If you’ve been affected in a truck accident, the damage to your car can be costly, and the risk of injury is significant. Insurance companies and adjusters may pressure you to repay for less than you deserve.
Teaming with our top truck accident lawyers in Greenville can soothe stress, save time, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and possible lost earnings.
Accidents involving enormous vehicles like tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, or semi-trucks can devastate passengers in smaller cars. If you were injured in such an accident in Greenville, our experienced team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help you secure fair compensation. Call us today for a one-to-one conversation with our top-notch truck accident lawyers.
What Can Our Greenville Truck Accident Attorneys Do to Help With Your Claim?
Truck accidents often involve large, heavy vehicles carrying loads weighing many tons and hazardous materials. These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death and involve multiple parties, such as drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and government entities.
Speaking with a knowledgeable legal team is important if you were in a truck accident involving complex issues like governmental liability or wrongful death. At CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team of highly skilled and experienced truck accident attorneys can help you guide this complexity, providing you with the representation you deserve.
Our Greenville truck accident attorneys are committed to securing a favorable settlement for your claim. We handle all the paperwork, anxiety, and up-front costs, allowing you to focus on your healing and your loved ones during this challenging time.
Your legal journey starts with a thorough case analysis, where you meet with our lawyer to share your story. During this initial consultation, we will examine the details of your accident, assess the strength of your claim, answer your questions, and estimate your potential compensation.
Next, our team gathers all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, and testimonies from eyewitnesses and experts. This critical step ensures a strong foundation for your case.
With solid proof, our lawyer will engage in pre-trial negotiations, negotiating assertively with the at-fault parties to secure a favorable settlement. We leverage the evidence to advocate for the best possible outcome.
Attention to detail is vital in the judicial approach. Our attorney will handle all administrative filings precisely, ensuring everything is completed accurately and on time.
Suppose negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement. In that case, our lawyer is fully prepared to take your case to court, presenting effective evidence and witness testimonies to achieve a just resolution.
At CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing you with competent legal counsel and comprehensive support for the best possible outcome in your truck accident claim.
Why Choose Our Greenville Truck Accident Law Firm for Your Case?
When it comes to personal injury claims, particularly those involving truck accidents, there are numerous reasons to choose the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm. Our firm has experienced, qualified attorneys who handle all aspects of personal injury litigation.
Our truck accident lawyers, like all our other attorneys, are professional and highly skilled. However, our biggest priority is ALWAYS our clients.
We demonstrate our commitment to our clients by operating on a contingency basis, meaning we never ask for payment until we win their case or recover compensation. This approach determines our confidence in our ability to deliver results.
Few firms operate on such a client-centric contingency basis. We aim to ease the stress that often accompanies accidents by allowing our clients to focus on their recovery while we handle negotiations with liable parties and insurance companies.
Our reputation speaks for itself, and we are more than willing to provide references from our many satisfied clients. They can attest to our personalized legal strategies, which passionately examine every case detail.
Our legal team utilizes the latest technology, expert insights, and relevant statutes and case law to ensure the strongest possible case for our clients. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us right away.
We have assisted hundreds of individuals and families who have suffered significant losses. Our attorneys will help you hold negligent truck drivers, trucking companies, and their employers accountable.
With the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in your corner, you can rest assured that we will fight for your rights and help you secure fair compensation for medical costs, disability, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damages, and other losses.
Some Common Causes for Truck Accidents in the Greenville
Accidents between passenger vehicles and semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries, often affecting the occupants of the smaller vehicle. While car drivers can take steps to avoid collisions, such as staying out of truckers’ blind spots, maintaining a safe distance, and not cutting off large vehicles, truck operators also bear significant responsibility for reducing collisions on South Carolina roadways.
Our Greenville truck accident attorney understands causation well. Having represented numerous victims of truck accidents, we recognize the various ways truck operators can be at fault.
According to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the following are the most common causes of semi-truck accidents:
Driver Error
Truck drivers are human and can make mistakes like any other driver. When semi-truck accidents result from a misjudgment or negligent act by the operator, they can be held liable for damages.
