Tanker trucks are massive in size and some of the largest motor vehicles on the roadways. Unfortunately, when they crash or are involved in a devastating collision, the impact can be catastrophic. Victims often report debilitating injuries and extreme financial losses related to the collision.
Fortunately, with help from a trial-proven North Charleston tanker truck accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you can hold the at-fault party accountable and recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. A highly experienced North Charleston truck accident lawyer from our firm is standing by, ready to offer you legal guidance and support when you need it most. Contact our law office to request a free consultation today and learn more about what to do after a commercial truck accident, how much your claim could be worth, and how to go about accessing the financial support you are entitled to.
Navigating the Tanker Truck Accident Claims Process
Far too many tanker truck accident victims hesitate to get the legal help they need when they need it most. If you are feeling worried that your case will not be taken seriously, you are not alone. You may feel empowered to take action once you understand how the truck accident claims process unfolds, including:
- Hiring a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston
- Investigating the cause of your tanker truck accident
- Collecting valuable evidence to prove liability
- Reviewing damages to calculate the value of your claim
- Preparing insurance claim documents
- Negotiating with insurance providers
- Filing the personal injury lawsuit in court
- Advocating for your right to maximum compensation before a judge and jury
The best part is that you do not have to worry about tapping into your personal finances to cover your attorney’s fees. Our North Charleston tanker truck accident attorney works for our clients on contingency. You will not pay anything for our services unless we win your case, making it possible for nearly anyone to get the legal help they deserve.
The Dangers of Tanker Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
The South Carolina Commercial Motor Vehicle Traffic Collision Fact Book offers insight into important data and stats surrounding commercial trucking accidents across the state. The report from 2021 contains the most current data available online. Some of the most notable stats you should be aware of include:
- 3,187 commercial trucks were involved in collisions
- There were 142 deaths, accounting for 12.8% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities
- Commercial motor vehicles contributed to approximately 19% of all total fatal motor vehicle accidents
- Out-of-state commercial motor vehicle truck drivers accounted for 45.5% of all truckers involved in South Carolina traffic accidents
- The largest group of commercial motor vehicle truckers was between the ages of 45 and 54
- Over 58% of commercial truck accident drivers were from out-of-state
Tanker trucks are often far larger than most other types of vehicles on the roadways. Even the slightest instance of negligent driving, failure to properly care for the tanker truck, or dangerous road conditions could cause catastrophic collisions. You should be able to rely on your tanker truck accident lawyer in North Charleston from Shelly Leeke Law Firm to determine how the accident occurred so you can bring the liable party to justice.
Take Control of Your Tanker Truck Accident Claim, Make the Liable Party Pay
The liable party should be ordered to compensate you for every single loss. While you are recuperating from your injuries, you do not need to wait to get started on your claim. When you enlist the services of a respected tanker truck accident attorney in North Charleston, you can recuperate while building a powerful case against those responsible.
It is not uncommon for tanker truck drivers and commercial truck owners to be sued for damages. This is because, together, they are responsible for the safety, maintenance, and operation of the big rig. When either party fails to prioritize safety, collisions occur.
However, there are also other parties who could share responsibility for the collision. For example, the South Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the roadways, according to the 2023 Annual Accountability Report. Other potential at-fault parties could include cargo loaders, tanker truck passengers, other motorists on the roadways, pedestrians, bicyclists, tanker truck parts manufacturers, and the owner of the tanker truck.
Addressing Partial Fault in Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuits
Blaming the victim for the accident is one of the most common ways liable parties try to avoid being held accountable for their negligence. South Carolina Code §15-1-300 clearly states how partial fault claims should be handled based on modified comparative negligence rules. If you share responsibility for the accident, you can still be awarded compensation for your losses, but only if your portion of blame is not greater than the state’s 50% bar limit.
If you share liability for your damages, expect your settlement to be reduced. The exact amount of compensation that will be deducted from your payout will correlate with your percentage of blame. For example, if you were 30% responsible for causing the tanker truck accident, you may only recover 70% of whatever you were awarded.
Demand Fair Compensation for Your Compensatory Damages
South Carolina Code §15-32-210 states that you are entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Non-economic damages describe how your life has been impacted by the accident, whereas economic damages account for every financial loss. Some examples of these damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring
- Physical pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of household services
- Disfigurement and permanent disability
Punitive damages may also apply per the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 15 Chapter 32 §15-32-510. If the defendant’s conduct is found to be egregious, grossly negligent, or intentionally harmful, punitive damages could further punish the liable party for their actions. However, punitive damages are not designed to offer additional compensation but rather to punish liable parties beyond the value of the victim’s compensatory damages.
Put a Premier North Charleston Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer’s 10+ Years of Experience to Work for You
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has over 10 years of experience advocating for injury victim’s rights. We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for truck accident victims like you. Have our legal team put our knowledge and trial experience to work for you and your family.
Our law office is proud to offer 100% free consultations to tanker truck accident victims across North Charleston and surrounding communities. When you are ready to take advantage of this opportunity, do not hesitate. Reach us by phone or through our convenient contact form to get started on your claims as soon as today.
