We have come to rely on DHL trucks, whether it be for international shipping, local deliveries, or even assistance with relocating. There are many types of DHL trucks on the roadways, and when you are involved in a collision with one, your damages may be palpable. Do not let the fallout of your commercial trucking accident inhibit your future.
The at-fault party should be compelled to repay you for the total value of your compensatory losses. Your premier North Charleston DHL truck accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available 24/7 and ready to help you take back control of your life. Schedule your 100% free consultation with our highly experienced North Charleston delivery truck accident lawyer today to discuss the cause of your wreck, the value of your damages, and the personal injury laws that could impact the outcome of your case.
What to Do Immediately After a DHL Accident in North Charleston
Immediately after your DHL truck accident, you may be inclined to panic. This is a natural response, but you should do everything in your power to remain calm, cool, and collected. Then, take the following steps:
- Call 911 and get an ambulance to the accident scene.
- Start to collect evidence, including photos of your injuries and surrounding property damages.
- Obtain a medical evaluation and get treatment for any DHL accident-related injuries.
- Consult a reputable North Charleston truck accident lawyer for help.
You may want to consider keeping a journal to detail the various ways your life has been affected by your injuries. That way, we can more easily verify the value of your non-economic damages. You should also avoid social media, as anything you post or say online could be misinterpreted or used against you.
North Charleston DHL Truck Accident FAQ
Can I Get My Medical Expenses Covered?
Yes. Every single healthcare cost related to your DHL truck accident should be taken care of by the at-fault party and their insurance company. Some examples of medical expenses that should be taken care of include:
- Diagnostic testing fees
- Ambulance bills
- Your hospital stay
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Copays and out-of-pocket medications
- Over-the-counter treatments
- Prosthetic limbs
- Medical home accommodations
- Wheelchairs or walkers
- Mental health counseling
How Are DHL Truck Accident Insurance Settlements Paid Out?
Generally, when you are receiving a settlement from the insurance company, the insurance company will send you a check. In some cases, they may be able to directly deposit your settlement. However, do not expect the insurance company to settle your claim without putting up a fight.
The insurance company is going to take a financial hit by paying out on your claim. To protect their profit margins, the insurer may go to great lengths to minimize your settlement or deny your claim entirely. Your North Charleston personal injury lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm will be prepared to challenge bad-faith insurance tactics to ensure you access the fair compensation you deserve.
What Are Compensatory Damages?
Compensatory damages refer to the losses you have the right to recover. These are the types of damages that have directly impacted your life. They include a combination of economic and non-economic damages as described under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act.
Non-economic damages are a little more challenging to evaluate since their value is subjective, and they do not have any type of fixed financial value. These might include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life. Economic damages are monetary and may include loss of income, medical bills, future healthcare costs, vehicle repair expenses, and even your diminished earning potential.
What Is the Burden of Proof in North Charleston DHL Accident Claims?
The burden of proof in a DHL truck accident or any other type of personal injury claim is based on a preponderance of the evidence. As described under S.C. Code Ann. §15-36-100, the burden of proof is based on the evidence presented at trial. We do not need to prove the defendant’s liability beyond a reasonable doubt as long as we can show that the evidence demonstrates no other reasonable person would find anyone other than the defendant responsible.
Your North Charleston DHL truck accident attorney can help prove your case by showing that the elements of negligence are present. The elements of negligence include duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages, per Hofstra University. This means we need evidence that will establish the defendant’s duty and breach of duty, that the defendant’s actions caused your injuries, and that the accident or your injuries caused considerable damages.
Can I File My Lawsuit Once I Am Feeling Better?
We do not want you to feel pressured to take action on your claim before you are ready. Keep in mind, however, that the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina is generally only three years from the accident date per S.C. Code Ann. §15-3-530. We are going to need as much time as possible to build a strong case against the at-fault party.
Much of the evidence we need to prove liability may only be available for a limited amount of time. If you wait to get started, we may lose access to this powerful evidence. For instance, if we can get video footage of the collision from nearby cameras or collect witness statements, these could go a long way and help establish liability for the DHL truck accident.
Get Help from a Reputable DHL Truck Accident Lawyer in North Charleston for Help Today
Whether you were diagnosed with a broken bone, spinal cord injury, back injury, traumatic brain injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder, when your life has been overcome by the injuries you suffered and the trauma of your accident, you can make the liable party pay. Do not let yourself get stuck bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders when someone else is responsible for causing the collision. You can demand justice and the fair compensation you deserve when you have a top-rated DHL truck accident attorney in North Charleston from Shelly Leeke Law Firm advocating for your rights.
Our DHL truck accident lawyers in North Charleston will stop at nothing to hold the liable party accountable to the full extent of the law. Let us help you get through some of the most difficult times in your life. Fill out our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.