18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Craven County, North Carolina

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The truck driver crossed the center line on US-17 near New Bern. In that split second, your life changed forever. Maybe it was a jackknife on I-95 during a rainstorm. Maybe it was a wide turn on US-70 that crushed your vehicle against the curb. Or perhaps it was a fatigued driver pushing through the night to deliver goods to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has been hit by an 18-wheeler in Craven County. You’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that already has lawyers working to protect them.

That’s where we come in.

Attorney911 has been fighting for trucking accident victims across North Carolina for over 25 years. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—including $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8 million for a client who suffered an amputation after a commercial vehicle crash. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system defending trucking companies. Now he fights against them, using his insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

In Craven County, you face a unique challenge: North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means if you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. That’s why you need a firm that knows how to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible—and has the federal court experience to back it up.

Call 1-888-288-9911 now for a free consultation. The evidence is disappearing as you read this. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve what you need to win.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Craven County Are Different

The Unique Dangers of Eastern North Carolina Trucking

Craven County sits at the crossroads of major transportation corridors serving the Marine Corps and coastal tourism. US-17 carries massive amounts of commercial traffic between Jacksonville and Wilmington. US-70 connects the Triangle to the Crystal Coast. And I-95—the primary north-south artery of the East Coast—runs just west of the county, bringing thousands of 18-wheelers through our region daily.

But it’s not just the volume that makes Craven County trucking dangerous. It’s the combination of factors unique to our coastal region:

Hurricane Season and Weather Hazards: From June through November, tropical storms create treacherous conditions. Sudden fog rolling in from the Neuse River, flash flooding on low-lying stretches of US-17, and high winds that can topple trailers—these aren’t just inconveniences. They’re deadly risks that require truck drivers to adjust their speed and following distance. When they don’t, catastrophic jackknifes and rollovers happen.

Agricultural and Military Freight: Craven County’s economy depends on transporting goods to Cherry Point, moving sweet potatoes and tobacco from surrounding counties, and servicing the growing industrial parks near Havelock. This means overloaded trucks, tight delivery schedules, and drivers unfamiliar with our narrow coastal roads.

Tourism Traffic: Summer months bring visitors to Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle via US-70, creating congestion that truckers must navigate. The resulting stop-and-go traffic on routes designed for high-speed transport creates the perfect conditions for rear-end collisions and underride accidents.

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs over 500 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When a truck driver fails to account for Craven County’s unique mix of military, agricultural, and tourist traffic, devastating accidents happen.

The Physics of Destruction

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. The tractor-trailer that hit you weighs up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. That’s a 20-to-1 weight disparity.

When that mass collides with your vehicle, the forces involved are catastrophic:

• An 18-wheeler’s impact delivers roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car collision
• In underride accidents—where your car slides under the trailer—the roof of your vehicle can be sheared off at windshield level
• Jackknife accidents on I-95 or US-17 often block multiple lanes, causing secondary multi-vehicle pileups
• Rollovers on the curves near the Trent River spread debris and fuel across roadways, creating fire hazards

These aren’t just “car accidents with bigger vehicles.” These are entirely different categories of catastrophe that require specialized legal expertise to handle properly.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Craven County

Jackknife Accidents: The Coast’s Deadliest Hazard

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On Craven County’s highways—particularly the curved stretches of US-17 near the Neuse River or the I-95 corridor—jackknife accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups as the trailer sweeps across all lanes.

Why They Happen in Our Region:

• Sudden braking on wet pavement during tropical storms
• Driver fatigue from long hauls along the I-95 corridor
• Improper braking technique on the bridges spanning the Trent and Neuse Rivers
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing

Ralph Manginello has handled numerous jackknife cases where trucking companies tried to blame “sudden wind gusts” or “unavoidable road conditions.” We subpoena the ECM (Electronic Control Module) data to prove the driver was actually speeding, following too closely, or operating beyond federal Hours of Service limits in violation of 49 CFR § 395.3.

As our client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the level of dedication we bring to every jackknife accident victim in Craven County.

Underride Collisions: The Invisible Killer

Underride accidents are among the most fatal types of truck crashes. When an 18-wheeler stops suddenly on US-17 or makes an illegal turn in New Bern, smaller vehicles can slide underneath the trailer. The trailer height often strikes at windshield level, causing decapitation or severe head trauma.

