If you have been involved in a traffic collision with a commercial truck, there are many things to understand and address to file a successful claim in court or with the insurance company. Finding the right South Carolina truck accident lawyer for you and following the proper steps can ensure the ideal resolution for the injuries and damages you have suffered. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have the knowledge, capability, and familiarity with the legal process you need in your corner.
We have been serving our communities with empathy, strength, and integrity for over a decade. By choosing our firm, you can focus on important things like recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life. Our dedicated legal professionals will focus on investigating the details and facts of your case so you can rest easy and recuperate.
The Immediate Aftermath of a Truck Accident
While enduring a collision with a commercial truck can be a confusing and difficult time, the moments immediately following your accident can potentially define your case for months or years to come. If you have never been in a vehicle collision before, it can certainly be a very traumatic experience. Here are some suggestions from a personal injury lawyer in South Carolina for what to do after you have been involved in a crash with a commercial truck.
Reporting the Accident and Seeking Medical Attention
Contacting emergency services and the police immediately after an accident is essential. Even a minor collision with a large truck can cause significant damage to your vehicle and serious physical injuries that may not be readily apparent directly after the crash. Ensuring a police report documenting the incident and receiving medical treatment right away is crucial to building the strongest case possible.
Assessing the Viability of Your Claim with Help from a Reputable Truck Accident Law Firm
You need a professional legal advocate to guide you through the process of either filing an insurance claim, initiating a lawsuit, or possibly even both. Our team knows what information and evidence is needed to advise you on which direction your case should take. We can help you navigate the state’s court system, assess your economic and non-economic damages, and determine the value of your claim.
Building Your Case
Formulating a compelling case requires your chosen legal representative to evaluate the circumstances of your case, review pertinent evidence, and interview witnesses and any possible liable parties. Your truck accident lawyer will then assess the potential success and value of your case and advise a course of action suited to your specific case. We have acquired the skills necessary to represent your interests through years of researching the laws pertaining to truck accidents and how they can be applied to achieve the outcome that you deserve after enduring such a traumatic event.
Establishing Liability in Truck Accident Claims
When you have sustained catastrophic injuries and distressing property damage, finding the individual or parties that are responsible should be the priority for a successful claim result. There may be multiple parties that contributed to the chain of events that resulted in your accident. Your dedicated legal team will work tirelessly to establish the identities of all parties involved.
Insurance companies will often present low or unsatisfactory settlements to shift their responsibilities to a third party. While this benefits the insurer, it could mean financial ruin for you. Engaging competent legal counsel is vital to identifying all possibly accountable entities.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the governing body that sets the guidelines and standards for all freight carriers throughout the nation. Their responsibilities include inspection standards and schedules, proper loading practices, and driver working hour limitations. The mandates set forth by the FMCSA are meant to ensure the safety of not just the drivers and companies but all motorists who share the road, and violations of these laws may help us determine who should be sued for your damages.
What to Expect When Initiating Your Claim
Once you have retained counsel and provided them with all the information and evidence from your truck accident, your lawyer can instruct you on the next possible steps. The appropriate course of action may be to file a claim with your insurance company, the other party’s insurance company, or seek compensation through filing a personal injury lawsuit. By helping you understand your options, we can guide you toward an ideal outcome.
If you do ultimately need to move forward with legal action in court, you do not need to feel intimidated, as our team will be by your side every step of the way. These steps include the discovery process, which requires the opposition to share all pertinent information and evidence. We will also prepare you to appear in court to plead your case and give testimony regarding the accident.
While many people find the prospect of appearing in a court of law intimidating, having a powerful legal advocate counseling you can ease the burden of legal proceedings. Having someone who can interpret terminology and processes is vital to restoring your peace of mind. You can rest easy knowing you have taken the right steps for fair and just compensation.
Do Not Hesitate to File Legal Action for Your Truck Accident
All states have laws governing the time in which you may file legal action following a truck accident. Known as the statute of limitations, in South Carolina, you only have three years from the date of the accident until your claim filing deadline. There are some very specific instances where that time limit may be paused or tolled, and we can inform you if they apply in your case.
Get Help from South Carolina’s Premier Truck Accident Law Firm
Whether through a well-negotiated settlement or court-ordered reparations, your consummate truck accident lawyer at Shelly Leeke Law Firm is here for you. Your recovery should be your priority while recovering the damages you have incurred is ours. Call us now or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule your personalized, no-cost consultation today.
