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Contested case where our client struck cargo that was not securely fastened to a flatbed trailer. Suit was filed after legal liability was denied by the legal representatives.....
Tractor trailer driver rear ended our client causing spinal fracture which required a vertebral fusion surgery. Truck driver sought to blame...
We collected $5.1 million for the benefit of our client who suffered Traumatic Brain Injury and other injuries while riding as a guest passenger in a car that was struck by the driver of a pickup....
We secured a settlement of $2.1 million from the driver who crossed the center-line and struck our client head-on and from our client's...
Motorcyclist injured because another driver attempted a left turn directly across his lane of travel. Injury to leg and foot along with multiple bruises and abrasions...
Client's husband called after nearly accepting the at-fault driver's policy limits of $100,000.00, believing ...
Pedestrian struck in the parking lot of a car wash and incident resulted in traumatic brain injury for elderly victim...
Client suffered two broken legs in an intersection collision caused by driver who disregarded a posted stop...
Our boutique injury law firm only handles roadway crash cases, with particular focus on collision cases involving tractor-trailers and commercial trucks. Crashes involving large trucks often result in serious or catastrophic injuries. Carl Nagle is a former insurance adjuster, with experience handling trucking claims for a large, national insurance carrier. He also worked as an insurance defense lawyer in Atlanta before moving to North Carolina. During those years, he was retained by trucking insurance companies to defend careless truck drivers. He knows exactly how truck insurance adjusters and insurance defense lawyers work to avoid or minimize valid injury claims.
We are North Carolina's only pure motor vehicle accident injury law firm. We only handle roadway accident cases, and refuse to handle any other legal matter. This focus and experience helps us maximize the money we collect in every case. We have collected over $700 million for NC crash victims, and we have handled many multi-million dollar truck and commercial vehicle accident cases. We also offer a reduced legal fee of 25% for settlements (and most cases settle), and 33% for litigation and trial. With our firm, you keep a larger share of the money we collect when your case closes. We also make the legal process easy for you – once we are involved, you work with doctors to restore your health and we take care of everything else.
More often than not, commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles with care and concern for other motorists. However, due to the large number of trucks and delivery vehicles that share our roadways, commercial truck accidents are quite common throughout NC.
According to research from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the number of truck and bus crashes in the State of North Carolina has hovered between 7,250 to 7,500. Commercial vehicle and truck accidents cause more than 2,500 injuries in The Tar Heel State every year. With large interstate corridors including Interstate 95 along the Eastern Seaboard, Interstate 85 and Interstate 40 running from Wilmington, NC all the way to Santa Monica, CA, it's no wonder that North Carolina sees thousands of truck accidents on a yearly basis.
If you or a family member has been injured in a collision involving a truck, bus, or another commercial vehicle on a North Carolina road, you might be eligible for substantial compensation. Commercial drivers are typically covered by large insurance policies. However, with large amounts of money involved, these insurers employ the best, highest-paid adjsuters who work to minimize your injury claims and settlement money.The experienced team at Nagle & Associates is prepared to assist you in pursuing justice and securing a generous settlement that provides the necessary funds for your recovery and to support your loved ones.
Trucking accidents in North Carolina are almost never “black and white.” They often involve application of all North Carolina traffic laws alongside a body of complex federal regulations. Victims must be prepared to offer evidence to prove all violations of state laws and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that govern truck drivers and other commercial vehicle operators. That's why it's so crucial to have legal representation from a lawyer with substantial experience in commercial vehicle accident cases. An aggressive, experienced truck accident lawyer has your best interests at heart and can help you avoid common pitfalls after your truck wreck happens.
And make no mistake, wrecks involving trucks can happen in the blink of an eye. You chose a finer dining option like highest-rated fine dining Full Moon Oyster Bar Asheboro in Asheboro, NC. Before you can get to your exit, a fatigued tractor-trailer driver crashes into your car and changes your life forever. It sounds hyperbolic, but these traumatic accidents do happen, and usually when you least expect them to.
