Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Charleston, SC

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Charleston, South Carolina?

  The non-emergency contact number for the Charleston police station is 843-202-1700.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Charleston, South Carolina?

  Claimants of the police report may call (843) 577-7434 and press 1 for records. They may also come to the police department Records Office headquarters located at 180 Lockwood Boulevard. The police report costs $5.

• Can you sue the trucking company for your truck accident damages in Charleston, SC?

  Yes, the trucking company may be sued and held liable if found that it has committed an act of negligence that played a part in the truck accident. Such negligent acts include hiring unfit drivers, failing to provide proper driver training, failing to maintain or inspect the truck regularly, and pressuring the driver to work extended hours.

• Where should you file the lawsuit if you were hurt in a truck accident in Charleston, SC?

  If the truck accident occurred in Charleston, SC, the lawsuit should be filed within the state. The court must have personal jurisdiction over the party at fault. Ideally, the plaintiff should also be represented by an in-state lawyer. On the other hand, out-of-state lawyers may take the case if they are licensed to practice in South Carolina.

• Can you file an injury claim if you are partly at fault for a truck accident in Charleston, SC?

  Yes, partly-at-fault accident victims in Charleston, SC, are allowed to recover compensation for their injuries. However, South Carolina has a comparative negligence law. This means the recovery amount would depend on the party’s percentage of fault. For example, if the court found the party 10% liable for the truck accident, their $200,000 recovery amount would also be reduced by 10% to $180,000. For cases where the party is at least 50% liable, no compensation for their injuries will be awarded.

• How long can you file an injury claim for a truck accident in Charleston, SC?

  The statute of limitations for vehicular accidents in Charleston, SC, is three years from the date the accident occurred. For truck accidents resulting in wrongful death, the statute of limitations begins counting from the date of the victim’s death.

• What are the most dangerous roads in Charleston, SC?

  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s traffic fatality reports for 2015–2017 show that the following are the most dangerous roads and highways in Charleston, SC: U.S. 17 Coastal Highway, Interstate 26, and S.C. 9.

  Streets in Charleston with the highest pedestrian crashes, according to the SC Department of Transportation, are Calhoun Street, King Street, and Meeting Street.

  According to the SC Department of Public Safety, Charleston saw 62 traffic fatalities in 2022.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.