You expect a semi-truck driver to do everything they can to operate their vehicle safely. If a trucker ignores the rules of the road, they are prone to accidents. In a situation where a semi-truck operator slams their vehicle into yours, hold them accountable. Meet with a Myrtle Beach semi–truck accident lawyer within days of the incident to review your legal options.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients. We know what legal challenges you will face as you try to get money from anyone responsible for your semi-truck crash.
As such, we make it easy to connect you with a Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Why You Should Take Legal Action Against Anyone Responsible for a Semi-Truck Accident
A semi-truck accident is a big deal. If you do nothing after the incident, you are responsible for all of your losses. On the other hand, if you hire a Myrtle Beach personal injury lawyer, you can ask for money from any liable parties.
Your lawyer shares tips with those who have been in a South Carolina truck accident. They can negotiate a settlement with an at-fault party or their insurance company for you. If your attorney cannot obtain a fair settlement, they can bring your case to trial. No matter what happens, your lawyer remains on your side at each stage of your case proceedings.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has more than a decade of experience with personal injury cases. We give your semi-truck collision case the attention it deserves. Trust our legal team to get truck accident case results that match your expectations. Request a free case consultation with us.
How Much Is My Myrtle Beach Semi-Truck Accident Case Worth?
A semi-truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach explains what compensatory damages are and how much money you could receive in your case. You could recover economic and non-economic damages for many reasons, such as:
- Medical care costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Burial and funeral expenses
Per S.C. Code § 15-3-530(5), you may have three years from the date of a trucking accident to get these or other damages from at-fault parties. Your lawyer submits your compensation request in alignment with South Carolina law. They craft an argument to show that any liable parties were negligent and should have to pay you 100% of the damages you request.
The Impact of Negligence in a Semi-Truck Crash Case
A semi-truck accident attorney in Myrtle Beach provides insights into how a personal injury settlement is determined. To get compensation from a liable party, you must prove that they were negligent. This requires you to illustrate that the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your accident:
- Duty of Care: This is a legal obligation that a party has to act cautiously toward others.
- Breach of Duty of Care: If a party commits an act that a reasonable person would classify as careless or reckless, they have violated their duty of care.
- Causation: When a party has a duty of care and breaches it, they can cause a semi-truck accident in which you get hurt.
- Damages: You incur losses because of a party’s actions that led to your semi-truck accident.
Just because you say a party is negligent does not guarantee that you will get damages from them. For example, the defendant in your semi-truck crash lawsuit could claim you are in some way to blame for the accident.
If the court agrees with their argument, a judge or jury may believe you were negligent. At this point, you may get partial damages or no compensation.
How Modified Comparative Negligence Can Keep You from Getting Damages
Your attorney offers a breakdown of negligence laws in South Carolina. When they do, they can detail modified comparative negligence and how it applies to your case. With modified comparative negligence, the court can find you partly to blame for a semi-truck accident. If this occurs, what you receive in damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault.
South Carolina has a “51% rule” that relates to personal injury lawsuits. If you file a truck crash lawsuit and are found to be 1-50% accountable, you can get a fraction of the damages you initially sought. Yet, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may be ineligible to receive damages.
For instance, you sue a trucking company for a semi-truck collision. The court finds you are 20% liable. This means you may get 80% of the damages you sought. Or, if the court says you are primarily at fault, you may be responsible for all of your accident-related losses.
Evidence You Can Use in a Semi-Truck Accident Case
A semi-truck crash lawyer will argue your case for damages, and the defendant will dispute your request for compensation. Ultimately, the proof at your disposal can compel the court to rule in your favor.
It could also prompt the defendant to offer a settlement that satisfies your requirements. Evidence that could help you win or settle your case includes:
- Accident scene photos or videos
- Witness statements
- Police report
- Truck electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Truck black box data
- Truck driver cell phone records
- Truck driver logbook
- Truck maintenance records
Expect the defendant to collect evidence to fight back against your argument. Your lawyer accounts for the defendant’s body of proof. They look for ways to poke holes in the defendant’s case. Your attorney makes sure your argument resonates with the court, boosting your chances of achieving your desired case outcome.
Partner with a Semi-Truck Collision Lawyer Who Provides Comprehensive Legal Guidance and Support
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm has a track record of success in personal injury lawsuits. Our Myrtle Beach semi–truck accident attorneys commit substantial time, energy, and resources to your truck collision case.
We work diligently to get compensation that will serve you well long into the future. Give us the opportunity to handle your legal matters. Contact us to get started.
