Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers can easily be considered some of the most dangerous vehicles on the highways and roadways due to their size alone. Being in a collision with a tractor-trailer or big rig comes with serious consequences, including extreme injuries and sometimes death.
Since operating a truck takes a lot of moving parts and collaboration, there are instances where multiple parties can be liable for damages. The truck’s goods may have been loaded incorrectly, or a new driver may have had problems stopping because of inadequate maintenance.
If someone else’s negligence is involved, it is important to have people on your side that will be investigating with your best interest in mind: financial compensation for your losses. The Charleston truck accident lawyers of the Shelly Leeke Law Firm can defend your rights and recover fair compensation. Learn about qualifications, common injuries, and more.
Value of a Truck Accident Claim in Charleston, SC
There are so many variables that differ in each truck accident claim, that it is impossible to tell how much your truck accident settlement is worth without thoroughly assessing the following factors:
- The age and health status of the victim(s)
- The extent or severity of the injury
- Medical treatment needed following the accident
- The duration of treatment or therapy
- How likely a victim is to recover
- Wage loss
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- How injuries impact the victim’s quality of life
- If the victim shares any responsibility
While there is no standard payout set for truck accident claims, the mentioned factors are used to calculate the amount of your settlement. Following an accident, a Charleston personal injury lawyer can review your claim and estimate the worth of your truck accident settlement before pursuing legal action.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Charleston, call 1-844-736-8342
Steps to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim
After a vehicle collision of any sort, there are particular steps to take that strengthen the credibility of your claim and will work in your favor if you decide to file a personal injury claim against the other party. Take the following steps to solidify your case:
Contact the Authorities and Go to the Doctor
Notifying the police of the crash and receiving medical assistance leaves a paper trail of information regarding your side of the story and your injuries. Be careful not to disclose that you are not injured. If you are unsure, advise that you need medical attention to know what your injuries are.
Compile Evidence and Contact Information
If medical attention is not required, take pictures, video or record audio from parties involved or witnesses that can be compiled as evidence to support your claim. Obtaining the contact information of a bystander or someone who helped is always beneficial.
Watch What You Say and Post
Apologizing and admitting fault are the biggest ways to jeopardize your claim. It is best to just give an account of what happened while you were driving, such as if you noticed anything suspicious from the other party such as texting or drinking while driving.
Also, don’t post anything related to the accident on your social media, as insurance companies are known to utilize posts to invalidate claims.
Consult With an Attorney for Legal Advice
Google may give you the basics on what to do after a truck accident, but until you schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charleston truck accident lawyer, you may be missing out on crucia legal advice regarding your case. It is recommended that you talk with a lawyer before speaking with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster.
Experiencing a wreck of any kind can be a surreal and overwhelming process, especially when injured. If you retain the services of a truck accident injury lawyer, you will be putting your best foot forward in defending yourself against unethical insurance adjusters and holding the right parties responsible.
Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 1-844-736-8342
Who Is Responsible for Medical Expenses Immediately After a Truck Accident?
Following a truck accident, you have options available regarding payment for medical services. If you have no health insurance, you can elect to pay out of pocket using a payment plan. If you have health insurance, you may choose to pay out of pocket or submit the expenses to your auto coverage’s personal injury protection (PIP) policy for reimbursement if you have it.
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Common Injuries and Causes of Truck Accidents
Any truck accident attorney in Charleston can attest that injuries and causation of truck accidents are very similar to those of car accidents, but the severity of these injuries tends to be higher with truck wrecks.
Injuries often include:
- Fractured or broken bones
- Deep lacerations and cuts
- Road rash or bruises
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis
- Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Internal wounds
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
Although injuries may be inevitable in a vehicle accident, the causes of truck accidents are almost always preventable. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that over 500,000 truck crashes take place each year, resulting in about 5,000 fatalities. Truck wrecks are becoming more common due to the following:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Fatigued driving
- Driving while impaired
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Defective parts
- Extreme weather conditions
- Poor road con
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo trucks
Causation and the severity of your injuries are important factors in determining your settlement award if you were hurt in a truck accident. A truck accident attorney who has shown success in Charleston with situations like yours can fight to get you the compensation you are due.
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Likelihood of Truck Accident Claim Going to Trial
Most truck accident lawsuits are resolved before trial. The strength of your case, the severity of your injuries, and your attorney’s success in persuading the trucking business and the insurance providers to forgo risking a trial will all play a role in this answer.
Speak With a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney Near You
Contact us today for a free consultation. This expert-level legal team has managed many personal injury claims throughout South Carolina. Our primary focus is educating you about your legal options, protecting your rights, and negotiating to obtain the largest settlement possible.
Your case will be examined by a skilled and dedicated Charleston truck accident attorney in order to assess who may be liable for your truck wreck injuries. With the legal support of the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you may receive a larger settlement to cover the costs of medical bills, property, and wage loss.
Call or text 1-844-736-8342 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