In the event of a crash caused by a tractor-trailer driver or any other commercial vehicle operator, it's important NOT to collaborate with the driver's legal team or trust insurance adjusters who are working against your interests. Former claims adjuster Carl Nagle warns you to “remember that the insurance adjuster is being paid to oppose your claims, and you should not cooperate with their effort to avoid or minimize your injury claim payments”. Instead, seek representation from a seasoned North Carolina truck accident attorney who has a proven track record of success.
We represent victims, just like you, who have been injured by commercial trucks, including:
Have you been in a recent accident, and you're trying to figure out what to do next? Are you unsure whether you've been hit by a commercial vehicle or some other type of automobile? Contact Nagle & Associates today. During your free consultation, we'll help answer your questions and provide clarity during this admittedly confusing time.
Nagle & Associates is a law firm that focuses exclusively in roadway accident cases. Carl Nagle and our legal team have collected millions of dollars in tax-free compensation for NC truck accident victims. With extensive experience in handling these intricate, high-value cases, we know how to motivate the claims adjuster to offer the highest settlement in every case. And if the adjuster refuses to offer fair compensation, we will take your case to trial before a jury of your neighbors in the Superior Court of county in Asheboro, NC. Here are just a few ways that our NC truck accident law firm differentiates itself from others and helps you obtain maximum compensation when your case concludes.
Nagle & Associates isn't like other truck accident law firms, and that's by design. We don't advertise on the radio, over the phone, or on billboards. Instead, we focus those resources on benefitting our clients by providing caring yet highly effective legal services for every truck accident victim we represent. We also have a better fee structure than most other law firms focusing on commercial vehicle crashes.
Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don't get paid until the case is settled or your trial is complete. We are paid only IF AND WHEN you are paid. Most cases settle without the need for lawsuit filings or court involvement. This fee structure motivates us to push hard to collect the highest possible value for your injury claims. The more we collect for you, the higher the fee. Our goal is to increase the amount we collect for you so that you end up with far more money in hand when the case closes, even after the legal fee is deducted. The contingency fee is win/win for the lawyer and client. We handle everything and work to pay our own fee AND improve what you collect.
Whether your case is settled, or we go to court, you can also rely on a lower fee overall. Most personal injury law firms charge 1/3 of the settlement (33.3%) and 40-44% of any amount collected after a suit is filed. Our firm charges 1/4 of the settlement (25%) and 1/3 (33.3%) of any amount collected after a suit is filed. We only file suit in cases where the insurer refuses fair payment, knowing that litigation will increase the amount of money our client receives.
Carl has extensive experience in the insurance industry, having worked as an insurance adjuster and insurance defense lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. He worked for several large commercial insurance carriers, and was paid to defend truck drivers, trucking companies, business owners, and their insurance carriers. Carl built on that experience and, for the last 30 years, has been a truck accident attorney in Asheboro, NC, dedicated to accident victims and their families. He focuses on serious injury cases arising from roadway accidents. As a niche practice with a particular focus on trucking accident cases, Carl and his team know exactly how to gain full control of your legal case and collect the highest possible payment for your truck accident claims.
Trucking companies and businesses employing professional drivers carry high-limit liability insurance, often with a million dollars or more to pay injury claims. Federal law requires high coverage. Many truckers and trucking companies carry large, multi-million dollar excess policies that pay additional money to truck crash victims. They do so because injuries arising from commercial truck crashes are often far more severe than other type of auto injuries. Tractor trailers, dump trucks, cement mixers, and cargo trucks weigh 10-20 times more than typical cars, which increases the risk of severe, permanent injuries. It's not uncommon for truck accident victims to spend days, weeks, or months as they recover in Cross Road Retirement Community in Asheboro, NC.
Due to the serious nature of injuries in these crashes and the substantial insurance policies involved, commercial insurance companies hire skilled and experienced adjusters to handle truck accident injury claims. These adjusters are highly trained and receive higher compensation than other adjusters in the insurance industry. Their sole objective is to avoid or minimize valid claims. As your local Asheboro area truck accident lawyer, we take control of the adjuster and all insurance company communications so you don't get duped into admitting partial fault (which ends your case leaving you with zero compensation) or accepting a lowball offer.
