Suffering injuries during a truck accident can cause you to experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. You may not know how to deal with insurance companies and opposing counsel. A Cayce personal injury attorney can help you seek financial compensation for your injuries.
Contact a South Carolina personal injury attorney to learn more.
Truck Accidents and Multiple Defendants
Truck accident cases are complex and often involve many different defendants. A truck driver is not acting alone but is often employed by a truck company. The truck company likely has shipping contracts with other entities.
A company may be responsible for manufacturing and maintaining the truck. Once you initiate a civil lawsuit, you may need to amend your complaint and join defendants who may be liable for your injuries. Cases with multiple defendants are complex and require an overwhelming amount of work if you want to have the best chance of obtaining favorable results.
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Actions in South Carolina
The statute of limitations is a period of time during which an individual must file a civil lawsuit. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury actions is three years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a civil lawsuit within the statute of limitations period, then you may lose your right to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
It is helpful if you begin gathering evidence for your case as soon as you are finished with your medical treatment. Speak to a truck accident lawyer in Cayce as soon as possible so you do not miss the window of time for filing a civil lawsuit. Do not rest on your rights because the delay may cause you to forfeit your right to bring your legal claims.
The Most Common Injuries Victims Suffer During Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are capable of causing serious bodily injury or death. Drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, and SUVs may not have any time to brace for the impact of a collision. Some of the most common injuries victims experience include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Third-degree burns
- Contusions
- Bone fractures
Victims often lose consciousness during truck accidents and wake up in the hospital, not knowing what happened. Sometimes, head injuries may cause individuals to experience cognitive problems such as memory loss and confusion. You should write down everything you remember about the accident if you are experiencing these symptoms and then contact a truck accident attorney in Cayce.
Expert Witnesses in Truck Accident Cases
Expert witnesses are essential in these cases because opposing counsel will hire accident reconstruction experts to claim that you caused the accident. You should be prepared to hire multiple expert witnesses who will produce expert reports that can be used to support your theory of the case. Many experts require one or two months to prepare their expert reports.
A Cayce truck accident lawyer can help you determine which experts will be most helpful for your case. You need to make sure that you take the time to choose the best experts who can make your case as strong as possible. If you do not hire expert witnesses, then you risk not being offered a reasonable settlement amount.
The Types of Damages You May Claim in a Truck Accident Case
You may claim general damages, special damages, and punitive damages in a truck accident case. General damages are based on the subjective experience of the victim and include the loss of enjoyment of life. Special damages are more objective and include medical bills, lost earnings, and automobile repair costs.
Only when defendants engage in willful, wanton, or malicious conduct are punitive damages awarded. These damages are designed to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter the defendant from committing the same type of conduct. Speaking to a Cayce truck accident attorney can help you determine if you should claim punitive damages in your case.
Preserving Evidence for Your Case
It is essential that you preserve as much evidence as possible regarding your case. Photographs, videos, and eyewitness statements can be obtained at the accident scene. If you want to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, then you will need to make sure you have enough evidence to substantiate your legal claims.
You should also procure any documentary evidence, such as medical records and traffic collision reports, that may be relevant to your legal claims. These records will contain important information that can be used during your case. During the discovery phase of litigation, the parties will share information with each other.
The Benefits of Retaining a Truck Accident Attorney
You need to have a legal advocate who can promote your legal interests, protect your rights, and ensure that you have the best chance of seeking financial compensation for your injuries. Defense attorneys will be more likely to take you seriously if you have an attorney fighting for you. Also, by obtaining legal counsel, you can benefit from attorney-client confidentiality.
Now is the time for you to recover from your injuries. You do not want to engage in settlement negotiation, mediation, and arbitration without the assistance of a skilled attorney. Civil litigation is stressful, and it is important that you focus on healing while your attorney handles every aspect of your case.
Our Attorneys Will Be with You Every Step of the Way
You deserve to have a chance to assert your legal claims and seek financial compensation for your injuries. Cases involving multiple defendants can take up a considerable amount of your time. If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, contact us today, and we can discuss the facts of your case.
You may not know how to draft a complaint or when you should file a motion to amend your complaint. If you have to depose a party or witness, you may not know how to ask the right questions to obtain information that will benefit your case. By seeking legal representation, you will be able to have an advocate on your side who understands your legal rights and how to enforce them.
