Truck accidents are not just bigger car accidents. In South Carolina, they are handled differently by insurance companies, defended more aggressively, and often involve significantly higher stakes.

If you or someone you love was injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you may already be hearing numbers thrown around. Some sound promising. Others feel dismissive.

The truth is this: truck accident settlements vary widely, and understanding what actually drives value is the difference between a fair result and a costly mistake.

This guide explains how truck accident settlements work in South Carolina, why these cases are more complex, and what determines whether a claim is taken seriously or minimized.

Why Truck Accident Settlements Are Usually Higher Than Car Accident Settlements

Truck accident cases often involve more severe injuries and larger insurance policies. That combination alone increases potential settlement value.

But higher value also brings stronger resistance.

Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the injuries are often catastrophic.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Permanent mobility limitations
• Fatal injuries

These injuries require extensive medical treatment and long recovery periods, which directly affects settlement value.

Why “Average Truck Accident Settlement” Numbers Are Misleading

You will see websites quoting average truck accident settlements. These numbers are rarely useful.

They ignore:

• Severity of injuries
• Long-term medical needs
• Fault disputes
• Number of parties involved
• Insurance coverage limits
• Strength of evidence

A minor trucking claim and a catastrophic injury claim cannot be averaged meaningfully.

Each South Carolina truck accident settlement is driven by facts, not formulas.

The Factors That Have the Biggest Impact on Truck Accident Settlements

1. Severity and Permanence of Injuries

In truck accident cases, injury severity is the single largest driver of value.

Settlements increase significantly when injuries:

• Require surgery
• Cause permanent impairment
• Limit the ability to work
• Require future medical care
• Affect independence or quality of life

Medical documentation must clearly connect injuries to the crash and outline future needs.

2. Liability and Fault Determination

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule.

You may recover damages if you are 50 percent or less at fault. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Truck accident cases often involve aggressive attempts to shift blame onto the injured person. Insurers may argue:

• Sudden stops
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding
• Poor visibility

Strong evidence is critical.

3. Number of Liable Parties

One reason truck accident settlements can be higher is that multiple parties may be responsible.

Potentially liable parties include:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The vehicle owner
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loaders
• Parts manufacturers

Each additional liable party may bring additional insurance coverage into play.

4. Commercial Insurance Coverage

Trucking companies are typically required to carry higher insurance limits than private drivers.

However, higher limits do not mean easier settlements.

Commercial insurers fight hard to protect large policies. They often deploy legal teams early and investigate claims aggressively.

Understanding available coverage early is critical to maximizing recovery.

Federal and State Regulations Matter in Truck Accident Cases

Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to federal and state safety regulations.

Violations can significantly increase settlement value.

These regulations govern:

• Hours of service and rest requirements
• Vehicle maintenance
• Driver qualifications
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Load limits
• Logbook accuracy

When violations are present, they strengthen liability and leverage.

Why Early Investigation Is Critical

Truck accident evidence disappears quickly.

Key evidence may include:

• Driver logbooks
• Electronic logging device data
• Black box data
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Driver employment files

If this evidence is not preserved early, it may be lost or destroyed.

Early action protects leverage.

Common Insurance Tactics Used in Truck Accident Claims

Commercial insurers often:

• Dispute fault aggressively
• Delay responses
• Minimize injury severity
• Challenge medical necessity
• Push early low settlements
• Attempt to record statements

These tactics are designed to reduce exposure, not resolve claims fairly.

Prepared cases resist these strategies more effectively.

How Long Truck Accident Settlements Take in South Carolina

Truck accident claims often take longer than standard car accident cases.

Reasons include:

• Ongoing medical treatment
• Complex investigations
• Multiple insurers
• Litigation requirements

Some cases resolve in months. Others take longer, especially when injuries are severe.

Speed should never come at the expense of full compensation.

Why Preparation for Trial Increases Settlement Value

Most truck accident cases settle without trial.

However, settlements are stronger when insurers believe the case is ready for court.

Trial preparation signals seriousness. It changes negotiation dynamics.

Cases that appear unprepared are settled cheaply or delayed.

What Reduces Truck Accident Settlement Value

Common issues that reduce value include:

• Delayed medical care
• Inconsistent treatment
• Gaps in documentation
• Social media activity taken out of context
• Accepting early offers
• Failing to preserve evidence

Many of these mistakes happen before victims understand the stakes.

When You Should Speak With a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer

You should consider legal guidance if:

• You were injured in a collision with a commercial truck
• Your injuries required medical treatment
• Fault is disputed
• Multiple parties are involved
• You feel pressure to settle
• You are unsure what your case is worth

Truck accident cases move quickly on the defense side. Early guidance protects options later.

Schiller & Hamilton helps South Carolina truck accident victims navigate complex claims, preserve evidence, and pursue fair settlements based on the full impact of their injuries.

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

Local Guidance for Columbia Injury and Accident Cases

Columbia’s traffic patterns create a distinct accident landscape. With major corridors like I-20, I-26, I-77, and busy commuter routes, accidents often involve high speeds and complex liability questions.

Common issues in Columbia cases include:

• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Government or university-related traffic
• Commercial and fleet vehicles
• Disputed fault at highway interchanges

Because Columbia is home to state offices and institutions, some cases may involve government entities, which can introduce shorter notice deadlines and additional legal requirements.

Medical treatment in Columbia often involves layered care, including emergency services, orthopedic providers, and long-term rehabilitation. Proper documentation is critical, especially when injuries affect the ability to work or attend school.

Insurance companies often attempt to move Columbia cases quickly due to volume. Early settlement pressure is common, particularly when injuries are not immediately visible.

Schiller & Hamilton helps Columbia injury victims understand local risk factors, preserve evidence, and avoid rushed decisions that reduce long-term recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are truck accident settlements capped in South Carolina?

There is no general cap on truck accident settlements, though certain claims may involve statutory limits depending on the defendant.

Do truck accident cases always go to court?

Most settle, but preparation for litigation often leads to better settlement outcomes.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault under South Carolina law.