Truck accidents frequently happen when truck drivers violate traffic laws, exhibit road rage, or operate their vehicles in a distracted or intoxicated manner. In some instances, the trucking companies that employ these drivers may also share in some – or all – of the fault for an accident.
If you suffered injuries in a recent truck collision due to a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.
The skilled Charleston truck accident attorneys at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers will fight for your rights every step of the way and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced Charleston truck accident lawyers, please contact our firm directly today.
Charleston Truck Accident Guide
- Why Let Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers Represent You?
- How Much Is Your Charleston Truck Accident Case Worth?
- Where Do Truck Accidents Most Commonly Occur in Charleston?
- Types of Charleston Truck Accidents
- Injuries in a Charleston Truck Collision
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident in Charleston
- Steps to Take Following a Charleston Truck Accident
- Speak With a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options Today
Why Let Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers Represent You?
Due to the sheer force and weight of large commercial trucks, trucking accidents can result in debilitating and sometimes permanent injuries. And given everything that is riding on the line, you want the best possible team of lawyers representing you after a Charleston truck accident.
The skilled team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers will fight the insurance company on your behalf and pursue a favorable settlement offer.
However, if the insurance company does not settle your case favorably, we welcome the opportunity to file a lawsuit and litigate your case through the state court system. Unlike many large law firms, we offer a boutique-style atmosphere, ensuring that your case receives the individual attention that it deserves.
We have convenient office locations throughout South Carolina, so do not hesitate to let us help you secure the compensation you need for your truck-accident losses.
How Much Is Your Charleston Truck Accident Case Worth?
After a truck accident occurs, victims may recover compensation to help cover their losses.
One significant factor in determining the worth of a truck accident case is the severity of the victim’s injuries and medical treatment.
Injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), can greatly affect the final compensation amount. Medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs, may be factored into the compensation.
Additionally, victims may be entitled to compensation for lost income if their injuries prevent them from working – or result in a loss of earning capacity. This compensation aims to provide financial support for the income that the victim would have earned but for the accident.
Pain and suffering are another significant aspect of compensation in Charleston truck accident cases. This includes physical pain and emotional distress that the victim experienced as a direct result of the accident and their injuries.
Determining the value of pain and suffering can be challenging and often requires the knowledge of legal professionals and economists.
In cases of wrongful death resulting from a truck accident, surviving family members may recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support that the deceased individual provided when they were alive.
Furthermore, property damage incurred as a result of the accident, such as damage to the victim’s vehicle or other personal property, may be included in the final compensation award.
The experienced Charleston truck accident attorneys at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can aggressively negotiate for the fair settlement or litigation compensation you deserve.
Where Do Truck Accidents Most Commonly Occur in Charleston?
In Charleston, South Carolina, truck accidents can occur in various locations, with some areas experiencing higher frequencies due to factors like traffic congestion, road conditions, and infrastructure design.
One notable location that is prone to truck accidents is Interstate 26 (I-26) – a major highway that connects Charleston with other cities, including Columbia and Asheville.
Due to its high volume of traffic and heavy commercial trucking activity, I-26 can be a hotspot for accidents involving trucks. Areas where I-26 intersect with other major roadways, such as Interstate 526 (I-526) and Interstate 95 (I-95), are particularly susceptible to accidents.
Additionally, Highway 17, which runs along the coast and through Downtown Charleston, is another common site for truck accidents.
Commercial trucks and passenger vehicles regularly traverse this route, and its narrow lanes and sharp curves often contribute to accidents, especially during periods of heavy traffic or inclement weather.
Charleston’s port facilities, including the Port of Charleston and the North Charleston Terminal, also see a significant amount of truck traffic transporting cargo to and from the port.
Truck accidents can occur in and around these areas due to the large number of trucks entering and exiting the port facilities, as well as the complex network of roads and intersections leading to and from the port.
Furthermore, urban areas within Charleston, such as downtown streets and residential neighborhoods, can be prone to truck accidents – particularly when large trucks navigate tight turns or congested streets.
Additionally, construction zones along major roadways, such as the ongoing infrastructure projects in Charleston, can increase the risk of truck accidents due to lane closures, detours, and reduced visibility.
In recent years, efforts have been made to improve safety on Charleston’s roadways, including initiatives to address trucking regulations, enhance infrastructure, and promote driver education and awareness.
However, despite these efforts, truck accidents continue to occur in various locations throughout the city.
Types of Charleston Truck Accidents
In Charleston, South Carolina, truck accidents can result from negligence on the part of truck drivers or trucking companies.
These accidents often involve large commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and delivery vehicles, and they can have devastating consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles.
