Summerville Truck Accident Lawyer

Summerville Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident can change your life in an instant. After you’re faced with medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering of your injuries, you need a Summerville truck accident lawyer who understands these types of cases and how to aggressively pursue the full and fair compensation that you need and are entitled to.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different

Truck accidents are not your typical car accident cases. Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles are massive, and when a truck is fully loaded, the weight of the vehicle can lead to catastrophic injury and severe property damage.

There are also multiple parties involved in a truck accident, which can include the driver, the trucking company, the people who loaded the cargo, and sometimes the manufacturer. All these companies and individuals have their own insurance carriers and legal teams working to limit their liability.

Truck accident claims are handled by a lawyer who is well-versed in South Carolina personal injury laws as well as truck accident laws. Federal trucking rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) define the maximum driving hours per day or week for drivers, as well as maintenance specifications for trucks and equipment, together with cargo weight regulations. Failure to adhere to these standards is a factor that may add weight to your case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can happen for a number of reasons. Understanding what happened is a major step in having a successful truck accident claim. Some common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver fatigue. Some drivers get fatigued from driving long hours. While truck accident laws are in place to prevent drivers from driving beyond a certain amount to prevent exhaustion, some drivers or their employers may push to go beyond the limit in order to meet tight deadlines.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents. Things that can distract a driver include texting while driving, utilizing a GPS system, eating, and fumbling with items in the car.
• Speeding. Some truck drivers may drive faster than the speed limit in order to make their deadlines. However, it increases the risk of accidents.
• Improper loading. This usually involves improperly loading cargo that can cause imbalances on a truck.
• Mechanical issues. These issues can involve faulty brakes, engines, or tire issues, which puts truck drivers and other drivers on the road at serious risk.
• Driving while under the influence. Driving while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is illegal. However, it unfortunately still happens.

No matter what the cause, these accidents typically result in serious injury and/or property damage, requiring the help of a truck accident attorney in Summerville.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

Fatal truck crashes decreased 8.4% in 2023 compared to 2022; 5,375 large trucks were in fatal crashes in 2023, but this is an increase of 43% in 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is 0.334, a decrease of 8% from 2022, but an increase of 22% in 10 years. In 2024, 3,522 trucks and buses were involved in road accidents, with 135 of them being fatal.

There are many steps to take following a truck accident. Acting accordingly can ensure your well-being and maximize your legal rights. To begin, immediately seek medical treatment. Visible injuries are important to have diagnosed and treated, but if you feel fine, don’t ignore the possibility that you could have internal injuries that may become more apparent with time.

Second, document the accident scene. This includes taking photos, writing down witness contact information, and recording road and weather conditions. Third, do not provide any detailed statements or sign any documents with insurance adjusters. Insurance companies are not your advocates. Many times, their objective is to settle quickly and for as little as possible.

Last, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you hire an attorney, the more evidence can be preserved and collected, and a thorough investigation of the crash can be conducted to build a strong case for you.

About Us

The lawyers at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., have more than 100 years of combined legal experience and handle truck accident cases for victims throughout Summerville and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys are located near the Dorchester County Courthouse and offer representation and an understanding of truck accident laws, and can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

FAQs About Summerville, SC Truck Accident Laws

What Should I Not Say to an Injury Lawyer?

When speaking to an injury lawyer, do not downplay your injuries. Your attorney needs an accurate account of how the accident has affected you. Additionally, don’t exaggerate your injuries either. Do not give your opinion regarding your injuries, nor give your own diagnosis of the injury. Only speak facts and provide evidence to prove them.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident Case?

In a truck accident case, you can recover medical expenses, including hospital stays, prescription medication, surgeries, and rehabilitation needs. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering for any emotional damage you’ve experienced. In extreme cases, you may be able to seek punitive damages, which are meant to punish the wrongdoer for extreme and egregious behavior.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

A truck accident claim is a type of personal injury claim, and plaintiffs in personal injury cases typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This means that you will likely have your claim denied if you file outside this time frame. It is recommended that you file a claim as soon as possible because even filing later within the statute of limitations can weaken your case as memories fade and evidence is harder to collect.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

Many parties can be liable for a truck accident. This includes the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and manufacturers. If the truck driver made driver errors or drove recklessly, they can be liable. If the employer forced the driver to work long hours that caused fatigue or failed to properly maintain the truck, they could be responsible.

Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to seek help. Hire a truck accident lawyer today. Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us to get started.