What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident With a Commercial Vehicle

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that tens of thousands of commercial vehicle accidents are reported in the U.S. each year. If you were involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you must be prepared to protect your rights and your interests. At Schiller & Hamilton, we have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle car accidents with commercial vehicle claims.

Here, our Rock Hill car accident lawyers provide a step-by-step guide to what to do after a collision with a commercial vehicle.

Commercial Vehicle Accident Procedure in South Carolina: A Step By Step Guide

Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Crash to Law Enforcement

Under South Carolina law, all motorists involved in a collision are required to stop their vehicle and remain at the scene of the accident unless there is a medical emergency. If you are involved in a crash with a commercial vehicle, you should immediately stop your vehicle.

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. You should also call 911 to report the crash to law enforcement. South Carolina law requires reporting any accident that involves any physical injury.

Step #2: Exchange Information With the Commercial Vehicle Driver

Approach the commercial vehicle driver to exchange contact and insurance information. The more information that you have, the better positioned you will be to navigate the claims process. Along with other things, you should collect:

• The driver’s name;
• The driver’s license number;
• The employer of the commercial driver;
• The name insurance carrier;
• The insurance policy number; and
• The truck’s license plate.

You should take note of the vehicle type and any visible damage to both vehicles. If possible, obtain contact information from witnesses—as their statements can be valuable if there are disputes about the crash circumstances.

Step #3: Seek Prompt Medical Care (Emergencies Always Come First)

Your health and your well-being are the absolute top priority after a commercial vehicle crash in South Carolina. If you suffered a severe injury, it is an emergency. Your emergency medical needs come before anything else. Get yourself to the nearest hospital. Further, even if you do not think you are seriously injured, you still need to get checked out. Some of the most common commercial vehicle accident injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries—do not always show symptoms immediately. Visit an emergency room or your healthcare provider to get a thorough check-up. You need medical records to bring a commercial vehicle accident claim.

Step #4: Notify Your Insurance Carrier of the Crash

As a general rule, you should also notify your insurance carrier of the crash. Be sure to do so regardless of who was responsible for causing the collision. Be sure to inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. You should provide them with the basic facts of the incident and the information gathered from the commercial driver. However, you do not need to give a full statement. Many insurers require prompt reporting of accidents under the policy terms.

Step #5: Avoid Giving a Statement to the Commercial Driver’s Insurance Company

South Carolina is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state, including commercial vehicle collisions.

You should refrain from discussing the accident details or your injuries with the commercial driver’s insurance company without first consulting with an attorney. These companies often seek to minimize their payout by obtaining statements that can be used against you in claims processing. Let an attorney deal with the opposing insurance company after a commercial vehicle crash in South Carolina.

Step #6: Seek Professional Legal Representation

After a serious crash with a commercial vehicle, you need experienced legal representation. A South Carolina commercial vehicle accident lawyer can answer your questions, investigate your crash, handle settlement negotiations, and develop a comprehensive strategy to help you secure the best possible outcome. Do not agree to settle your commercial vehicle accident case for less. One of the challenges of commercial vehicle accidents is that multiple different parties may bear liability. Your South Carolina commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you identify all at-fault defendants.

You Need the Maximum Compensation After a Commercial Vehicle Crash

Were you involved in a commercial vehicle accident in South Carolina? You have the right to seek compensation for your economic costs and your non-economic damages. However, corporations and insurance companies cannot be relied upon to look out for your rights and your interests. Our South Carolina commercial vehicle accident lawyers invest the time, resources, and attention to detail to help you secure the maximum financial settlement or verdict. Recovery may include:

• Property loss, such as vehicle repairs;
• Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
• Hospital bills and other medical expenses;
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
• Lost wages and loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering & mental trauma;
• Disability, scarring, or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death of a family member.

Why Rely On Our Rock Hill Car Accident Lawyers

Commercial vehicle accident claims are especially complex. Following a serious crash, you need a legal advocate who has experience taking on these cases. At Schiller & Hamilton, our Rock Hill car accident lawyers will invest time, resources, and attention to detail in your case.

At Schiller & Hamilton, our Rock Hill car accident lawyers are proud to provide experienced legal advocacy to victims and families. If you have any questions about a commercial vehicle accident injury case, we are here as a resource. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation case evaluation.