The Craven County Risk:

• Tourism traffic unfamiliar with local truck routes
• Heavy braking near the US-70/US-17 interchange
• Inadequate rear underride guards in violation of 49 CFR § 393.86
• Low visibility during Eastern North Carolina fog events

Our firm investigates underride accidents immediately, measuring guard height compliance and analyzing whether the trucking company failed to maintain proper reflective tape and lighting. These cases often result in the highest settlements—recent verdicts across the country have exceeded $40 million for underride fatalities.

Rollover Accidents on Coastal Curves

Rollovers occur when 18-wheelers tip onto their sides or roofs. In Craven County, the combination of river crossings, agricultural transport, and coastal winds creates unique rollover hazards.

Common Rollover Locations:

• Curved ramps connecting US-17 to US-70
• The US-258 corridor near the Cherry Point approach
• Bridge approaches with sharp turns
• Rural routes where overloaded agricultural trucks exceed safe speeds

Rollovers frequently involve cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When liquid cargo “sloshes” or improperly secured agricultural equipment shifts, the center of gravity changes catastrophically. We examine loading records from shippers in New Bern and Bridgeton to determine if the cargo owner shares liability.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to defend insurance companies before joining Attorney911, knows exactly how carriers will try to hide loading violations. His insider knowledge gives our Craven County clients a critical advantage when proving cargo shift liability.

Rear-End Collisions: Stopping Distance Disasters

An 18-wheeler requires 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car. At 65 mph on I-95, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely through Craven County’s construction zones or fail to adjust for tourist traffic on US-70, devastating rear-end collisions result.

Evidence We Pursue:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• Braking patterns that reveal delayed reaction times
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR § 395.8 indicating driver fatigue

Rear-end truck accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities. Unlike typical car accidents, trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance coverage, allowing for meaningful compensation that can cover lifelong care.

Wide Turn Accidents in New Bern and Havelock

Wide turn or “squeeze play” accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide to the left before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle against the curb.

In Craven County’s historic districts—particularly downtown New Bern with its narrow colonial streets—and around the industrial areas near Havelock, these accidents are common. Truck drivers unfamiliar with our tight turns often misjudge the space they need, endangering pedestrians and motorists alike.

We investigate driver training records to prove negligent training claims. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must ensure the maneuver is safe before executing wide turns. When they fail, we hold both the driver and trucking company accountable.

Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant areas on both sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends across multiple lanes.

On Craven County’s multi-lane highways, particularly I-95 where trucks routinely change lanes to pass slower traffic, blind spot accidents occur frequently. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirror systems, but many trucking companies fail to maintain adequate rear visibility.

When a truck driver changes lanes into a passenger vehicle on I-95 near Craven County, the results are often catastrophic sideswipe accidents or forced off-road crashes.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Eastern North Carolina’s heat and humidity—particularly on stretches of I-95 and US-17 exposed to the sun—contribute to tire degradation. When an 18-wheeler experiences a tire blowout at highway speed, the driver often loses control, causing jackknife or rollover accidents.

49 CFR § 393.75 sets minimum tread depth requirements, and § 396.13 requires pre-trip tire inspections. We examine maintenance records to prove trucking companies deferred tire replacement to save money—often finding patterns of violations that support punitive damages claims.

As client Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every tire blowout victim in Craven County.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On Craven County’s bridge crossings and long stretches of I-95, brake fade from overheating is a real danger.

49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates brake system requirements, while § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. We subpoena maintenance records from trucking companies operating through Craven County, often discovering deferred repairs or “out-of-service” vehicles that were illegally returned to duty.

When brake failure causes a crash, we pursue claims against the trucking company, maintenance contractor, and sometimes the brake manufacturer under product liability theories.

Cargo Spill and Hazardous Material Accidents

Craven County’s position as a logistics hub for Eastern North Carolina means countless trucks carry hazardous materials through our communities. When cargo spills occur—whether from improper loading at the Port of Morehead City or hastily secured military equipment—the results can shut down highways for hours and expose residents to toxic chemicals.

FMCSA Cargo Securement Standards (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require specific tiedown strengths and loading procedures. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove violations in loading procedures, often implicating third-party loading companies in addition to the trucking carrier.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Craven County Trucking Accident?

Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes involve multiple potentially liable parties. Our firm investigates every possible defendant to maximize your recovery under North Carolina law.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving on I-95 or US-17
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Driving while fatigued in violation of Hours of Service regulations
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.5 prohibits alcohol within 4 hours of duty)
• Failure to conduct required pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

In North Carolina, proving the driver was negligent is only the beginning. Because of our state’s harsh contributory negligence rules, we must also prove you were completely without fault—or that an exception applies, such as the “last clear chance” doctrine or willful and wanton negligence.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the primary defendant because they carry the highest insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million). Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims against the carrier for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s CDL status, medical certification, or crash history
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on cargo securement, Hours of Service compliance, or defensive driving
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for Hours of Service violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Systematic failure to inspect and repair vehicles per 49 CFR § 396.3

Many trucking companies operating in Craven County try to classify drivers as “independent contractors” to avoid liability. We pierce these corporate veils by proving the company exercised control over the driver’s routes, schedules, and equipment.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies that own the cargo being transported may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading that exceeded tire or brake capacity
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Provided improper loading instructions
• Pressured the carrier to violate safety regulations to meet delivery deadlines

In Craven County, agricultural shippers and military contractors often share liability when their loading specifications contribute to rollovers or cargo spills.

The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks at warehouses in New Bern or distribution centers near Havelock may be liable for cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100. When improper loading causes a shift that leads to a rollover, we pursue claims against the loading company for negligent cargo securement.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When brake systems fail, tires blow out, or steering mechanisms malfunction, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. We investigate whether the truck or component parts were defectively designed or manufactured, examining:

• Recall notices from NHTSA
• Technical Service Bulletins
• Similar defect patterns in other cases
• Design specifications and testing records

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs. If a Craven County repair shop failed to properly adjust brakes, identify safety issues, or used substandard parts, they share responsibility for the resulting crash.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable under negligent selection theories. If a broker hired a carrier with a poor safety record—visible on the FMCSA’s SAFER system—to handle shipments through Craven County, they may share liability for the resulting accident.

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, the North Carolina Department of Transportation or Craven County may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design on county routes
• Failure to maintain proper signage warning of curves or construction
• Improper work zone setup on US-17 or US-70
• Inadequate lighting or guardrails

Important: Claims against government entities in North Carolina have strict notice requirements—typically within 90 days of the accident. Don’t delay contacting an attorney if road conditions contributed to your crash.

Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule

Why Time Is Your Enemy

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears faster than you think. While you’re in the hospital at CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern, the trucking company is already moving to protect themselves. Their rapid-response team is at the scene within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves.

Critical Timelines:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with subsequent driving events
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data: Required retention is only 6 months under 49 CFR § 395.8
• Driver Qualification Files: Must be kept for 3 years after employment ends, but spoliation letters prevent “routine” destruction
• Surveillance Video: Traffic cameras and nearby business cameras typically overwrite within 7-30 days

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

Within 24 hours of being retained, we send a spoliation letter (also called a preservation letter) via certified mail to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• The driver
• Any maintenance companies
• Freight brokers involved

This letter puts the defendants on legal notice that they must preserve:

• ECM/EDR data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• ELD logs proving Hours of Service compliance
• Driver Qualification Files (CDL, medical certifications, training records)
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch communications proving schedule pressure
• Cell phone records showing distraction
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

Under North Carolina law, intentional destruction of evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in:

• Adverse inference: The jury is instructed to assume the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company
• Sanctions: Monetary penalties or exclusion of the defendant’s evidence
• Default judgment: In extreme cases, the court may enter judgment against the destroying party

What Black Box Data Reveals

Commercial trucks contain sophisticated electronic systems that record objective data about the crash:

ECM (Engine Control Module) Records:

• Exact speed at impact and seconds before
• Whether brakes were applied and with what force
• Throttle position (was the driver accelerating?)
• Cruise control status
• Engine fault codes indicating maintenance issues

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records:

• Driver’s duty status (driving, on-duty, sleeper berth)
• GPS location history showing route
• Violations of the 11-hour driving limit (49 CFR § 395.3)
• Failure to take required 30-minute breaks
• Falsified log entries

This data is objective and tamper-resistant. It doesn’t lie, unlike drivers who may claim “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” In one recent case, ECM data showed the truck driver was traveling 78 mph in a 65 mph zone and never applied the brakes before impact—directly contradicting his sworn statement.

Understanding North Carolina’s Harsh Liability Rules

Contributory Negligence: The 1% Rule

North Carolina is one of only five jurisdictions in the United States (along with Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C.) that follows contributory negligence. Under this harsh rule, if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing.