However, if you do speak to an adjuster after your truck crash, remember that they'll be amicable and try to gain your trust while making every effort to settle for as little as possible. Never take legal advice from an insurance claims adjuster whose only job is to oppose your claim – no matter how nice and trustworthy they may seem. Diplomacy is their key to earning y our faith, so they can guide you into an unfair, irreversible settlement.
Even though heavy commercial trucks account for less than 5% of all registered vehicles nationwide, the FMCSA reports that over 13% of all fatal crashes on U.S. roads involved at least one large commercial truck or bus. Recent data published by the FMCSA indicates that there were over 273 million registered vehicles in the United States, including more than 13 million large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers. Of the people killed in commercial truck crashes, over 7 in 10 were occupants in other vehicles. While we rely on these multi-ton transporters to keep modern society moving, it's obvious that they can be very dangerous.
Keep reading to learn more about some of the most frequent tractor-trailer accidents we see at Nagle & Associates and why they happen.
The size difference between commercial trucks and regular commuter cars is so massive that standard cars are often crushed in trucking accidents. That holds true for rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, because 18-wheelers take so much more time to slow down and come to a safe stop, truck drivers who are distracted or are speeding are often responsible for horrific injuries.
A truck rollover accident is one of the most devastating and frightening crashes that can occur. Unlike standard passenger cars, tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks have a much higher center of gravity. That's why experienced truck drivers have to navigate tight turns and sudden swerves with extreme caution. If drivers attempt sudden turns or drive too fast for the conditions around them, the truck and trailer can flip over, causing the entire truck to roll onto its side. This creates a perilous and potentially fatal situation for everyone on the road. For example, an overloaded trailer leaving Pisgah Covered Bridge in Asheboro, NC, may sway side-to-side as it takes a turn, and roll over onto a driver in the next lane. While this seems unlikely, rollover crashes occur frequently on North Carolina streets and highways.
Jackknife crashes happen when large trucks with hinged connections between the front and rear parts make incorrect turns or braking moves, causing the trailer to swing out widely and resemble a folding jackknife. This type of accident is extremely dangerous due to the unpredictable behavior of a sliding trailer, which can hit nearby vehicles and drag them along as the truck plows through traffic.
When truck operators drive recklessly, negligently, or simply lose control of their vehicles, they may veer out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. Head-on collisions can also occur at intersections, such as red lights or stop signs, when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way properly. There are many reasons why a truck might collide head-on with another vehicle. For instance, the truck driver could become fatigued after long hours of trying to meet demanding quotas and may drift into opposing lanes as they nod off. Regardless of the reason, victims of such accidents should always contact a truck accident attorney in Asheboro, NC, for guidance as they recover and seek compensation.
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside crashes, mostly happen at intersections. Big trucks going through intersections at right angles sometimes run red lights, ignore stop signs, or break the rules and end up crashing into the sides of other cars, making a “T” shape. These accidents can be especially traumatic for passengers who are sitting on the side of the car that the truck hits. Truck drivers who are speeding, not paying attention, tired, or drunk might run through intersections and cause T-bone accidents.
Auto accidents can happen to anyone, from locals commuting to their kid's soccer game to visitors traveling to the tourist attraction with the highest rating Randolph County 1909 Historic Courthouse in Asheboro, NC. When a large commercial truck is involved, the chances of getting injured are higher than they would be in a normal accident. Typical injuries that victims sustain in trucking-related wrecks include:
If you or someone you love is the victim of one or more of the accidents described above, call Nagle & Associates today. You need a reliable, proactive lawyer to fight for your rights when it seems like nobody has your back. Remember, though – time is of the essence. The truck driver's insurance company will begin working immediately to build defenses and minimize your compensation. With no up front cost, you can retain us to begin working on your behalf today. Also, acting quickly ensures that your rights are not forfeited. North Carolina applies a statute of limitations for personal injury suits against truck drivers. If you fail to file suit before the dealine passes, you lose all rights to compensation for your truck accident injury case.
If you're hurt from a truck accident, it makes sense that you'd want a capable, fearless lawyer by your side. But how are you supposed to know which law firms are worth your time?
Similarly, not every truck accident lawyer who graduates from law school is a top attorney. When you're in search of representation for a truck accident case, it's important to find an attorney with a specific combination of skills that are well-suited to effectively handle the intricacies of your case.
