Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’re like most motorists, you probably want to avoid tractor-trailers whenever possible. These massive trucks can do serious damage to you and your car. Unfortunately, you might know this first-hand because you have already experienced this type of crash.

When an 18-wheeler hits you, you may need a lawyer from HawkLaw, PA to help you through this difficult time. You’re probably dealing with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and pain, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, a Charleston truck accident lawyer can help you file your injury claim and get the compensation you need to recover.

Causes of Truck Crashes in Charleston

One of the first steps to recovering compensation is to find the cause of your semi-truck crash. You’ll need to back up your claim with evidence that someone else was responsible for your accident.

Some common causes of big rig accidents include the following:

• Drunk Driving – Driving under the influence puts all parties at risk, especially if the vehicle is as dangerous as an 18-wheeler. Because truckers driving under the influence of alcohol have impaired reflexes and judgment, they’re more likely to cause a major accident that leaves you injured.
• Drowsy Driving – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving because it also affects the reflexes. Many truck drivers drive past their limits to meet tight deadlines and receive incentives, so drowsy driving is a common cause of serious truck accidents in Charleston.
• Driver Inexperience – In some cases, the truck driver might not have been trained properly. They might have made a mistake, such as not properly checking their mirrors, and now you’re the one paying dearly for that mistake.

Who to Sue for a an 18-Wheeler Crash

Fault is an especially important consideration for South Carolina drivers who have been injured in a trucking collision. You’ll need to show that you weren’t at fault for your accident to support your Charleston truck accident claim and get the full compensation you deserve.

Unfortunately, your claim may not be as simple as pointing to the truck driver. Because the driver is at work while on the road, their employer might be liable for your damages. When an employee is acting within the scope of their job, the employer might be expected to cover the costs of the employee’s negligence.

Beyond the trucker and the trucking company, you might need to examine the manufacturer of the truck or its parts. If the truck somehow malfunctioned and caused the accident that harmed you, it might be the manufacturer that owes you compensation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Sadly, it’s not easy to overcome a serious truck accident. Your injuries alone—let alone the bills and emotional trauma—can be difficult. You might have even lost a loved one because of your accident. Unfortunately, an injury can be overwhelming, so recovery might be tough.

Truck crashes are so serious because a semi-truck is at least six times the size of your car and carries with it vehicle-crushing momentum. That doesn’t include the damage dangerous cargo, such as gasoline, can add to the situation.

As a truck accident victim, you could have suffered any of the following injuries or more:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Internal bleeding

Handling the Legal Details

Before you file your claim, make sure you’re aware of the South Carolina laws that will affect your case. If you haven’t sought out a Charleston 18-wheeler collision lawyer yet, you might not be aware of the state laws that are currently threatening your ability to recover the compensation you need.

For example, you’ll need to pay attention to the time limits on your claim. In South Carolina, you’ll generally only have three years to file your claim. If you don’t act within those three years, you may lose your chance to recover compensation for the damages you’ve been put through.

You’ll also need to look at your own part in the accident in case the other side accuses you of holding some responsibility. South Carolina has laws that can decrease your compensation for fault on your part. If you’re found responsible for any percentage of your semi-truck crash, your compensation will be diminished by that percentage.

For example, let’s say the other side claims you’re 25 percent responsible for your accident. If that accusation sticks, you’ll only receive 75 percent of your awarded compensation at most. Your attorney will be prepared to fight back against accusations of fault against you.

Semi-Truck Accident Compensation

You deserve full compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. But the compensation you receive should cover more than the economic damages you’ve suffered. You’ll also need compensation for the non-economic damages you’ve been forced to endure.

These non-economic damages cover the emotional and mental toll of an accident. A serious truck accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can reduce your quality of life. However, that change in quality is intangible and difficult to calculate without an attorney’s help.

If you’re seeking compensation for your injuries, be sure to include all of the damages you’ve experienced, such as the following:

• Medical bills
• Emotional trauma
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Scarring and disfigurement

Charleston Truck Accident FAQ

When you’re injured in a semi-truck crash, the recovery process can be difficult and confusing. You’re dealing with a lot all at once, and every case is different. So, there’s a good chance that you have a few questions an experienced truck wreck lawyer in Charleston can answer.

Our Charleston commercial truck accident attorneys can get you the answers you need. We understand how difficult a truck accident lawsuit can be, and we’ll make sure you know exactly what you’ll need to know as you move forward. Check out our truck accident FAQs below, and give us a call to have all of your questions answered in a free consultation.

Can I seek compensation if the truck driver was arrested for the accident?

Yes. While a criminal trial may put an at-fault driver behind bars, it won’t get you the compensation you need. Talk to an attorney about filing a civil lawsuit separately from criminal charges.

What are punitive damages?

When another driver acts with an intent to harm you or with egregious negligence, there may be punitive damages involved in your resulting lawsuit. Rather than compensating you for your suffering, like your economic and non-economic damages, these damages are awarded strictly to punish the wrongdoer.

Should I talk to the trucker’s insurance company?

You may get a call from the insurance company for the trucker or trucking company, during which they’ll ask you about the accident and how it happened. We do not advise truck collision victims to answer these questions. In most cases, insurers are looking to poke holes in your story and place more blame on you so they can avoid fully compensating you. Instead, you can direct them to speak with your attorney.

Call a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney

Unfortunately, you’re dealing with a lot in the wake of a semi-truck crash. You’re hurt and suffering and the bills are piling up, and you’ll need compensation to overcome that. What can you do?

Fortunately, an attorney from HawkLaw, PA can help you recover when you’re struggling with your case. In a free case review with our firm, you can get the answers you need and discuss your next steps with a qualified and experienced attorney.

Struggling after an 18-wheeler wreck and need help? Reach out to a Charleston truck accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation by calling 1-888-HAWK-LAW (429-5529) or by completing the online contact form below.