The trucking industry hauls more than 80% of the freight in this country, and trucks pull out of South Carolina each day with goods destined for other states. Unfortunately, these trucks can collide with smaller vehicles out on the road. Anyone struck by an 18-wheeler or other commercial truck can suffer devastating injuries, to say nothing of massive property loss. Victims and their families might feel as if the world has been turned upside down. Contact our office. You can meet for a free consultation with an Irmo truck accident lawyer at Hart Law.

Truck Accident Injuries

18-wheelers and other trucks weigh several times more than SUVs and light trucks. These collisions can leave motorists with horrifying injuries:

  • Neck injuries
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Amputations
  • Crush injuries
  • Multiple fractures
  • Organ damage or organ failure
  • Back injuries
  • Spinal column damage

Understanding the Severity of Catastrophic Injuries from Truck Collisions

Catastrophic injuries from truck accidents often change a victim’s life forever. Unlike car accidents, commercial truck accidents involve vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The force of impact in these crashes is tremendous.

Serious injuries from truck crashes frequently require months or years of medical treatment. Some victims never fully recover and must learn to live with permanent disabilities. Life-altering injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations affect every aspect of daily life.

Broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe burns are common in truck accident cases. These injuries often require multiple surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. The physical and emotional toll on victims and their families can be overwhelming.

Who Is Responsible for Your Accident?

Hart Law can investigate the details of the crash to determine liability. The most common defendants include:

  • Negligent truckers. The trucker could have fallen asleep behind the wheel or driven aggressively. Other examples of negligence include cell phone use while driving or driving while intoxicated.
  • Trucking companies. The trucker’s employer is usually liable simply by virtue of the employment relationship. When an employee has liability, an employer is typically vicariously liable. The trucking company might also have stand-alone liability for negligent hiring or failing to maintain the truck.
  • Maintenance companies. Mechanics who work on the truck could have overlooked a flaw or they could have done repairs unprofessionally. If the truck malfunctions, then the mechanics could be on the hook.
  • Loading companies. A different company could have loaded freight onto the truck at the dock. Some accidents are caused by unbalanced or untethered cargo.

Let our Irmo truck accident lawyer investigate to uncover the causes of the wreck.

Determining Liability in Complex Truck Accident Cases

Determining liability in truck accident cases requires a thorough investigation of multiple factors. Truck driver error accounts for many crashes, but other liable parties may also share responsibility. A personal injury lawyer can identify all negligent parties and hold them accountable.

Truck drivers must follow strict federal regulations regarding hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading. When they violate these rules, crashes become more likely. Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents on highways throughout South Carolina.

The trucking company often bears liability even when the driver’s negligence directly caused the crash. Companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, providing proper training, and maintaining their fleet. Failure to meet these obligations can make them liable for devastating injuries.

How Negligent Parties Cause Truck Accidents

Negligent parties in truck accident cases include more than just the truck driver. Cargo loaders who improperly secure freight create dangerous conditions. Maintenance providers who skip important safety checks put everyone at risk.

Tire blowouts are a common cause of truck accidents. When maintenance companies fail to inspect tires properly or trucking companies delay replacing worn tires, accidents happen. These tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.

Commercial truck operators face unique challenges on roads like Lake Murray Boulevard and other busy routes in Irmo, SC. However, these challenges do not excuse negligence. Every truck driver and trucking company must prioritize safety over speed or profit.

How Our Law Firm Serves Clients Throughout Irmo, SC

Our law firm has been serving Irmo residents for years, building a proven track record of success in truck accident cases. We understand the local roads, traffic patterns, and common accident locations in Irmo, SC, and the surrounding areas.

Serving Irmo means more than just taking cases in this area. We provide personalized attention to each client and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome. Our attorneys know how to handle complex truck accident cases that involve multiple liable parties and competing insurance claims.

We also serve clients throughout Columbia, SC, and the surrounding region. Truck accidents can happen anywhere, from busy interstates to quiet residential streets. Wherever your accident occurred, our legal team can help.