What This Means for Craven County Victims:

• If the trucking company can prove you were slightly speeding, you get zero
• If they claim you failed to yield appropriately, you get zero
• If they argue you could have avoided the crash, you get zero

This is why you cannot afford a general personal injury attorney who “also handles truck accidents.” You need a firm with specific experience overcoming contributory negligence defenses in Federal Court.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience—including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and handling complex cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation—means he knows how to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

The “Last Clear Chance” Doctrine

North Carolina recognizes an exception to contributory negligence called the “last clear chance” doctrine. If the truck driver had the last opportunity to avoid the accident but failed to do so, you may recover damages despite any fault on your part.

This doctrine is critical in rear-end collisions and blind spot accidents on I-95, where the truck driver clearly had the ability to brake or check mirrors but failed to do so.

Gross Negligence and Punitive Damages

When trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety—such as hiring drivers with known substance abuse problems, forcing drivers to exceed Hours of Service limits, or maintaining vehicles with known brake defects—North Carolina allows punitive damages.

North Carolina Punitive Damage Cap:
Under N.C.G.S. § 1D-25, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• Three times the amount of compensatory damages, OR
• $250,000

However, this cap does not apply when the defendant’s conduct constitutes a felony or involves drunk driving (N.C.G.S. § 1D-26).

Statute of Limitations

In North Carolina:

• Personal Injury: 3 years from the date of the accident (N.C.G.S. § 1-52(16))
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death (N.C.G.S. § 1-53(4))

Critical Warning: While these timeframes seem generous, waiting destroys your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces of an 18-wheeler collision. Symptoms may not appear immediately, including:

• Confusion and memory problems
• Headaches and dizziness
• Mood changes and depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Attorney911 Result: $5+ million recovered for a TBI victim struck by a falling log (similar mechanisms to trucking cargo spills)

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Partial nerve function remaining

Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. These cases require immediate legal action to secure funds for home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care.

Amputation

When crushing forces from an 18-wheeler trap limbs, surgical amputation may be necessary. Our firm recovered $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash—trucking amputations often command higher settlements due to the gross negligence typically involved.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills on Craven County highways can cause catastrophic burn injuries requiring:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Reconstructive procedures
• Lifetime pain management

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death

Attorney911 has recovered millions for families devastated by fatal 18-wheeler accidents across North Carolina and Texas.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When drivers and companies violate these rules, they cause accidents. Here are the critical violations we look for in every Craven County case:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The Rules:

• 11-hour limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

The Violation: Drivers falsify ELD logs or paper logs to hide overtime. We prove violations through ELD data analysis, comparing logged hours to GPS tracking and fuel receipts from stops in North Carolina.

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Requirements:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Current medical examiner’s certificate (valid for max 2 years)
• Successful road test or equivalent
• Clean driving record check
• Pre-employment drug testing (49 CFR § 382.301)

The Violation: We frequently find trucking companies hired drivers with suspended CDLs, failed drug tests, or medical conditions that disqualify them from operating CMVs.

Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)

Requirements:

• Working load limits must secure cargo against 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces
• Specific tiedown requirements based on cargo length and weight
• Proper use of blocking, bracing, and friction mats

The Violation: Overloaded trucks leaving agricultural facilities or military bases with improperly secured cargo that shifts during transport, causing rollovers on US-17 curves.

Brake System Deficiencies (49 CFR §§ 393.40-55, 396.3)

Requirements:

• Functional service brakes on all wheels
• Properly adjusted air brakes
• Annual inspections by qualified inspectors
• Pre-trip and post-trip driver inspections (49 CFR §§ 396.11, 396.13)

The Violation: Deferred maintenance to save costs, resulting in brake fade on long descents or complete failure during emergency stops in Craven County traffic.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 382)

Prohibited Conduct:

• Using alcohol within 4 hours of duty (49 CFR § 392.5)
• Operating with BAC of 0.04 or higher (half the car driver limit)
• Using Schedule I controlled substances

The Violation: Post-accident drug testing (49 CFR § 382.303) must be conducted as soon as practicable following an accident involving a fatality or citation. We ensure these tests are performed and analyzed.

Distracted Driving (49 CFR § 392.82)

The Rule: Commercial drivers are prohibited from using hand-held mobile telephones while driving. Texting is prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.80.

The Violation: Cell phone records often show drivers were texting or calling in the minutes before impact on I-95 or US-17.

The Attorney911 Advantage in Craven County

Inside Knowledge That Wins Cases

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña didn’t just study trucking law—he spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and deploy rapid-response teams to accident scenes.

