If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a truck accident, you need to have a lawyer working on the case immediately. The South Carolina truck accident lawyers at the Strom Law Firm can ensure that your personal injury claim is timely initiated, preserved, and filed to seek the compensation you deserve. Our South Carolina truck accident attorneys help each client navigate all the required evidence, negligence claims, and other information they need for their truck accident cases, including helping accident victims document accident details for insurance and legal purposes. Our legal offices handle claims for semi-commercial truck companies and tractor-trailer accidents. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your accident details and legal options.
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that, in 2018, there were 106,821 accidents in the United States involving a commercial trucking vehicle. Almost 4,500 of those were fatal truck accidents. Because of the size and weight of these semi trucks, any negligent, reckless, or careless driving can have serious and devastating consequences for truck drivers. Accident victims often face challenges dealing with the insurance company and seeking compensation for their injuries and damages.
How Do Truck Accidents Usually Happen?
We have all traveled the highways and roads throughout South Carolina and are aware of the increasingly heavy traffic, particularly on major interstates like I-26, I-20, I-85 passing Spartanburg and even I-95. Eighteen-wheelers, construction vehicles, farm vehicles, and other multi-axle and commercial vehicles often rush to stay on schedule and beat deadlines. Trucks are heavy, fast, and weighed down by their load. When semi trucks collide with a smaller vehicle, destruction and serious injuries can occur. The aftermath of a car wreck involving a large truck can be devastating, often resulting in significant property damage and life-altering injuries.
Truck drivers sometimes operate these large vehicles in a negligent or careless way, causing serious damage and injuries. Driver’s negligence is a common cause of truck accidents, where inattentive or reckless behavior behind the wheel leads to collisions. Sometimes, these truck drivers may be driving for long hours on the road, leading to physical exhaustion and less attention to their driving. Other times, truck drivers have used medications and drugs to help them stay awake. Some regular causes of truck accidents in South Carolina and across all counties include:
- Exhaustion
- Failure to maintain lanes
- Speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Distractions while driving
- Reckless driving
- Drivers carrying too much load
- Inexperience
- Driving under the Influence of drugs or alcohol (DUI)
- Improper turning procedures
Some accidents are caused by defective truck parts rather than a negligent driver. These truck problems could include problems with the brakes, tires, lights, faulty maintenance, etc., that could be due to the trucking company’s negligence. Faulty pre-trip inspections could be to blame for the truck accident, and the truck company could be held liable. Sometimes, these semi-truck defects could give rise need A for a South Carolina products liability lawyer to bring a case against the manufacturer, distributor, trucking company or maintenance facility that performed repairs on the truck. Contacting an experienced South Carolina truck accident lawyer or consulting a personal injury attorney to review the situation and determine the best course to follow can help you secure the compensation you deserve from your tractor-trailer accident.
Common Truck Accidents in South Carolina
As with any type of vehicle collision, there can be an array of different ways these truck accidents occur. Truck accidents are a type of motor vehicle accident, auto accident, and automobile accident, often resulting in serious consequences. South Carolina truck accidents can range from fender benders to catastrophic accidents, with fatalities or permanent disabilities. Usually, South Carolina’s truck accidents involve rear-end collisions, overturns as a result of taking a turn too sharply, failure to yield the right of way, illegal turns or hydroplaning, multiple car pile-ups, chemical spills on the roadways, and failing to tie down the cargo securely.
Occasionally, late-night or early-morning truck accidents can be caused when a truck is either not equipped with or does not use its high beams and fails to see a hazard in the roadway. If the truck trailer’s haul is not loaded and secured appropriately, it can become dislodged from the trailer and careen into other cars on the road, leading to significant property damage. Truck drivers on the other end of such a situation will find themselves in a serious, maybe even deadly, situation.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
These truck accidents are the culprit for many fatalities each year on South Carolina’s Lexington roadways. A commercial truck’s weight and mass is why there is such a crushing force in these truck collisions. If a person involved in a tractor-trailer collision does not lose their life, the driver will rarely walk away from the truck accident unscathed. The damage these types of truck collisions can cause include severe trauma, friction burns, or other severe injuries that are not always present in different types of car accidents. Car accident injury is also a significant concern, as injury victims often face long-term consequences and require experienced legal representation to secure fair compensation. Our firm has extensive experience representing injured clients and helping them recover the compensation they deserve. The most common truck accident injuries that we have seen include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Significant blows to the head of the driver can cause head injuries, commonly referred to as head trauma, known as traumatic brain injuries. Damage to the brain often results in lasting consequences requiring immediate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Brain damage can lead to cognitive issues that may impact a person’s mental activity, emotions, and many other areas of their life. Imagine waking up in a fog, which would be every day for the rest of your life. Brain damage to truck drivers can also be permanent where there is little to be done other than managing the symptoms with medication and physical therapy. Likely traumatic brain injuries seen in truck accidents involve concussions, coup-contrecoup, and brain contusions.
