Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue

Truck Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue

Truck Accident and Injury Claims Comprehensive FAQ

Truck Accident and Injury Claims Comprehensive FAQ

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Top New Bern Personal Injury Attorney 2025/2026

Our Office Locations

Kellum Law Firm's corporate headquarters is located in New Bern, NC and has offices around North Carolina, including Raleigh, Greenville, Jacksonville, Wilmington, and more. We provide local residents with legal services focusing on personal injury law including automobile accidents, social security disability, workers' compensation, elder abuse, and more.