Trucks can be dangerous vehicles, and accidents involving large commercial trucks can be devastating and often result in catastrophic injuries. If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, it’s important to seek legal representation from a qualified Charleston truck accident lawyer.
A Charleston personal injury lawyer protects your rights and fights for the compensation you need to get your life back. The Thumbs Up Guys have recovered millions of dollars for past injury victims and may be able to help you receive maximum compensation.
What Kind of Truck Accidents Can We Help With?
The Thumbs Up Guys are here to help you with your trucking accident claim in Charleston, South Carolina. These vehicles are typically built specifically for professionally moving goods or passengers. However, commercial vehicles can be more than just 18-wheelers. They include a wide range of vehicles, such as:
- Semi-trucks
- Box trucks and freight vehicles
- Commercial vans
- Public and private buses
- Tractor trailers
- Some taxi cabs
An accident involving any of these vehicles is considered a commercial vehicle accident. If you’re injured, your truck accident lawyer in Charleston may be able to file a claim through commercial auto insurance.
A commercial truck company will likely have strong legal representation to protect its financial interests. Hiring an attorney with us can help keep them from taking advantage of you. Our compassionate lawyers can fight to help you receive the fair compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Charleston, call (843) 380-8350
Potential Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Claim
When it comes to truck accidents, the damages can be significant and life-altering. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Charleston, it’s important to understand the types of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Here are some common types of damages an accident victim may be able to claim in a truck accident:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, physical therapy, and any other medical treatments related to your injuries. Keep track of your medical bills if you’re seeking maximum compensation after a truck crash.
- Lost wages: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have resulted in a decrease in your earning capacity, you may be able to recover the wages you’ve already lost and the potential income you may lose in the future.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the accident. It counts among your non-economic damages and can include chronic pain, mental anguish, and a decreased quality of life.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement. Large trucks can cause thousands of dollars in damages, so don’t sweep these costs under the rug.
- Wrongful death: In the case of a fatal accident, the surviving family members may be able to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional pain and suffering caused by the loss.
These are just a few examples of the types of damages that may be available in a South Carolina truck accident case. To determine the specific damages you may be entitled to, consult with a qualified Charleston truck accident lawyer who can assess the details of your case and fight for your rights.
Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (843) 380-8350
How Do Truck Accidents Happen in Charleston, South Carolina?
Truck accidents can happen for various reasons, and understanding the common causes is crucial to preventing them and knowing what to look out for on the road. Here are some ways in which truck accidents can occur:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often have long and demanding work schedules, which can lead to fatigue and drowsiness. Falling asleep at the wheel has the potential to result in catastrophic accidents.
- Distracted driving/reckless driving: Just like any other driver, commercial truck drivers can also get distracted from the road by activities like texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving. These distractions increase the risk of accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Trucking companies often require regular maintenance of their vehicles to make sure their operation is safe. Inadequate maintenance pertaining to the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components can lead to accidents caused by mechanical failure.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: Trucks that are overloaded or have unevenly distributed cargo can become unstable and difficult to control. This can result in accidents, especially during turns or sudden braking.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous for any driver, but the consequences can be particularly severe when it involves a large commercial truck.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can make driving challenging for any vehicle. However, large trucks are particularly vulnerable to losing control on slippery roads or experiencing reduced visibility.
By understanding the common causes of semi-truck accidents, drivers can take appropriate precautions to prevent them.
However, if you or a loved one has already been involved in a trucking accident, it’s essential to seek legal action from a truck crash lawyer. Doing so helps to safeguard your rights and increases your chances of receiving maximum compensation.
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Common Truck Accident Injuries and How They Affect Settlements
Truck accidents often cause severe and life-changing injuries that lead to long-term medical care and affect your ability to work and enjoy life. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Emotional distress
Injuries sustained in semi-truck crashes or rollover accidents usually result in higher medical expenses and non-economic damages. Because commercial trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, the force of impact often causes devastating harm.
Catastrophic accidents like underride crashes or collisions caused by driver fatigue may increase the potential value of truck accident claims.
Your Injuries May Influence Your Settlement Amount
The severity and type of injury directly influence the amount of financial compensation you may receive. Insurance company representatives often try to minimize payouts by disputing the seriousness of your injuries.