Internal Organ Damage
Internal organs can often be damaged by the force of an accident with a semi-truck or tractor-trailer. Some of the damage to these organs includes rupturing, tearing, and contusions, which can all turn out as severe injuries. After a truck accident, the organs can lose function, or internal bleeding can damage the body’s other organs.
Back Injuries and Spinal Cord Damage
The best South Carolina truck accident lawyers agree that the size and weight of a tractor-trailer can come into play when there is an injury to the back of a truck driver. An impact on a person’s back can cause damage to the spinal cord. The brain receives sensory information through the spinal cord. If damaged, these functions can be compromised when a driver gets in a truck accident. An accident where the back is injured often results in fractured vertebrae that wrap around the spinal cord, and can also result in injuries to the sensitive nerves in the spinal cord. As such, misalignment of the spine can damage the spinal cord due to pressure or a tear. These truck accident injuries can cause injuries ranging from paralysis and issues with moving around to numbness and even incontinence.
Importance of Medical Treatment
After a truck accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if you feel fine or believe your injuries are minor, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries, such as internal trauma or head injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. Timely medical treatment not only supports your recovery but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the car accident, which is vital for your personal injury claim. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the importance of following through with all recommended medical care and ensure that your medical records accurately reflect the extent of your injuries. By prioritizing medical attention, you strengthen your injury claim and improve your chances of seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Remember, taking care of your health is the first step toward a successful legal recovery.
Liability of Trucking Companies and Drivers
In South Carolina, the injured motorist can file a claim against a truck driver and their trucking company. You could potentially recover the costs of your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of use, and loss of enjoyment of life. You might recover compensation for future medical care, including future medical bills, or a wrongful death case in more serious trucking cases. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may recover money for funeral expenses and other damages, helping to ease the financial burden after losing a loved one. It is also important to hold the responsible party accountable to ensure justice for your family member.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence standard for determining fault in car accidents. Under this rule, you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any compensation for damages. Additionally, you generally have three years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. Determining fault can be complex, and having legal assistance is crucial to navigate these rules and maximize your ability to recover money.
Choosing Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Case
With so many law firms and individual lawyers in South Carolina claiming to offer truck accident representation, it’s pretty tricky to determine which personal injury lawyer suits your needs. This is why you must thoroughly review the available law firms in South Carolina to check their suitability for handling your truck accident claim.
Not all law firms and individual truck accident attorneys are the same. Some practice general law while others focus specifically on motor vehicle accidents and personal injury law. So, you must understand all these dynamics before settling on any law firm or attorney for your truck accident claim.
You will want to choose a lawyer who focuses on truck accidents. If you are a trucking company, you want to select a truck accident attorney with experience representing large trucking companies. If you are an individual driver, you want to find South Carolina truck accident attorneys with experience representing individual drivers.
Benefits of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies and complex legal procedures. Hiring a truck accident lawyer offers invaluable benefits, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. An experienced attorney understands the intricacies of South Carolina law and can handle every aspect of your car accident claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance adjusters. Whether you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim, a reputable law firm will fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. Your legal team can also connect you with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and investigators to build a strong case on your behalf. With a knowledgeable accident lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing while your attorney manages the legal process and advocates for your best interests.
Types of Cases Handled by Truck Accident Lawyers
Truck accident lawyers are equipped to handle a wide variety of personal injury cases arising from motor vehicle accidents. Their expertise extends beyond truck accidents to include car wrecks, motorcycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents, as well as cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal injuries. Whether you have suffered serious injuries in a car crash or are dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s wrongful death, an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you need. A dedicated law firm will guide you through the legal process, leveraging their knowledge and resources to address even the most complex personal injury cases. No matter the circumstances of your accident, having a skilled legal team on your side can make all the difference in achieving a successful outcome.