Why Choose Our Injury Lawyers for Your Truck Accident Case

Our injury lawyers focus on helping victims of serious accidents recover the compensation they deserve. We have handled hundreds of personal injury cases and understand what it takes to win against large trucking companies and their insurers.

Truck accident lawyers need specific knowledge about federal trucking regulations, commercial truck operations, and industry practices. Our legal team has this expertise and uses it to build stronger cases for our clients.

We fight for victims who have been hurt through no fault of their own. When a negligent party causes devastating consequences, we hold them accountable. This benefits not just our clients but also makes roads safer for everyone.

Building a Strong Personal Injury Claim After a Truck Accident

A strong personal injury claim requires solid evidence and thorough preparation. Our truck accident attorneys gather evidence from multiple sources to prove liability and document your losses.

Evidence in truck accident cases includes police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data. We also obtain your medical records to show the extent of your injuries and the medical treatment you have received.

Building a legal case takes time and expertise. Insurance companies representing trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their payouts. You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to level the playing field.

The Importance of a Thorough Investigation

A thorough investigation is the foundation of every successful truck accident case. We visit the accident scene, photograph evidence, and interview witnesses while memories are fresh. This early work can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Our thorough investigation also includes reviewing the truck driver’s employment history, training records, and past safety violations. Companies that hire drivers with poor safety records may face additional liability for negligent hiring.

We consult with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze the crash and determine exactly what happened. These experts use scientific methods to establish fault and explain complex technical details to juries.

How We Negotiate Settlements for Our Clients

Once we understand how the accident happened, we can fully evaluate the value of your claim. We usually seek compensation for:

  • Medical treatment, including emergency care and ongoing rehabilitation or pain management.
  • Damage to your vehicle and other property.
  • Income or wage loss, when injuries prevent a prompt return to work.
  • Pain and suffering, including mental anguish or distress.

Our negotiation approach is both flexible and aggressive. We know many insurers can afford to pay more than they claim, but we also realistically assess how much you might get in a settlement.

Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Serious Injuries

Pursuing compensation for serious injuries requires understanding the full impact of your condition. We calculate not just current medical expenses and lost wages, but also future costs you will face.

Lost income from truck accidents can extend beyond the time you spend recovering from injuries. Some victims cannot return to their previous jobs and must accept lower-paying work. Others become permanently disabled and lose all earning capacity.

Medical expenses in catastrophic injury cases can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Long-term care, medical equipment, home modifications, and ongoing therapy all add up. A personal injury lawyer ensures these future costs are included in your claim.

How Insurance Companies Handle Truck Accident Claims

Insurance companies that represent trucking companies often have substantial resources to fight claims. They employ teams of investigators, lawyers, and medical experts to minimize their liability.

These insurance companies may try to blame you for the accident or argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. They may also pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your losses.

An insurance company representative may seem friendly and helpful at first. However, their goal is to protect their bottom line, not to serve your best interests. Never give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting a truck accident lawyer first.

Understanding Your Personal Injury Lawsuit Options

Sometimes settlement negotiations fail, and filing a personal injury lawsuit becomes necessary. A lawsuit shows the defendant that you are serious about getting fair compensation and puts pressure on them to make a reasonable offer.

Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but preparing for court is still important. When defendants know you are ready to go to trial, they are more likely to offer a fair settlement.

A personal injury lawsuit follows specific procedures and deadlines. Our attorneys handle all the legal paperwork, court filings, and procedural requirements so you can focus on recovery.

The Legal Process in Truck Accident Cases

The legal process begins with a thorough investigation and gathering of evidence. Once we have built a strong case, we typically send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining our claim and requesting compensation.

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit in court. The lawsuit triggers a discovery process where both sides exchange information and evidence. Depositions, document requests, and expert testimony all play a role.

Many truck accident cases settle during this process as the strength of the evidence becomes clear. However, if no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where a jury decides the outcome.

South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations

South Carolina Code § 15-3-530(5) identifies the statute of limitations for personal injuries. An injured victim gets only three years to file a lawsuit in court before they lose the right to sue. You do not want to miss this deadline, as a judge can toss your case from court.

