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 vehicle 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.