Maintenance
The responsibility for vehicle upkeep and repairs varies depending on whether the vehicle is owned or leased. Truck drivers must inspect their vehicles before each trip and report any parts suspected of disrepair to the responsible maintenance party.
Impaired or Fatigued Driving
Truckers must always remain alert, which can be challenging after several hours of driving. Alcohol consumption exacerbates this issue.
To combat fatigue, the FMCSA enforces strict hours-of-service regulations, prohibiting drivers from driving beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty, requiring 10 hours off duty, and mandating a 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving.
Drivers must also keep logs to demonstrate compliance with these rules.
Cargo Loading
Properly packing and stacking cargo in the truck bed is crucial. Incorrect loading can cause the load to shift, leading to loss of control, trailer flipping, or jackknifing, posing significant dangers to other road users.
Poor Weather
Truckers are trained to drive in various weather conditions. They should understand how their vehicle responds to ice, snow, or wet roads and adjust their driving accordingly.
Knowing when to pull over and wait for safer conditions is vital to prevent accidents.
Ensuring road safety involves car drivers and truck operators proactively avoiding accidents. Addressing these common causes can significantly reduce the number of semi-truck accidents on South Carolina roadways.
Common Injuries Resulting from Truck Accidents
Collisions involving semi-trucks frequently lead to catastrophic outcomes, resulting in a range of severe injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis, loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
- Head and Brain Trauma: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and other spinal injuries are common and can cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
- Internal Bleeding: Blunt force trauma from a truck collision can lead to internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Organ Damage: The force of impact in a truck accident can cause damage to internal organs, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Broken Bones: Fractures are common in truck accidents due to the sheer force involved in the collision.
- Lacerations and Contusions: Cuts, bruises, and deep wounds are typical injuries, often requiring stitches or more extensive medical care.
- Paralysis: Severe spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, drastically impacting the victim’s quality of life.
- Amputation: In some cases, limbs may be crushed or severely injured to the point where amputation is necessary.
- Burns and Skin Damage: Contact with hot surfaces or chemicals in a truck accident can lead to severe burns and other skin injuries.
These injuries often have long-lasting effects, impacting the victim’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, and lead a normal life. Getting immediate medical attention and legal assistance is essential for those injured in truck accidents to ensure they receive the necessary care and compensation.
What are the Steps after being hurt in a Truck Crash?
After being injured in a truck crash, your actions immediately following the accident can significantly impact your potential injury claim.
To protect your right to compensation, follow these steps:
- If it’s safe, move your vehicle off the road to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. This helps prevent additional accidents and keeps you out of harm’s way.
- Even if you don’t feel injured, call 911. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can be crucial for your claim. Emergency medical personnel can also check for injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
- When the police arrive, provide an honest and accurate account of the events. Avoid admitting fault for the accident.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident. However, do not provide detailed information about the incident or your injuries until you consult a personal injury lawyer in Greenville, SC.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, road hazards, and visible injuries, if possible. Exchange contact information with any potential witnesses.
- Visit urgent care or your primary care physician, even if you don’t have symptoms. Some injuries may not be apparent until hours or days later. Medical documentation is crucial for any future claims.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can explain your legal options and guide you through the process if you file a claim.
Types of Damages That Can Be Awarded
Several types of damages may be awarded following a truck accident. A qualified accident attorney can help ensure that your settlement is sufficient to compensate you fairly for your injuries and losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial expenses incurred due to the accident. These can include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost current earnings
- Lost future earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the intangible effects of the accident. These can include:
- Mental and emotional stress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disabilities sustained
- Pain and suffering
While these damages don’t have a set monetary value, they significantly impact one’s life. An attorney can help you request an appropriate amount for these damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rare and are intended to punish the guilty party and discourage similar behavior in the future. To receive punitive damages, you must typically prove that the guilty party acted willfully, deliberately, or recklessly.
Working with our experienced lawyer will help you better understand the particulars of your case and pursue the damages you are entitled to.
What are the Types of Truck Accidents in Greenville?