Call our office. We can calculate how much time remains and get a lawsuit filed in the correct venue. Even if we negotiate a settlement, having a lawsuit filed can improve our leverage over the defendant.

Why Acting Quickly Matters in Truck Accident Cases

Acting quickly after a truck accident helps preserve important evidence that might otherwise disappear. Trucking companies routinely delete electronic data from trucks after a certain period. Waiting too long means losing access to critical information.

Witnesses’ memories fade over time, making their testimony less reliable. Physical evidence at the accident scene deteriorates or gets cleared away. The sooner you contact a truck accident attorney, the better we can protect your rights.

Quick action also allows you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. The earlier we get involved, the more we can help with insurance claims, medical bills, and other immediate concerns.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Understanding these causes helps in building a strong injury claim and holding negligent parties accountable.

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents in South Carolina. Despite federal regulations limiting driving hours, some truck drivers push beyond safe limits. Trucking companies that pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines share liability for resulting accidents.

Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving also contribute to truck accidents. When truck drivers use cell phones, eat while driving, or fail to pay attention to the road, devastating injuries can result.

How Tire Blowouts and Mechanical Failures Cause Accidents

Tire blowouts on commercial trucks can be catastrophic events. When a tire fails at highway speeds, the truck driver may lose control and crash into smaller vehicles. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and result in serious injuries or deaths.

Mechanical failures also cause many truck accidents. Brake failures, steering problems, and transmission issues can all lead to crashes. Regular maintenance can prevent most of these problems, but some trucking companies cut corners to save money.

Tire blowouts and other mechanical failures often point to negligence by the trucking company or maintenance provider. When these parties fail to properly inspect and maintain trucks, they put everyone at risk.

The Impact of Truck Accidents on Victims and Their Families

Truck accidents create devastating consequences that extend far beyond physical injuries. Victims face financial hardship from medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care needs. The emotional trauma can be equally challenging.

Families of truck accident victims often struggle with the sudden changes to their lives. A previously independent loved one may now require constant care. Plans for the future must be completely revised.

Catastrophic injuries from truck accidents can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and amputations. These life-altering injuries affect not just the victim but everyone who cares about them.

How We Help Clients Recover Compensation for All Losses

We help clients recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. These have specific dollar amounts that can be calculated.

Non-economic damages compensate victims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages recognize that truck accidents cause harm beyond just financial losses.

Our personal injury attorneys work to ensure you receive full compensation for all your losses. We do not accept lowball offers from insurance companies that fail to account for the true cost of your injuries.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

Our truck accident lawyers handle all types of commercial truck accidents, including collisions involving:

  • Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers
  • Delivery trucks
  • Tanker trucks
  • Flatbed trucks
  • Box trucks
  • Garbage trucks
  • Construction trucks

Each type of truck presents unique hazards and requires specific knowledge to handle the resulting injury claims. Our legal team has experience with all varieties of commercial truck crashes.

How Car Accidents Involving Trucks Differ from Other Crashes

Car accidents involving trucks are fundamentally different from typical car accidents. The size and weight difference means smaller vehicles often sustain catastrophic damage while the truck suffers minimal harm.

Truck accidents also involve more complex liability questions. Multiple parties may share fault, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. Identifying all liable parties is important for recovering full compensation.

Federal regulations governing the trucking industry add another layer of complexity. Truck accident attorneys must understand these regulations and how violations can establish negligence.

Working with Our Legal Team for Your Truck Accident Claim

Our legal team provides comprehensive support throughout your truck accident case. From the initial free consultation to final settlement or trial, we are with you every step of the way.

We handle all communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, consult with experts, and prepare your case for negotiation or trial. This allows you to focus on recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys understand that every truck accident case is unique. We tailor our approach to fit your specific situation and needs. Personalized attention from experienced lawyers makes a real difference in case outcomes.

Why Experience Matters in Truck Accident Litigation

Truck accident litigation requires specialized knowledge and experience. Trucking companies and their insurers have vast resources and experienced lawyers defending them. You need equally skilled representation to level the playing field.