Truck accidents are quite different from regular car accidents, primarily because of the substantial size and weight of commercial trucks. These factors often lead to more serious injuries and damages. Moreover, truck accident cases can involve many different parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the shippers who employed the trucking company, cargo handlers who load cargo, insurance companies, and possibly those who repair and maintain the truck or the manufacturers of defective truck parts. An experienced commercial vehicle crash lawyer will know how to identify all responsible parties and all applicable insurance policies. The laws and regulations governing commercial trucks are also more intricate, including complex Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and all state statutes and traffic laws that govern commercial drivers. Federal regulations govern driver qualification, driver training, truck inspections, equipment and weight limitations, driver conduct, driver fatigue and hours-in-service regulations, and driver crash response requirements. All of these factors should be considered in every commercial vehicle accident case.
As noted above, truck accident cases involve application of a mix of federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes rules that trucking companies and drivers must adhere to, including limits on driving hours and required rest periods. North Carolina also has its own set of laws concerning commercial trucks. An attorney who is well-versed in both federal and state regulations will be better able to pinpoint any violations that might have contributed to the accident. This can be a critical factor in proving liability and obtaining compensation for your injuries. A legal case arising from a crash caused by a commercial vehicle driver is entirely different than a typical car accident case. The claims adjuster who considers what to pay you will know if your lawyer has the experience necessary to win your case in court.
Overseeing a truck accident case requires accessibility to unique resources. Your lawyer should have connections to a team of experts who can offer valuable insights and testimony, including accident reconstruction experts, doctors/surgeons and other medical professionals, and trucking industry insiders. Having these connections can assist in determining the cause of the accident and the severity of your injuries, which is crucial for constructing a solid case. Great truck accident lawyers – like those from Nagle & Associates – will also be capable of conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and successfully challenging large trucking companies and their insurance carriers.
Truck accident cases are typically resolved through out-of-court settlements by negotiating with insurance companies. That's why it's absolutely crucial to choose an attorney with a proven track record in tough negotiations. A skilled truck accident attorney in Asheboro, NC, won't have any issue negotiating with stubborn insurance adjusters who want to minimize the compensation you need to recover. And if a fair settlement can't be reached, we stand ready to take your case to court and passionately enforce your rights in front of a judge and jury.
The aftermath of a truck accident can be extremely challenging and distressing. You need an attorney who not only has a strong grasp of the legal aspects of your case but also genuinely cares about your well-being. A dedicated attorney who is genuinely concerned about your recovery and future will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve. This includes compensation for:
When you want a quality meal in a stunning atmosphere, you don't go to your local fast-food joint. You chose a finer dining option like highest-rated fine dining Full Moon Oyster Bar Asheboro in Asheboro, NC. When you need a fearless advocate to fight for your rights after a trucking accident, you don't settle for a poorly rated law firm. You choose Nagle & Associates.
By identifying the root cause of your tractor-trailer accident, our dedicated attorneys can build a compelling case to hold all responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Whether it involves proving negligence, demonstrating violations of safety regulations, or confronting the adjusters and lawyers who oppose your case, we leverage our extensive experience to advocate on your behalf and help you obtain the compensation you need to move forward with your life. We also charge 25% less than other truck accident lawyers – we co this because we can. We have been very successful handling serious injury cases, and we are able to charge a lower percentage fee for the clients who choose us. Keep more of your money, and know that we will fight for every dollar you deserve. Please contact our law offices today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.
Asheboro, NC (November 5, 2024) – A traffic accident involving a school bus occurred this morning on Kennedy Road near Millers Mill Road. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that troopers responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a bus transporting a student from Wheatmore High School.According to preliminary investigations, the bus was traveling northwest on Kennedy Road when it veered off the road to the right. The vehicle then crossed the centerline, ran off the road to the left,...
Asheboro, NC (November 5, 2024) – A traffic accident involving a school bus occurred this morning on Kennedy Road near Millers Mill Road. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that troopers responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a bus transporting a student from Wheatmore High School.
According to preliminary investigations, the bus was traveling northwest on Kennedy Road when it veered off the road to the right. The vehicle then crossed the centerline, ran off the road to the left, and ultimately collided with an embankment before striking a tree.