Truck accidents are a significant concern on Greenville’s roads, given the high volume of semi-trucks and large commercial vehicles navigating the area. These accidents can occur for various reasons and often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of the trucks involved.
Our law office carefully looks into the underlying causes of every truck accident to ensure our clients get the justice they deserve. The following are some typical truck accident categories in Greenville along with their causes:
Truck Rollovers
Truck rollover accidents are the most catastrophic and frightening type of wreck. Due to their high center of gravity, tractor-trailers and other large trucks are particularly susceptible to rolling over. This can happen when drivers take turns too sharply, drive too fast for the conditions, or make sudden swerves.
In Greenville, rollover accidents often occur because of:
- Driver Negligence: Speeding, driving while distracted or tired, and driving under the influence.
- Improper Loading: Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers that sway dangerously.
- Tire Blowouts: Resulting from improper maintenance or manufacturing defects.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions concerning trucks can be devastating due to the significant size and weight difference between large trucks and passenger vehicles. These accidents often lead to severe damage and injuries for those in smaller cars.
Common causes in Greenville include:
- Driver Distraction: Truck drivers who are not paying attention to the road.
- Speeding and Tailgating: Not maintaining safe distances as recommended by the FMCSA.
- Fatigue and Impaired Driving: Long hours on the road or under the influence.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions occur when a truck drifts out of its lane and collides with oncoming traffic. Due to the force of impact, these accidents are often fatal.
In Greenville, head-on collisions can occur because of:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours lead to drivers nodding off and drifting into opposing lanes.
- Impaired Driving: Use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or excessive use of stimulants.
- Tire Blowouts: Causing drivers to lose control and swerve unexpectedly.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab, resembling a folding jackknife. This type of accident is highly unpredictable and dangerous.
Key causes include:
- Improper Braking: Especially in inclement weather, where the trailer may fishtail and skid.
- Sharp Turns: Taking turns too fast or at improper angles.
T-Bone Accidents
T-bone or side-impact collisions usually occur at intersections when a truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. These accidents are particularly dangerous for the side of the vehicle that takes the impact.
In Greenville, T-bone accidents often result from:
- Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals.
- Improper Turns: Making unsafe turns across lanes of traffic.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents occur when trucks and passenger cars collide while traveling in the same direction. These accidents can force vehicles into other lanes, leading to multi-vehicle pileups.
Common causes include:
- Blind Spot Neglect: Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes.
- Loss of Control: Due to tire blowouts, road obstacles, or inclement weather.
Wide Turn Accidents
Wide turn accidents often happen when truck drivers make right-hand turns by swinging wide to the left before turning right. This can create a hazardous situation for vehicles in neighboring lanes.
In Greenville, wide-turn accidents occur due to the following:
- Improper Turning Techniques: Failing to follow FMCSA-recommended turning methods.
- Driver Distraction: Not paying full attention during turns.
- Fatigue or Intoxication: Impairing the driver’s ability to judge turns accurately.
Deadlines for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is three years from the accident date. The court will refuse to hear the case if a claim is not filed within this period.
For wrongful death claims resulting from a truck accident, the statute of limitations is also three years. It is crucial to file your claim promptly for several reasons:
- Evidence Preservation: Commercial trucking companies are required by law to keep records of safety inspections and driver logbooks only for a limited time. After this period, these records can be destroyed, which means critical evidence could be lost.
- Black Box Data: Many trucks have a “black box” that records key data about the truck’s operation during the accident. This includes the truck’s speed, brake application, idle hours, fluid temperatures, and maximum RPM. This information can be vital in determining the cause of the accident. However, unless the black box data is subpoenaed, it may not be available and could be destroyed before settlement negotiations or trial.
A quick consultation with our experienced truck accident attorney can help preserve solid evidence and protect your rights.
Our Greenville Truck Accident Lawyers Advocates for You!
Experiencing a truck accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming event, especially when passengers, including children, are involved. These accidents often result in lifelong challenges for all affected parties.
