Truck accidents happen quickly and unexpectedly. Yet, recovery from damages caused by truck accidents can take months or even years. Trucks with tractor-trailers and semi-trucks are some of the most dangerous motor vehicles on South Carolina roads. When large trucks are involved in accidents, their size and weight can cause serious injuries or even death to other drivers and passengers. Those injured in tractor-trailer accidents in South Carolina often face mounting medical bills. When a truck accident results in a loss of the ability to work, those injured and their families often worry about how they will pay the bills.
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury in a South Carolina truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. You will benefit from working with skilled lawyers who will fight for your right to compensation. South Carolina residents have trusted Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA for over 120 years. With law offices in Myrtle Beach and Florence, we have helped thousands of South Carolina residents with their personal injury claims over the years. Contact our law firm today to learn how we can fight for your rights.
Common Causes for Truck Accidents in South Carolina
When investigating a South Carolina truck accident, it is essential to find out which driver caused the accident. Once the cause of the accident is known, we can determine which driver was at fault and is liable for the damages. The following circumstances are common causes of South Carolina truck accidents:
- Drowsy driving occurs when truck drivers have not slept enough
- Driving a truck while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Road hazards such as potholes, damaged roads, and poorly designed roads
- Defective truck parts such as faulty brakes
- Poor maintenance of trucks
- Driving while texting, talking on the phone, or touching an electronic device
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, our lawyers conduct thorough investigations into the truck accidents that cause our clients’ injuries. We gather evidence such as the police report, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to determine who is at fault for the truck accident. When the evidence shows that the truck driver caused the accident, we pursue compensation on behalf of our client.
Seeking Compensation After a South Carolina Truck Accident
Under South Carolina law, drivers owe other drivers a reasonable duty of care. When a truck driver drives in a negligent, reckless, or intentionally dangerous way, the truck driver is liable for any injuries caused by their driving. In some cases, multiple parties or organizations are at fault for the truck accident. If a defective truck part caused the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or the part may be liable for the injuries.
Individuals who’ve suffered an injury in a trucking accident may be able to bring a lawsuit against one or more of the following:
- The at-fault truck driver
- His or her employer
- A negligent government agency, city, or municipality
At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, our skilled personal injury lawyers evaluate all of the facts and circumstances of the truck accident. We offer experienced legal advice to our clients to help them understand their legal options. Our lawyers help clients make the best decision possible as to how to proceed with their claims. In some instances, seeking compensation through an insurance policy is the best option, while in others, filing a personal injury lawsuit is the best option. You may be entitled to the following damages if successful in your personal injury lawsuit:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost past and future wages
The Truck Driver’s Employer May Be Liable
The trucking company that employed the driver may also be liable for the injuries caused by the accident. Under South Carolina law, employers who engage in negligent hiring can be liable for the negligent acts of their employees. For example, when a trucking company knew or should have known that an employee had a DUI conviction on his driving record, the company may be liable for injuries caused by the employee.
Trucking companies can face additional liability for the negligent training of their employees. When a trucking company fails to provide adequate instruction in operating a truck safely, it may face liability for trucking accidents caused by their inexperienced employees. The key to succeeding in a negligent hiring claim is to prove that the trucking company’s negligence created an unreasonable risk of harm to the public.
Seeking Compensation from an Insurance Company After a Truck Accident
Semi-truck accidents can cause serious injuries that require intensive medical treatment and expensive hospital stays and surgery. When the truck driver was at-fault for the accident, his or her insurance company is responsible for paying for the medical expenses and property damage of the injured person or people. Many insurance companies will attempt to provide as little compensation as possible to the injured parties.
The initial settlement amount offered by an insurance company is usually too low. Hiring skilled personal injury lawyers to negotiate with the at-fault truck driver’s insurance company can be incredibly beneficial. At Willcox, Buyck & Williams, PA, our lawyers have experience with all of the tactics used by insurance companies to pay lower than a fair settlement amount. We investigate the truck accident and gather evidence to calculate a reasonable estimate of our clients’ current and future medical costs. In many cases, our clients depend on the insurance payout to survive while they heal from their injuries. That’s why we fight so hard on behalf of our clients.
Contact Our South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve suffered an injury in a South Carolina trucking accident, you may be entitled to damages. Reach out to our South Carolina truck accident lawyers for help. Schedule your initial consultation today to discuss how our lawyers can fight for you.
From law offices in Florence and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Willcox, Buyck & Williams, P.A. serves Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Garden City, the Grand Strand, and other communities throughout Florence County, Marion County, Horry County, Darlington County, and Georgetown County.