Both the driver of the school bus and the student sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The Randolph County School System confirmed that there was one adult and one student on the bus at the time of the incident.
A friend of the bus driver shared with WFMY News 2 that the driver is currently at Moses Cone Hospital and is undergoing surgery this morning.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, especially the driver and the student involved.
Bus Accidents in North Carolina
Bus accidents can have serious implications for both passengers and drivers, and they are a significant concern in North Carolina. Each year, numerous individuals are injured in bus-related incidents, highlighting the importance of safety measures and vigilant driving practices.
In North Carolina, school buses are equipped with safety features designed to protect students during transit. However, accidents can still occur due to various factors, including driver error, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures. When a bus accident occurs, it is crucial for victims to understand their rights and the legal options available to them.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident in North Carolina, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved can significantly impact your recovery journey. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. We’re here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.
Asheboro, NC (November 5, 2024) – A traffic accident involving a school bus occurred this morning on Kennedy Road near Millers Mill Road. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that troopers responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a bus transporting a student from Wheatmore High School.According to preliminary investigations, the bus was traveling northwest on Kennedy Road when it veered off the road to the right. The vehicle then crossed the centerline, ran off the road to the left,...
Asheboro, NC (November 5, 2024) – A traffic accident involving a school bus occurred this morning on Kennedy Road near Millers Mill Road. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported that troopers responded to the scene of a single-vehicle crash involving a bus transporting a student from Wheatmore High School.
According to preliminary investigations, the bus was traveling northwest on Kennedy Road when it veered off the road to the right. The vehicle then crossed the centerline, ran off the road to the left, and ultimately collided with an embankment before striking a tree.
Both the driver of the school bus and the student sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. The Randolph County School System confirmed that there was one adult and one student on the bus at the time of the incident.
A friend of the bus driver shared with WFMY News 2 that the driver is currently at Moses Cone Hospital and is undergoing surgery this morning.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident, especially the driver and the student involved.
Bus Accidents in North Carolina
Bus accidents can have serious implications for both passengers and drivers, and they are a significant concern in North Carolina. Each year, numerous individuals are injured in bus-related incidents, highlighting the importance of safety measures and vigilant driving practices.
In North Carolina, school buses are equipped with safety features designed to protect students during transit. However, accidents can still occur due to various factors, including driver error, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures. When a bus accident occurs, it is crucial for victims to understand their rights and the legal options available to them.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bus accident in North Carolina, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Understanding your rights and the legal processes involved can significantly impact your recovery journey. Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. We’re here to support your recovery process with valuable resources and information. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.
In his novel "Counting Miracles," published Sept. 24, 2024, author Nicholas Sparks predicted the hurricane that devastated western North Carolina starting Sept. 27, 2024.Rating: False About this rating In October 2024, a claim circulated on social media that American author Nicholas Sparks predicted Hurricane Helene's devastation of Asheville, North Carolina, in his novel "Counting Miracles." The novel's...
In his novel "Counting Miracles," published Sept. 24, 2024, author Nicholas Sparks predicted the hurricane that devastated western North Carolina starting Sept. 27, 2024.
Rating: False About this rating
In October 2024, a claim circulated on social media that American author Nicholas Sparks predicted Hurricane Helene's devastation of Asheville, North Carolina, in his novel "Counting Miracles." The novel's release date was Sept. 24, 2024, three days before Hurricane Helene began to cause widespread destruction in western North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024.
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One TikTok clip about the claim, dated Oct. 5, 2024, showed the passage in question superimposed with text reading: "Nicholas Sparks!!! How did you know?!?!"
(TikTok user @lovinaloha)
The same passage was the subject of other popular TikTok videos, as well as posts on X (archived), Threads and other social media platforms.
(Threads user @amylynn915)
For example, multiple (archived) Facebook users mentioned the claim in comments (archived) left on unrelated posts on Sparks' official Facebook page. One such comment, on a post about an upcoming "Counting Miracles" film adaptation, read (archived):
How did you know hurricane Helene was going to his [sic] North Carolina? Nice play on your wording Asheville, north Carolina to Asheboro North Carolina. You released this book just in time for the hurricane to hit. That's disgusting.