How to Pick the Right Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Crash
Picking the right attorney for your truck accident case involves weighing various options available. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation or free case review, allowing you to discuss your situation with an attorney at no cost and with no obligation. This is an important first step to understand your legal options and the strength of your claim.
You should also consider the fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay attorney fees if your lawyer recovers a settlement or verdict for you. Under contingency fee arrangements, the attorney fees are a pre-agreed-upon percentage of your recovery, typically between 33% and 40%. If your attorney fails to recover compensation, you won’t owe any attorney fees. This contingency fee structure makes legal representation accessible to individuals experiencing financial hardship after an accident.
Studies show that injury victims can recover up to 3.5 times more compensation when represented by a lawyer. You must weigh these options against your legal representation needs for the best outcome for your truck accident case. Here are some crucial steps you should take when searching for a lawyer to handle your truck accident claim and help you get the compensation you deserve:
Choose a SC Law Firm Specializing in Truck Accident Cases
Don’t just choose any law firm in South Carolina for your truck accident case; take your time to find trucking accident lawyers that specialize in commercial truck accident representation. Car accidents occur frequently in South Carolina, with an auto collision happening every 3.5 minutes, and the state has a higher death rate from car accidents compared to the national average. Choosing a law firm experienced in handling car accident settlements, insurance claims, and understanding car insurance policies is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your compensation. Doing so gives you peace of mind knowing that your case is in the hands of a lawyer with deep knowledge of the applicable laws and extensive experience in handling similar truck accident cases.
South Carolina car accident Lawyers and South Carolina personal injury lawyers understand the dynamics of each truck crash case and the steps they need to take to win the compensation you deserve for your accident. Truck accident attorneys will help you to interpret the law, guide you through the process of filing an insurance claim, and explain how different car insurance coverages may affect your case. They also have the expertise to negotiate a fair car accident settlement. Although general practice lawyers can represent you in a truck accident claim, their chances of giving you a favorable outcome and adequate compensation are lower compared to personal injury and car accident attorneys.
Ask for Truck Accident Attorney Recommendations From Another Truck Driver
If a fellow truck driver filed a successful truck accident claim recently with the help of a law firm or attorney, you should ask them for recommendations and advice on the best law firm in South Carolina. Because they’ve already hired a truck accident lawyer, they have an idea of the kind of attorney you need for your trucking accident.
Fellow truck drivers can even share their attorney’s contacts with you if they’re satisfied with their services. However, it’s essential to personally review the law firm or attorney to determine if their services align with your legal representation needs. Remember that a lawyer who works for your friends or work colleagues may not necessarily work for you.
Check the Track Record and Portfolio of the Truck Accident Attorney
When searching for an experienced truck accident lawyer, you must compare several law firms and individual truck injury lawyers to assess their suitability. Any reputable law firm or lawyer should have a comprehensive portfolio showing the cases they’ve handled successfully.
The truck accident attorney should have a track record showing how often they’re hired for complex truck accident cases and their success rate. You’ll know whether the law firm prefers to negotiate for settlements or take cases to court for trial. When choosing a truck accident attorney, you should remember all this information and choose a lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve for your case.
Contact South Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys Today
Severe injuries and lifelong medical expenses resulting from a truck accident are serious issues for accident victims and truck drivers. Hopefully, you will not need one of our Columbia wrongful death lawyers. The experienced South Carolina truck accident lawyers at the Strom Law Firm are here to talk to you and review your case and evidence. Our truck accident attorneys know what it takes to negotiate with insurance companies, who often attempt to minimize payouts or offer low settlements to accident victims. Do not resolve your truck accident case for too little or too early.
If you are involved in a truck accident, take these important steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately to ensure your health and safety, and to document injuries for your legal claim.
- Document accident details at the scene by taking photos, gathering information from other parties, and keeping detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and lost income.
- Contact the authorities to report the accident and obtain an official accident report.
- Consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and navigate the claims process.
- Do not accept any insurance settlement offers before consulting with an attorney, as they may be lower than what you deserve.
- Avoid discussing the accident on social media, as insurance companies can use this information against you.
An experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer at the Strom Law Firm is ready to litigate your case through depositions, hearings, and trial. Contact us for your free consultation with a South Carolina accident attorney today at (803) 252-4800.
