South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers

Truck accidents are among the most serious auto accidents, often leaving victims with severe physical and emotional injuries and causing them to incur substantial financial losses. At Schiller & Hamilton, we help victims and their families throughout Bluffton, Beaufort, Fort Mill, Gaffney, Hilton Head, Lancaster, Rock Hill and York County hold the at-fault party liable for any damages resulting from their actions. Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers will listen to the details of your case and help you take the correct legal steps.

Our South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers Will Fight for Compensation

Our truck accident lawyers in South Carolina offer expert legal representation and guidance through the complexities of truck accident claims. They begin by thoroughly investigating the accident to determine liability, whether it is the truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party mechanic, the cargo loader or the truck or parts manufacturer. Utilizing their deep understanding of state and federal trucking regulations, our team builds a solid case to prove negligence. They collect and analyze evidence, including accident reports, witness statements and, if necessary, expert testimonies. This meticulous approach ensures we hold all responsible parties accountable.

Moreover, our lawyers negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your losses. They understand the tactics insurers may use to minimize payouts and will counter them effectively. They aim to ensure adequate compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other damages incurred. If they cannot negotiate a satisfactory settlement, your attorney will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to the judge and jury. Throughout the process, we will provide compassionate support, keeping you informed and involved and making the legal journey less daunting.

What Our Clients Say After Working With Our Accident Attorneys

Client satisfaction is paramount at our firm, as evidenced by their testimonials. Our firm’s dedication is to delivering exceptional legal services and creating a positive impact on our clients’ lives.

Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents can result in a variety of severe injuries, which can have long-lasting impacts on the victims. Common injuries our South Carolina truck accident lawyers see include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These result from hard impacts to the head, leading to potential cognitive impairments and long-term neurological issues.
• Spinal cord injuries: Such injuries can range from minor nerve damage to complete paralysis, drastically altering a person’s life.
• Broken bones: The immense force involved in truck collisions often leads to fractures that can be complex and require extensive treatment.
• Internal injuries: These are particularly dangerous as they may involve internal bleeding and damage to vital organs, necessitating immediate medical attention.
• Psychological trauma: Apart from physical injuries, victims frequently suffer from mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, impacting their overall well-being and daily life.

These injuries demonstrate the potential gravity of truck accidents and underscore the importance of safety and the need for comprehensive medical and legal assistance for those affected.

Potential Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents can result from various factors, often involving complex interactions between the driver, the vehicle and the environment. Driver fatigue is a major cause, as long-haul drivers may become drowsy, leading to reduced reaction times and impaired judgment. Inadequate training and experience can also contribute, as handling a large vehicle requires specialized skills. Speeding and reckless driving are significant issues, with drivers sometimes exceeding speed limits or engaging in dangerous maneuvers to meet tight schedules.

Vehicle-related issues, such as poor maintenance, can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts or other mechanical problems, increasing the risk of accidents. Overloading or improper loading of cargo can cause instability and make the trailer difficult to control. Weather conditions, including rain, snow and fog, can significantly affect visibility and road traction, challenging even experienced drivers.

Road conditions play a role, too. Potholes, uneven road surfaces and inadequate signage can create hazardous driving situations. Finally, other road users’ actions, such as abrupt lane changes, failure to maintain safe distances or driving in a tractor-trailer’s blind spots, can lead to collisions. Each of these factors alone, or in combination, can significantly increase the likelihood of a tractor-trailer accident.

Damages Awarded for Truck Accidents

Damages refer to the losses you incurred from the accident and resulting injuries. Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers will identify all recoverable damages to ensure your settlement or award adequately reflects the economic and noneconomic damages available from your accident.

Economic losses

Given the severity of truck accident cases, especially for victims in smaller vehicles, the economic damages can be substantial. These include the quantifiable losses associated with your case:

• The cost of current and future medical care, including medications, hospital stays, outpatient treatment, medical devices, surgeries and future treatments
• The wages lost due to loss of employment opportunity or missed work during recovery, including loss of earning capacity
• The cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property
• The cost of any necessary replacement services during recovery, including in-home assistance or childcare

Our team of South Carolina personal injury attorneys will work with you to collect all the evidence necessary to prove these losses. This could include medical records, bills, pay stubs, tax returns, professional estimates and applicable receipts.

Noneconomic Losses

Noneconomic damages cover the psychological impact of a truck accident, which can be devastating for victims, causing debilitating mental and emotional issues. Common examples include:

• Pain and suffering from physical injuries and treatment
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Post-traumatic stress, anxiety and depression
• Loss of enjoyment in life
• Loss of consortium, specifically for victims experiencing a disruption in their intimate relationship with a spouse

Proving these losses is more challenging than proving economic losses. When you work with a truck accident lawyer in South Carolina from our firm, they understand the precedents for similar cases and will ensure your claim reflects reasonable requests for compensation.

What To Do After a Trucking Accident

After a trucking accident, immediate and appropriate actions are crucial for safety and legal considerations. First, ensure your safety and that of others by moving to a secure location. Then, call emergency services to report the incident and seek medical attention, even for minor injuries, as some symptoms may appear later. Document the scene by taking photographs and noting details like the truck’s license plate and company name.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the truck driver, but avoid discussing fault. Gather witness statements and contact details if possible. Notify your insurance company promptly to start the claims process. Consult our lawyers, who have extensive experience in trucking accidents, to understand your legal rights and options. Keep records of all related expenses and communications. These steps are vital in safeguarding your health, legal rights and financial interests following a trucking accident.

Contact Our South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers at Schiller & Hamilton Today

At Schiller & Hamilton, we understand the severe physical, emotional and financial consequences truck accident victims and their families can face in the aftermath of a severe crash. We focus on fighting to protect our clients’ rights, ensuring they have everything they need to restore losses resulting from someone else’s negligence. Contact our firm at Schiller & Hamilton, serving Bluffton, Beaufort, Fort Mill, Gaffney, Hilton Head, Lancaster, Rock Hill and York County, to schedule your free consultation with a South Carolina truck accident lawyer today.

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