Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys

Though a car accident can be challenging, accidents with commercial vehicles tend to be more complex. The trucking company will likely have its own attorneys to represent the truck driver. More so, there is a lot on the line after a truck crash for the trucking company and driver. For the driver, it could mean losing their ability to work, and for the truck company, it could mean higher liability insurance rates.
The damage to a passenger vehicle from large trucks can also be significant. Many times, a victim will have catastrophic injuries and losses, warranting a higher payout of compensation if you can prove those losses.

An experienced commercial truck accident attorney can help you in numerous ways:

• Meet deadlines for your injury claim
• Negotiate economic and non-economic damages with the insurance company
• Understand the laws surrounding your case, which may be more complicated than they are with passenger cars
• Provide you with guidance on obtaining evidence to use against the truck driver
• Help you know what all of your damages are
• Provide you with legal advice on whether you should file a lawsuit and go to court.

Big rigs cause serious vehicle accidents. Even if you feel okay, go to the emergency room. Call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. If you are able to do so safely, consider the following steps:

• Take photos and a video of the accident and the surrounding area. Include all damage suffered to your vehicle and that of the truck
• Get the name and contact information of anyone who witnessed or was involved in the accident
• Ask witnesses to provide statements about what they saw before the accident, during it, and after
• Avoid making statements about fault, such as “I didn’t see you there”
• File a police report for the motor vehicle accident documenting the facts of the case

Follow through with the medical care recommended to you by your doctors. Then, contact a truck accident attorney for legal guidance. Do not assume the trucking company will treat you fairly. Going forward, track all medical bills and expenses you have and document any injuries you sustain.

Truck accident injuries range from mild to severe, some of them being catastrophic. The weight of the truck, the rate of speed, and the overall type of vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer or a work truck, all play a role in the severity of the injuries suffered. Catastrophic injuries can lead to long-term loss that may not improve fully over time. Some of the most common truck accident injuries we see include the following:

• Fatalities that lead to a wrongful death claim
• Broken bones
• Disfigurement
• Spine and back injuries
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Though we often seek fair compensation through negotiations and a settlement with the insurance company, it is also important to know the statute of limitations in South Carolina. This is the amount of time you have from the date of the accident to file legal action against those responsible. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations in a non- government owned or operated truck collision case is 3 years.

With the help of an experienced truck accident attorney, you will know what all of your losses are and have a good idea of all parties responsible for your injuries. Some of the parties that could be held liable depending on the specifics of your case include:

• The truck driver: The truck driver could be held responsible if they are using a cell phone behind the wheel, driving aggressively, not paying attention to the blind spot while switching lanes, or are intoxicated. A black box investigation could reveal some of these actions.
• The trucking company: The truck company could be responsible if there are violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) such as rules for adequate brakes or if the truck they own is not maintained properly.
• The manufacturer: An experienced truck accident lawyer will have the ability to tell you if other manufacturer defects like your own caused other accidents. Large commercial vehicles with ineffective designs, inferior parts, or other safety risks could lead to a lawsuit against the other party.
• Cargo loader: Motorists hurt by falling cargo or cargo that shifts and causes injury could potentially hold the cargo loader accountable for the accident.
• Governmental entity: In some situations, such as very poorly maintained road conditions, lack of visibility, or other factors could put a governmental entity at partial blame for the accident.

* The statute of limitations for legal action against a governmental entity can be less than 3 years.

Victims of truck and car accidents may face a wide range of injuries. Insurance adjusters are not responsible for telling you what your losses are. Instead, you must show evidence of this. Some types of evidence may include:

• Economic losses: Medical expenses, lost time at work, and property damage fall into this area; document all medical attention and related costs, including ongoing rehabilitation costs
• Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress and trauma, and other losses less quantifiable
• Punitive damages: In cases of serious violations of the law, such as driver fatigue due to blatant neglect of FMCA laws, driving under the influence, or intentional acts, the court may award additional losses in the form of punitive damages

Truck accidents occur for various reasons, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Common examples of why you or your loved one may be suffering serious injuries are due to negligent actions of the driver, including:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver intoxication
• Aggressive driving or road rage
• Driver distraction, such as using a cell phone
• Unsafe loading or cargo management
• Poor maintenance and upkeep on the vehicle