An experienced truck accident attorney can help truck accident victims fight for fair compensation based on medical records, lost wages, and the impact on quality of life.
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Understanding the Legal Process and Evidence Collection
Filing a truck accident lawsuit involves a series of steps, beginning with identifying all liable parties. These may include a:
- Negligent truck driver
- Trucking company
- Shipping company
- Manufacturer of a defective part
Establishing responsibility often requires reviewing driver logs, maintenance logs, and accident reports.
Evidence Can Strengthen Your Claim
Evidence collection is essential to proving fault and securing maximum compensation. Critical evidence from the accident scene may include:
- Skid marks
- Cell phone records
- Photographs of property damage
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Expert accident reconstruction
Due to the nature of truck accidents and the involvement of commercial vehicles, working with a dedicated team of personal injury attorneys is crucial. A legal team with extensive combined experience can handle negotiations with the insurance carrier. They help make sure no convincing evidence is overlooked and that accident victims receive a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents in Charleston
In Charleston, truck accident victims generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation for injuries, property damage, and other financial losses.
This time limit applies whether you’re dealing with a commercial truck accident or a semi-truck crash. Truck accident lawyers must act quickly to preserve evidence before it’s lost or altered.
Maintenance records, driver logs, and black box data may be deleted or overwritten over time. Acting swiftly also helps locate eyewitnesses and document injuries in real time.
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help make sure all paperwork is filed within the statute of limitations. This is especially important in cases involving complicated regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Don’t wait—filing your trucking accident claim promptly is key to securing peace of mind and pursuing legal action against responsible parties.
Proving Liability
Proving liability in a truck accident starts with identifying every party that may have contributed to the crash. While the commercial truck driver is often the focus, other responsible parties may include the trucking company, a shipping company, or even a maintenance provider.
In some cases, the manufacturer of a faulty brake or defective tire can also be held liable.
Focusing on the Accident Scene and Expert Testimony
Evidence collection is crucial in establishing fault. This includes accident reports, photos from the accident scene, skid marks, and damage to the vehicles involved. The personal injury attorneys on our legal team also obtain driver logs, maintenance records, and cell phone records to investigate distracted driving, drowsy driving, or driver negligence.
Expert testimony may be used to explain technical aspects like improper loading or the failure to follow federal trucking laws. A crash reconstruction expert can help show how the crash occurred and who is at fault.
Proving Negligence and Violations
To prove liability, your legal team must demonstrate that a party acted negligently or violated safety regulations. Examples include ignoring hours-of-service rules, inadequate maintenance, or hiring unqualified commercial drivers. Violations of federal regulations established by the FMCSA often serve as strong proof of fault.
The Thumbs Up Guys Can Help You After a Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents can be extremely overwhelming and stressful. That’s where a Charleston truck accident lawyer comes in. These personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience to face the nuances of truck accident cases and provide you with the help and support you need.
Fighting for Your Rights
An experienced truck accident lawyer will fight for your rights and help make sure that you receive fair compensation. We will do the following for you:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident.
- Gather evidence.
- Build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to help make sure that you are not taken advantage of and that you receive a fair settlement.
Knowledge of Local Laws
Additionally, a truck accident lawyer in Charleston understands the unique laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. An experienced attorney will use their knowledge to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Whether it’s a negligent truck driver, a trucking company, or a manufacturer of faulty truck parts, your lawyer will work tirelessly to seek justice on your behalf.
Support and Guidance
In addition to handling the legal aspects of your case, a Charleston truck accident lawyer will provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.
We will answer your questions, explain the legal process, and keep you informed every step of the way. Our Charleston truck accident attorneys will be your advocate and help make sure that your best interests are always prioritized.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Charleston, SC, Now
Hiring a Charleston truck accident lawyer is essential if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident. The Thumbs Up Guys will work diligently to help make sure that your best interests are represented.
Don’t face the aftermath of a truck accident without backup. Contact us today to get started on your journey toward justice and financial compensation. Our law firm is ready to fight for you. Visit our FAQ page to learn more; then, get your free case evaluation.
Call or text (843) 380-8350 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