Our injury lawyers have handled hundreds of truck accident cases and know what it takes to win. We understand federal trucking regulations, industry practices, and the tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying fair compensation.

Experience also means having relationships with expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, and medical professionals who can support your case. These resources are important for proving liability and damages in complex truck accident cases.

FAQs about Irmo Truck Accidents

What is the black box?

This is an electronic device that downloads data continuously. The black box contains information about how long the truck was running and what maneuvers the trucker made. We usually request access to the data, which can help with a claim. The black box, also called an electronic logging device (ELD), records critical information, including speed, braking, hours of service, and other data. This evidence can prove whether the truck driver was following federal regulations at the time of the accident. Trucking companies must preserve black box data after an accident, but this data can be deleted or overwritten if not secured quickly. A truck accident lawyer can send a preservation letter to ensure important evidence is not lost.

Can I seek compensation if I was partially at fault?

Possibly. It depends on how fault is allocated between you and the other defendant(s). For example, you might have hit the brakes for no reason while out on the road, and a truck rear-ended you. If you are 50% or less liable, then you can receive compensation (though the amount is reduced). Under South Carolina law, anyone who is 51% or more at fault cannot receive compensation. Even if you share some fault, you should still contact a personal injury attorney to review your case. Insurance companies often exaggerate a victim’s fault to reduce their payout. An experienced lawyer can challenge unfair fault allocation.

What should I do after a truck accident?

Your first order of business should be to ensure that everyone is safe. Call an ambulance if someone needs one. Otherwise, you should report the accident to the nearest police station and document the accident, like you would with any other motor vehicle accident. You should also seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Getting checked by a doctor creates a medical record that supports your injury claim. Contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and protects your rights. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer.

Will my case go to trial?

Trials are rare. We can usually reach a fair settlement with the defendant for compensation. However, a trial is possible where there are deep disagreements regarding fault or the severity of your injuries. Hart Law is prepared to help anyone with a strong truck accident claim, and we are not afraid to litigate in court. Most truck accident cases settle because going to trial is expensive and risky for defendants. When faced with strong evidence and determined representation, insurance companies typically prefer to settle.

How much is my truck accident claim worth?

The value of your truck accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Catastrophic injuries that require long-term care typically result in larger settlements. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and provide an estimate of its value. We review all your losses, consult with medical experts about future care needs, and calculate both economic and non-economic damages.

How long does it take to resolve a truck accident case?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your injuries. Simple cases might settle in a few months, while complex cases involving catastrophic injuries and disputed liability can take a year or more. You should not rush to settle before you reach maximum medical improvement. Some injuries worsen over time or require ongoing medical treatment. Waiting until you understand the full extent of your condition ensures you receive adequate compensation.

What if the trucking company denies liability?

Trucking companies and their insurance companies often deny liability initially as a negotiation tactic. They hope you will give up or accept a lowball offer. A truck accident attorney knows how to overcome these denials. We gather strong evidence, including police reports, witness statements, truck driver logs, and expert testimony to prove liability. When presented with compelling evidence, most defendants eventually accept responsibility or face the prospect of losing at trial.

Can I file an insurance claim against my own insurance?

Yes. If the truck driver was uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you when the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you. Your own insurance company still owes you good faith handling of your claim, even though you are their policyholder. If they deny a valid claim or offer unreasonably low compensation, a personal injury attorney can fight for your rights.

Speak with an Irmo Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Hart Law is the law firm to call in Irmo after suffering a collision with an 18-wheeler or other truck. Call us at (803) 771-7701 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

Our Irmo truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to handle complex commercial truck accident cases. We fight for victims who have suffered devastating injuries and work to hold negligent parties accountable.

Contact us today to discuss your truck accident case. We offer free consultations where we review your situation, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. Our proven track record and commitment to clients help us achieve better results in personal injury cases.

Do not let insurance companies take advantage of you after a truck accident. Our injury lawyers fight for maximum compensation and fair settlements that reflect the true cost of your injuries. We handle all aspects of your legal case so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.