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. As he told ABC13 Houston in a recent interview regarding our $10 million hazing lawsuit: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

That same tenacity applies to every trucking accident case we handle in Craven County.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and handles cases requiring federal jurisdiction. This matters because:

• Interstate trucking cases often involve federal regulations
• Federal courts can handle cases where the plaintiff and defendant are from different states (diversity jurisdiction)
• Federal discovery rules are often more favorable for plaintiffs

When a trucking company based in another state injures a Craven County resident, we can pursue the case in federal court if necessary.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured documented results including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation
• $2.5+ million for a commercial truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for a maritime back injury
• Multiple seven-figure wrongful death settlements

As client Donald Wilcox said: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

We take the cases other firms reject—and we win.

Spanish Language Services

Craven County has a significant Hispanic population, particularly in the agricultural and construction sectors. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. When Spanish-speaking truck drivers or witnesses are involved, we communicate directly to ensure accuracy.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-288-9911.

Three Offices, Statewide Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, and the ability to practice in North Carolina (via local counsel or pro hac vice admission for specific cases), we bring national-level expertise to Craven County cases. While we are a Texas firm, Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and specific admission to handle complex litigation allows us to coordinate with top North Carolina counsel to ensure you have the best representation possible—or handle your case directly if it involves interstate commerce and federal court jurisdiction.

What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Craven County

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

1. Seek Medical Attention: Go to CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern or Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City immediately. Internal injuries and TBIs often don’t show symptoms immediately.

2. Document Everything:

   • Photograph all vehicles, damage, and the accident scene
   • Get the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door)
   • Obtain the driver’s CDL information
   • Collect witness names and phone numbers
   • Note weather and road conditions

3. Do Not Speak to Insurance: The trucking company’s insurer will call quickly. Do not give a recorded statement. Refer them to your attorney.

4. Call Attorney911 Immediately: Evidence disappears fast. We need to send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records.

The Investigation Process

When you hire Attorney911, we immediately:

Phase 1: Evidence Preservation (0-72 hours)

• Send spoliation letters to all defendants
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts to Craven County
• Obtain police crash reports from Craven County Sheriff or New Bern Police
• Photograph injuries and vehicle damage before repair
• Interview witnesses before memories fade

Phase 2: Discovery (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM and ELD data downloads
• Review Driver Qualification Files for hiring violations
• Analyze carrier’s FMCSA safety scores (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
• Examine maintenance records for systematic neglect
• Review dispatch records showing schedule pressure

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialists recreate the crash
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational economists calculate lost earning capacity
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans

Phase 4: Litigation

• File suit in Craven County Superior Court (or federal court if appropriate)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all liable parties
• Depose the driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and mechanics
• Prepare every case as if going to trial to maximize settlement leverage

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in North Carolina?
A: Three years from the accident date for personal injury, two years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears within days. Call 1-888-288-9911 now.

Q: Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: North Carolina follows contributory negligence—if you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why you need an experienced trucking attorney who can prove the truck driver was 100% responsible. Exceptions may apply under the “last clear chance” doctrine or if the driver was grossly negligent.

Q: How much is my Craven County trucking case worth?
A: Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers will take cases to verdict—and they pay more to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

Q: What if the trucking company is from another state?
A: We can pursue the case in North Carolina state court or federal court, depending on the circumstances. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience is particularly valuable in these interstate cases.

Q: How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
A: We can help you find doctors who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid when your case settles. We also help navigate health insurance and Medicaid liens.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: We pierce the “independent contractor” defense by proving the trucking company exercised control over the driver’s work. Even if the driver is truly independent, we pursue the driver’s insurance and any brokerage liability.

Q: Can undocumented immigrants file trucking accident claims in North Carolina?
A: Yes. Immigration status does not bar you from recovering compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. Hablamos español to assist Spanish-speaking victims.

Your Call to Action

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have investigators photographing the scene, downloading black box data, and coaching their driver on what to say.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data overwrites. Witnesses forget. Skid marks wash away in the next Eastern North Carolina thunderstorm.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every trick the trucking company will try. We’ve recovered $50+ million for families just like yours.

Don’t let them push you around. Fight back.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for a free consultation. We answer calls 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.

There is no fee unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You pay nothing upfront. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery—not your pocket.

As our client Angel Walle said: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

And as Ernest Cano told us: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

You deserve an attorney who treats you like family—not a case number. At Attorney911, you’re not just another client. You’re family.

Call now: 1-888-288-9911

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Craven County, North Carolina and nationwide

Licensed in Texas and New York. Cases in North Carolina handled in association with qualified local counsel or in federal court where appropriate. Results not guaranteed; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.