Commercial truck accident injuries are often debilitating. Injury victims and accident survivors may find it difficult to get back to their daily lives when they are held back by permanent disability, extreme financial losses, and intense emotional distress. Fortunately, when you have a highly skilled Walterboro 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm handling your case, you can hold the liable party accountable.
Whoever is responsible for causing the accident should cover the costs in full. Unfortunately, at-fault parties rarely are willing to accept responsibility for their negligent actions. Consult an experienced Walterboro truck accident lawyer with over 10 years of experience during a free consultation and learn more about how you can make them pay.
The South Carolina Statute of Limitations
You generally have a maximum of three years to file a lawsuit with a personal injury lawyer in Walterboro, per South Carolina Code of Laws §15-3-530. If you were not diagnosed with truck accident injuries until weeks or months after the incident, the statute of limitations countdown may pause. However, if your lawsuit is not filed before the deadline, you may be barred from having your case heard by the Walterboro civil courts.
Demand Fair Compensation After a Collision with an 18-Wheeler
Working with an 18-wheeler truck accident attorney in Walterboro with Shelly Leeke Law Firm may be your best opportunity to recover your damages in full. There is no reason you should need to tap into your savings, exhaust your retirement fund, and struggle financially due to someone else’s negligence. We can help you navigate the claims process and demand fair reimbursement of your damages, including:
- The physical pain from your injuries
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Reduced quality of life
- An inability to continue working
- Loss of income and the benefits you received as an employee, including health insurance coverage
- Complete coverage of your medical bills, including devices, medication, treatment, diagnosis, ongoing care, and future costs
- Cost of hiring household maintenance professionals and child caregivers
- The embarrassment of permanent disability, disfigurement, or skin scarring
- Feelings of shame, anticipation, apprehension, shock, and indignity
- Loss of support, society, companionship, guidance, advice, love, and an intimate spousal relationship
The Walterboro civil court system may also decide to award punitive damages depending on the circumstances of your case. According to South Carolina Code §15-32-530, punitive damages should only be paid if the defendant was grossly negligent or intentionally malicious. Punitive damages may be appropriate in your case if the truck driver that hit you has a history of dangerous driving, for example.
Potentially Liable Parties in 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Claims
Identifying the liable party will be one of our top priorities. Your 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Walterboro will need to conduct an in-depth investigation to gather evidence and determine who is at fault. It is not unusual for several parties to share the blame in commercial truck accident claims.
Most often, we see truck drivers and trucking companies sued for damages. This is because the truck driver is responsible for driving the vehicle safely, and the trucking company is responsible for maintenance and hiring qualified truck drivers. However, other parties could also share responsibility depending on how the accident occurred.
For example, we may be able to sue the South Carolina Department of Transportation or the city of Walterboro for hazardous roads that were responsible for the collision. You may have a claim against the auto parts designers and manufacturers if faulty vehicle parts contributed to the wreck. The only way to find out who should be sued for your damages is to examine the evidence at length.
Some Types of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Are More Common than Others
The type of 18-wheeler accident you were involved in will help us identify the liable party. These types of accidents can take multiple forms. Some of the most common truck accidents our clients have been involved in include:
- Delivery truck accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Underride accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Dump truck accidents
- Construction truck accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
Immediately after a collision with a commercial truck, contact emergency responders. You should do this even if the truck driver attempts to convince you that law enforcement officials or emergency responders are not necessary. Get medical attention and contact a Walterboro car accident lawyer with our firm as soon as possible so you can begin building your case against the liable party as soon as possible after the collision.
18-Wheeler Truck Accident FAQ
What Are the Top Causes of Truck Accidents in Walterboro?
Truck accidents may be caused by reckless drivers, dangerous roadways, or defective car parts. Dram shops may also share liability for commercial truck accidents under S.C. Code Ann. §61-4-580. You can rely on your 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in Walterboro with Shelly Leeke Law Firm to identify anyone who shares liability for your damages so we can hold them accountable.
What Happens if the Trucker Blames Me?
You should not lose hope if the truck driver blames you. South Carolina operates under modified comparative negligence laws in accordance with South Carolina Code §15-38-15. You can share up to 50% of the blame and still be awarded compensation, at which point your settlement will be reduced to account for your portion of liability.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Walterboro 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer?
Arguably, the biggest advantage of hiring an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer to take on your case is the ability to hire a legal advocate on contingency. Shelly Leeke Law Firm works for our clients per the South Carolina Judicial Branch Rule 1.5: Fees. We only get paid for our efforts if we win your case.
Get Help from a Local 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer in Walterboro Today
18-wheeler accidents can have a lasting impact on an injured victim’s life. Do not let the trauma of your accident define your future. Work with a respected Walterboro 18-wheeler truck accident attorney from Shelly Leeke Law Firm to recover the fair compensation you are entitled to.
Whether we need to file an insurance claim or bring your case to trial, you can feel confident when you enlist the services of our high-powered legal representatives. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today. You can reach us by phone or through our secured contact form to get started on your claim.