It is important to hold the responsible and negligent parties accountable in such cases. Our experienced accident attorney’s assistance can be instrumental in your recovery process.
Our attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm have extensive experience guiding clients through the challenges of submitting claims in state courts in South Carolina. Strict timeframes and documentation requirements for the state’s court system need to be fulfilled.
Our legal team has effectively represented people from throughout South Carolina. Trust our lawyers to fight for you.
To get started with a free consultation, call our firm at (864) 664-3865 or schedule a complimentary initial consultation. Our legal representatives will be happy to discuss your case and provide the guidance you need.
FAQs:
- What Causes Commercial Truck Accidents?
Commercial truck accidents can occur for various reasons. Some accidents are caused by reckless or negligent truck drivers. In other cases, auto defects or faulty equipment may be to blame. Additionally, inadequate maintenance or improper cargo loading by a company can lead to accidents. Sometimes, a third-party driver’s actions can also contribute to a truck accident.
- What is the Statute of Limitations for Greenville Truck Accident Cases?
In Greenville, South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is typically three years. This means you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. It’s important to consult with a lawyer immediately to understand your legal options.
- Do You Take Truck Accident Claims to Trial?
Truck accident claims are handled by the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm through settlements and trials. Ali Awad, our skilled litigator, defends clients in court. We adjust our strategy to meet your unique demands and goals. If your case is tried, we’ll ensure you’re properly ready and represented.
- Why Are Truck Accidents So Serious?
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to various factors. Trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making them more difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Truck drivers require specialized skills to handle these vehicles safely. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions and road hazards can affect trucks differently than smaller vehicles, leading to more severe accidents.
Get Legal Help With the Fastest-Growing Greenville Truck Accident Law Firm!
Experiencing an accident involving a large commercial truck can be devastating. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm., we understand the subtleties of Greenville law and federal regulations related to truck accidents and how they impact liability.
We commit to working closely with you and your family to keep you fully informed about your case. We ensure clear communication with all parties involved, including judges and juries, to advocate effectively for the compensation you deserve.
This includes coverage for past and future medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, physical pain, mental anguish, physical limitations, and any disfigurement incurred.
Our truck accident attorneys have handled various trucking accident cases across Greenville. We are well-versed in both state laws and federal trucking regulations, as well as the detailed investigative techniques important for successful case outcomes, whether in settlement negotiations or court trials.
Moreover, we collaborate with a team of experts, including accident reconstruction specialists, life care planners, engineers, medical professionals, and forensic electronics specialists. These experts are essential in capturing and analyzing data from the truck’s data recorder or “black box,” helping us build a compelling argument for the cause of the crash and the extent of your injuries.
If you or someone close has experienced a truck accident in Greenville or nearby regions, do not hesitate to contact us at (864) 664-3865 or schedule a complimentary initial consultation via email to discuss your truck accident case and learn how we can help you!
FAQs:
- What Can You Expect to Recover in a Truck Accident Case?
Once it is established that you are entitled to recover damages due to another party’s negligence, the assessment of your actual damages will begin. These may include medical expenses, loss of current and future earnings, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs. Punitive damages might also be awarded in certain cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious—such as a trucker texting while driving or a company knowingly using an unsafe truck. Consulting with a truck accident attorney for a free case evaluation is the best way to determine the potential value of your case.
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a truck accident lawyer typically incurs no upfront cost. Most personal injury attorneys operate on a contingency fee, meaning their fee is contingent upon your compensation. There are no charges for their services unless you successfully recover damages. The typical contingency fee ranges from 25% to 40% of the settlement or judgment amount. Discuss the specific fee structure with your truck accident attorney to understand what will apply in your case.
- Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Identifying liability in a truck accident can be complex and may not be immediately clear. Liability could potentially rest with the truck driver, the trucking company, the mechanic who last worked on the truck, or even the manufacturer of the truck parts, depending on the case’s specifics. Determining who is responsible for damages is an important strategic element of your claim and determines the significance of engaging an experienced truck accident attorney. The professionals will investigate your case thoroughly to pinpoint the liable parties and build a strong case on your behalf.