A passage in Sparks' "Counting Miracles" did indeed describe a hurricane named Helene damaging the North Carolina city of Asheboro (not Asheville, the city the 2024 hurricane devastated). However, the context of the book made it clear that the passage in question did not refer to the 2024 hurricane. Instead, the book described a 1958 storm that coincidentally shared the same name.
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For that reason, we have rated the claim false.
The passage in question was on Page 167 of "Counting Miracles." It read as follows:
Jasper had barely settled into his new job, however, when his life was upended again. In September, only a month after Audrey had left, Hurricane Helene unleashed massive rainfall and a nearby creek in Asheboro quickly rose to dangerous levels. Fortunately—or unfortunately, as the case may be—Jasper was at his house in town, not the cabin, when it began to flood. He pushed through water that soon reached his waist, gathering up photographs from the mantel, his father's Bible, and as many of the carvings they'd made together as he could carry, hauling it all to his truck, which he'd parked on higher ground, just in case. As the storm continued to rage, a loblolly in the yard snapped and crashed through the roof. Days later, after the water finally receded and hot weather returned, mold began growing on the walls and the floors, ruining pretty much everything in the house that the storm hadn't.
The description of the book that appeared on the website of the book's publisher noted that the character mentioned in the passage, Jasper, was 83 years old in the book's present-day storyline, which took place in 2023, according to a heading that appeared at the beginning of the first chapter.
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The passage in question, however, did not take place in the present day. Instead, it was a flashback to the year Jasper was 18 — a detail Sparks noted in the paragraph that immediately preceded the passage mentioning Hurricane Helene. As a result, it was clear in context that the novel's Hurricane Helene took place 65 years before 2023, i.e., in 1958.
Additionally, the location described in this section of the book was Asheboro, N.C. — not Asheville, the city that made headlines due to the devastation that Hurricane Helene wrought there in October 2024.
Asheville is in western North Carolina, not far from the Tennessee border. Asheboro, by contrast, is in the center of the state, roughly 150 miles to Asheville's east, according to Google Maps. Although Randolph County — of which Asheboro is the county seat — saw some damage from 2024's Hurricane Helene, the Randolph Record, a newspaper that covers the county, reported that it primarily consisted of power outages and wastewater overflows.
The World Meteorological Organization, a United Nations agency established in 1950, assigns official names to tropical cyclones, a category of storms that includes hurricanes, based on predetermined alphabetical lists that rotate every six years. According to the WMO's official website:
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A name can be retired or withdrawn from the active list at the request of any Member State if a tropical cyclone by that name acquires special notoriety because of the human casualties and damage incurred.
Despite its powerful winds, the 1958 Hurricane Helene did not cause severe enough devastation or human casualty for the WMO to consider retiring the name.
A National Weather Service webpage about the 1958 storm explained:
Hurricane Helene was a powerful hurricane that raked the coast of the Carolinas on September 27, 1958. Although the storm never made an official landfall, it produced exceptionally strong winds on land including a 135 mph gust at the Wilmington airport, the strongest ever measured at this location. Helene's offshore track is the only factor that spared the area from catastrophic damage rivaling or even exceeding that experienced just four years earlier during Hurricane Hazel's landfall. Due to early warnings and mandatory evacuation of coastal islands, Helene caused no direct fatalities and only one serious injury in the Carolinas.
The same NWS website did not list Randolph County, in which Asheboro is located, among the counties that saw notable damage from the 1958 Helene, suggesting that Sparks took some artistic license when, in his novel, he described the storm flooding Asheboro's creek.
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The WMO also named hurricanes Helene in 1988, 2006 and 2018, according to National Hurricane Center reports.
In summary, since the WMO began naming storms in the 1950s there have been multiple Hurricane Helenes. Contextual details in "Counting Miracles" make it clear that the Hurricane Helene described by the author was specifically the one that occurred in 1958. For this reason, we have rated the claim that Nicholas Sparks predicted 2024's Hurricane Helene false.
Previously, we investigated similar claims that a 1981 Dean Koontz book predicted COVID-19 and that a book describing the Maui, Hawaii, fires of August 2023 was published before the fires started.
