Truck accidents are becoming more common throughout the state of South Carolina. A South Carolina truck accident lawyer can help you seek financial damages for the injuries you suffered during a truck accident. It is important to understand changes in truck accident statistics in South Carolina so you can comprehend how prevalent truck accidents are throughout the state.
The Total Number of Fatal Large Truck Accidents in the United States
Fatal truck accidents are common in South Carolina and throughout the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that South Carolina was home to approximately 960 fatal accidents in 2020. Also, large trucks made up approximately nine percent of all automobiles involved in deadly accidents throughout the United States.
Truck Accident Statistics in South Carolina
Truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. Preserving your accident evidence at the scene is important. 8.3% of all accidents in South Carolina involved large trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Approximately 598 traffic fatalities occurred in South Carolina, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Commercial truck accidents are common in South Carolina because it is a main shipping area from the southeast to the northeast and the midwest. Also, Interstate 95 passes through South Carolina, and this is the main channel of interstate commerce in the United States.
The Most Common Injuries Accident Victims Suffer During Truck Accidents
Truck accident victims often suffer catastrophic injuries. Drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, and SUVs are more likely to absorb the full impact of a truck collision. Unfortunately, some victims die due to the sheer force of a truck accident.
The following are some of the most common injuries victims suffer during truck accidents:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Bone fractures
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Third-degree burns
Other injuries are also possible during a truck accident. If you suffered injuries during a truck accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you believe your injuries are not severe. Sometimes, symptoms may not become apparent until days or weeks after the date of the incident.
The Types of Damages You Can Claim in a Truck Accident Case
You may claim general damages, special damages, and punitive damages in a truck accident case. General damages are less quantifiable than special damages and include pain and suffering as well as lost earnings. Special damages are established by documents and include medical bills and automobile repair costs.
Punitive damages are not claimed in every truck accident case. These damages are reserved for cases in which the defendant commits willful, wanton, and malicious conduct. Also, punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their egregious conduct.
The Benefits of Retaining a Truck Accident Lawyer in South Carolina
Truck accident cases are complex, and you need to ensure that you have legal representation so you can enforce your legal rights. When you hire an attorney, you are acquiring an advocate who will zealously represent your interests. Also, you will be able to take advantage of attorney-client privilege and attorney-client confidentiality.
Truck accidents often involve multiple defendants, and it can be difficult to handle hearings, depositions, and the discovery phase of litigation all on your own. You need time to recover from your injuries, and an attorney can handle every aspect of your truck accident case.
You Can Afford Legal Representation
You do not have to pay any legal fees at the outset of the legal representation. You can enter a contingency fee agreement with an attorney. A contingency fee agreement allows you to have the attorney deduct their fee at the conclusion of your case.
You will not have to pay for legal services unless an attorney obtains a settlement or judgment on your behalf. The attorney will work to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Both parties benefit from a contingency fee agreement.
Truck Accident Cases Often Require Extensive Investigations
You must be prepared to hire expert witnesses in a truck accident case. Opposing counsel will retain accident reconstruction experts to draft reports stating that you were the cause of the truck accident. If you do not retain expert witnesses, then it is likely that you will not be offered a reasonable settlement amount.
It takes time and experience to determine which expert witnesses will be helpful to your truck accident case. If you are not organized and efficient, then you will not be able to focus on the important aspects of case preparation. Hiring your own expert witnesses will allow you to present your own investigatory reports as part of your case.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Having a lawyer on your side can also benefit your case if you are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Truck accidents are terrifying events, and survivors often experience post-traumatic stress disorder for months or years after the date of the accident. An attorney can help you remain objective, focused, and calm as your case proceeds throughout every stage of litigation.
Sometimes, post-traumatic stress disorder can cause you to feel overwhelmed, confused, and apathetic. You can recover from your symptoms while your attorney focuses on the difficult aspects of your case. If you have legal representation, then it is likely that your symptoms will not interfere with your truck accident case.
Do Not Hesitate to Reach Out to Us if You Have Questions About Your Truck Accident Case
Truck accident cases often involve truck drivers, truck companies, and insurance companies. It can seem impossible to take on every aspect of a truck accident case while you are still recovering from your injuries. If you want to know how we can help you seek monetary compensation for your injuries, contact us to schedule a consultation.
You will need to request medical records and insurance policy records if you are going to litigate a truck accident case. If you are unfamiliar with the technical aspects of these cases, then it can harm the outcome of your case. A skilled truck accident lawyer can provide you with exceptional legal representation and help you move on with your life.