One common type of truck accident is a rear-end collision, where a truck strikes the vehicle in front of it from behind. This can occur if the truck driver is following too closely or fails to brake in time to avoid a collision. Rear-end accidents may result in serious injuries and fatalities – especially for the occupants of smaller vehicles.
Another frequent type of truck accident is a jackknife accident, where the trailer of the truck swings outward, resembling the angle of a folding jackknife. Jackknife accidents often occur when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle due to factors such as speeding, aggressive driving, or adverse weather conditions.
Improper braking, such as applying the brakes too forcefully or abruptly, may also contribute to jackknife accidents.
Additionally, rollover accidents are a significant concern in Charleston and other areas with winding roads or sharp curves. These accidents occur when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often due to excessive speed, overloading, or improperly secured cargo. Rollover accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities, as well as extensive damage to property and the environment.
Furthermore, underride accidents are a serious risk on highways and interstates in Charleston. An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes lodged beneath the truck’s trailer.
These accidents can occur if the truck’s rear underride guard fails to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath. Poor visibility, inadequate lighting, and driver fatigue can increase the likelihood of underride accidents.
To prevent truck accidents caused by negligence, truck drivers and trucking companies must prioritize safety and compliance with regulations. This includes properly training drivers, regularly inspecting and maintaining vehicles, and correctly loading and securing cargo.
Additionally, enforcing strict hours-of-service regulations can prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue.
If you suffered injuries in a collision that resulted from a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence, the Charleston truck accident attorneys at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can promptly investigate your accident circumstances and determine your legal options.
Injuries in a Charleston Truck Collision
In Charleston, South Carolina, truck accidents resulting from negligence can lead to:
- Whiplash – Whiplash occurs when the victim’s neck is forcefully jerked back and forth – often during rear-end truck collisions. This movement can cause intense strain or damage to the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the neck, resulting in a reduced range of motion.
- Back injuries – Truck accidents can also cause a range of back injuries, including strains, sprains, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries. These injuries often cause debilitating pain and may require extensive medical treatment, including physical therapy and surgery.
- Broken bones – The amount of force associated with a truck accident can result in broken bones, such as fractures in the wrists, ankles, knees, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Depending upon the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve immobilization, casting, or surgery.
- Head injuries – Head injuries are a significant concern in truck accidents, particularly if the collision involves a rollover or ejection from the vehicle. Head injuries can range from concussions and lacerations to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may cause cognitive impairment, long-term disabilities, and memory loss.
- Psychological trauma – In addition to physical injuries, truck accidents can result in emotional anguish and psychological trauma, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Truck accident victims must seek medical attention promptly following an accident, even if they do not immediately notice any symptoms. Some injuries, such as whiplash and internal injuries, may not manifest symptoms until hours or days after the accident.
By seeking medical care, victims can receive timely treatment and documentation of their injuries, which is essential for pursuing compensation through a truck accident claim.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Truck Accident in Charleston
After suffering injuries in a Charleston, South Carolina, truck accident due to negligence, fighting the insurance company can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial for receiving fair compensation.
The first step is for a Charleston truck accident lawyer to file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This involves submitting documentation of the accident, medical records detailing injuries and treatment, and any other relevant evidence.
Once the claim is filed, insurance adjusters will assess the damages and may offer a settlement. However, initial settlement offers from insurance companies are often low and may not fully cover the extent of the victim’s losses.
Negotiating with insurance adjusters is essential to ensure that the victim receives fair compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If negotiations stall or the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, litigation may be necessary.
Litigating a truck accident case involves filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party and presenting the case in court. This complicated and time-consuming process requires the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney in Charleston.
In court, both parties will present evidence and arguments, and a judge or jury will determine liability and damages. If successful, the victim may recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
While litigation can be challenging, it may be necessary to hold negligent parties accountable and ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can aggressively fight the insurance company and pursue justice for your injuries.
Steps to Take Following a Charleston Truck Accident
After suffering injuries in a Charleston, South Carolina, truck accident due to negligence, protect your rights and begin the process of seeking compensation.
Follow through with all necessary medical treatment, attend follow-up appointments, and obtain the care you need.
Forward any photographs of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and any property damage to your attorney. This documentation can serve as evidence to support your claim and demonstrate the severity of your injuries.
Additionally, it’s important to keep thorough records of all medical treatment related to your accident, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. These records will provide evidence of the extent of your injuries and the medical expenses you incurred as a result of the accident.
Throughout the process, it’s also advisable to consult with an experienced Charleston truck accident attorney.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights. We can also help you understand your legal options and work towards achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Speak With a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney About Your Legal Options Today
The experienced team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can hold a negligent truck driver or trucking company accountable for their actions. We will aggressively negotiate on your behalf or litigate your case to a swift resolution in the court system.
For your free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Charleston personal injury lawyer, please contact us today at (843) 466-4444.
