If you get into a truck accident in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, you may suffer injuries or damage to your car. Meanwhile, a negligent commercial truck driver may be responsible for your accident and any damages you incur. This responsibility includes any medical care, punitive damages, and wrongful death, among others. At this point, it is in your best interests to seek compensation as part of a truck accident lawsuit.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm takes the guesswork out of requesting damages for semi-truck accidents in Moncks Corner. If you want to hire an experienced Moncks Corner personal injury lawyer, please reach out to us. Our experienced truck accident lawyers can help you file your lawsuit and request the most damages possible. With our extensive experience litigating truck accident claims, the most common types of damages we see from truck crashes are as follows:
- TBI
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Blunt force trauma
- Loss of employment
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Severe injuries
- Catastrophic injuries
- Loss of enjoyment
- Internal injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Fatal injuries
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death
Our experienced trucking accident lawyers know the trucking industry, and know how to make sure you get the maximum compensation from the at fault party for your personal injury claim. Our teams of lawyers have unparalleled experience in making sure insurance companies, trucking companies, and drivers are held responsible for their actions. In 2022 alone, there were 503,675 large truck accidents in South Carolina, according to NHTSA. These accidents happen often, and can be absolutely life-changing when they happen.
Why Truck Accidents Occur in Moncks Corner
Large trucks account for 5% of all registered vehicles in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. Many large truck drivers prioritize safety. Yet, there can be times when truck drivers make mistakes, leading to accidents. When commercial drivers are in an accident, these truck wrecks can cause incredible damage. Whether it’s a dump truck, 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or commercial truck, these large vehicles leave intangible losses in their wake. From brake failure and blind spots to driver error – commercial motor vehicles can create some of the worst wrecks imaginable.
There are many reasons why semi-truck accidents occur in Moncks Corner and other cities and towns across the United States. These reasons include:
Distracted Driving
A truck driver may look down at their cell phone or GPS system, which means their eyes are away from the road. In this situation, a distracted-driving accident can occur. The truck driver can be held financially responsible for any damages that occur in the accident, too. Fatigued driving may cause truckers to react slower, or become unresponsive behind the wheel.
Intoxicated Driving
It is illegal to drive a truck or any other vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, a truck driver may choose to travel while intoxicated and put themselves and others in danger. If this driver is found to be intoxicated or causes an accident, they can face civil and criminal penalties.
Truck Performance Issues
A truck driver and their employer must identify and address any vehicle issues right away. Failure to do so can impact a driver’s ability to operate their truck safely. If a track record of performance issues is found to hamper a driver’s ability to stop or slow down their truck, they can cause a head-on collision or other types of accidents.
Equipment failure is also common. While inspection reports, driving records, driver logs, and safety regulations can help us figure out what happened, our truck wreck lawyers will make sure all federal safety regulations and other truck safety initiatives were followed.
Poor truck maintenance, and ignoring federal trucking regulations can lead to truck breakdowns and unexpected flat tires or other equipment malfunction.
Poor Weather or Road Conditions
It is a professional truck driver’s responsibility to pay attention to the weather and road conditions. Even if the weather and road conditions are poor, a truck driver must slow down and take other precautions to avoid accidents with passenger vehicles. If a truck driver blames weather or road conditions for an accident, they can still be held responsible for the incident.
Our trucking accident attorneys have helped victims of truck accidents in Moncks Corner get the best-possible case results. We have decades of experience holding the at-fault party accountable. If you are interested in filing a truck accident lawsuit, wrongful death claim, or getting the run-around from an insurance carrier, please let us know. Our truck accident law firm in Moncks Corner is ready to review your case. We’ll do our best to make sure that you get a fair settlement for your commercial truck accident.
When to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Moncks Corner
Generally, you have up to three years from the date of an 18-wheeler accident to request compensation. This window cannot be extended. If you decide not to file a truck accident lawsuit within this period, you lose the right to do so down the line. This is especially important for trucking accident claims that are fatal, catastrophic truck crashes, or a semi-truck wreck that includes a wrongful death lawsuit.
An experienced truck accident attorney in Moncks Corner will make sure your lawsuit is filed immediately. The 18-wheeler accident attorney will review the facts of your case. Next, they can help you decide on how much to ask for in compensation.
Your truck crash attorney will encourage you to seek economic and non-economic damages in your truck accident lawsuit. Economic damages refer to any compensation for your medical bills, medical costs, emergency medical services, physical therapy, car repairs, and other quantifiable losses. Comparatively, non-economic damages are compensation awarded for pain, suffering, exemplary damages, and other subjective losses.
How a Moncks Corner Truck Accident Lawyer Works for You
Your truck accident lawyer pursues every legal avenue to ensure you receive fair compensation. They will help you gather and evaluate evidence and prepare for your trial date. Also, they can respond to any legal concerns and questions you have. You attorney will also talk to any insurance company or trucking company involved to help figure out who was the negligent party, and what you should be asking for as part of your settlement.
If your case goes to trial, your attorney represents your best interests. They advocate for you and explain to a judge or jury why you deserve to receive full damages. If your attorney succeeds, you will get the compensation you deserve.
Of course, your attorney may be able to help you settle your case before your trial. To do so, your lawyer negotiates with the defendant’s attorney, or the trucking companies, or the insurance. If you and the defendant can come to terms with a settlement agreement, you can get compensation for your truck accident without having to go to trial.
What to Expect in Moncks Corner Truck Accident Settlement Negotiations
Your personal injury attorney will keep you up to date on any truck accident settlement proposals from the truck companies or other parties. If you receive a settlement offer, you have the opportunity to review it. You can also request help from your lawyer, and they can explain what can happen if you accept, reject, or counter the proposal.
It may be tempting to approve a settlement offer from the liable parties so you can resolve your commercial vehicle accident case as quickly as possible. On the other hand, you need to make a rational decision. Otherwise, you risk accepting a lowball offer that fails to provide you with sufficient compensation.
Your lawyer can provide you with legal resources to help you make an informed decision regarding the responsible parties proposal. On top of that, they can answer any questions you have about a settlement offer. If you determine a settlement is not the right option at this time, your attorney will let the defendant’s lawyer know that you are declining their proposal.
How to Choose a Moncks Corner Truck Accident Attorney
You want the best legal representation in your truck accident case. To select a lawyer, it is critical to learn about an attorney’s experience in truck accident lawsuits. The ideal lawyer knows how to handle truck accident claims and can share their legal knowledge and insights with you.
It helps to meet with a lawyer to discuss your truck accident case as well. During the meeting, you can get a good idea of how the attorney will represent you. The lawyer can also ask you questions and let you know what legal services they can offer.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can put you in touch with a best-in-class Moncks Corner truck accident lawyer. To get started, please contact us today.
