Truck Accidents
South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers
Accidents involving tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers cause some of the most devastating wrecks on our roadways. When a tractor-trailer and a car collide, the truck accident likely results in the death or severe injury of a passenger in the automobile. Each year, commercial truck accidents result in between 4,000 and 7,000 fatalities nationwide.
Truck accidents are not just ordinary collisions; they carry substantial risks and legal complexities. These crashes can lead to severe injuries, property damage, and, tragically, loss of life. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, the consequences can be devastating. To effectively manage the aftermath of a truck accident, it is vital to have a clear understanding of its causes, legal implications, and essential steps to protect your rights.
What Are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents occur because of many reasons, but some of the leading causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, impairing a truck driver’s judgment and reaction time.
- Mechanical failures: Issues with brakes, tires, and other critical components can contribute to accidents.
- Distracted driving: Like any other driver, truck drivers lose focus because of phones, GPS devices, or other distractions.
- Poor weather conditions: Inclement weather can increase the risk of truck crashes.
- Improper loading: Incorrectly loaded cargo can cause trucks to become unstable or cause objects to fall off the vehicle.
What Are the Potential Long-Term Effects of Being Involved in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can have lasting consequences beyond the immediate physical injuries. Survivors may experience chronic pain, mobility limitations, and psychological trauma such as PTSD. Long-term medical treatments and rehabilitation may be necessary, leading to significant financial burdens. Additionally, the emotional toll of the accident can impact relationships and overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of comprehensive legal support and compensation for claimants.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Determining liability can be challenging, as multiple parties may share responsibility:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance providers
- Manufacturers of faulty truck components
Federal regulations govern the trucking industry, including driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards. That can add layers of complexity to these cases.
Can I Sue the Trucking Company for My Accident?
You can pursue legal action against a trucking company in South Carolina after a truck accident. This is particularly relevant if the trucking company’s negligence or actions contributed to the accident.
Trucking companies are required to adhere to strict regulations regarding driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols. They can be held accountable if they fail to meet these standards and it results in a truck accident. Seeking compensation from the trucking company may involve proving their liability through evidence such as driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements. An experienced lawyer can guide you through this process.
What Steps Should I Take After a Truck Accident in South Carolina?
Anyone who is impacted by a truck accident is encouraged to take the following steps to protect their safety and legal rights:
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not seem hurt, it is essential to undergo a medical evaluation to treat and document any injuries.
- Notify authorities: Contact the police to report the accident and obtain an official accident report.
- Gather evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to vehicles and any relevant road conditions.
- Exchange information: Obtain contact and insurance information from the truck driver and any other parties involved in the accident.
- Consult with a lawyer: A lawyer can help you manage the legal process and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Truck Accident?
You may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Medical expenses, including hospital bills and ongoing treatment costs, may be covered. Lost wages resulting from time off work during recovery can also be compensated. Pain and suffering damages account for physical and emotional distress endured due to the accident, while property damage covers vehicle repairs or replacement.
What Should I Look for in a Truck Accident Lawyer?
When selecting legal representation for a truck accident case, certain factors should be considered. Experience and knowledge of personal injury law, particularly in truck accidents, are vital criteria. The law firm’s resources and communication approach are also significant, ensuring effective representation and client involvement throughout the legal process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident varies by state but is typically between one and three years from the date of the accident. In South Carolina, it is typically three years from the crash date.
What Should I Do if the Trucking Company’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?
If you receive a call from the trucking company’s insurance company following an accident, stick to these guidelines:
- Avoid providing recorded statements or signing documents without consulting an attorney first.
- Be careful of any offers or settlement agreements the insurance company proposes, as they may not adequately compensate you for your injuries and damages.
- Refer the insurance adjuster to your attorney, who can handle communications on your behalf and work to protect your legal rights.
Why Choose Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC
Choosing Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC for your truck accident case can be prudent for several reasons. Firstly, our extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, particularly those involving truck accidents, equips us with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of such cases. Our track record of successful outcomes and satisfied clients speaks volumes about our dedication and commitment to securing fair compensation for our clients. Moreover, our skilled South Carolina truck accident lawyers take a personalized approach to each case, ensuring our clients receive individualized attention and tailored legal strategies. Our firm’s reputation for integrity, professionalism, and relentless advocacy makes us a trusted choice for anyone seeking legal representation after a truck accident.
Our Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Offer Trusted Legal Guidance
Our seasoned South Carolina truck accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC have litigated truck wreck cases for over 40 years. We have the skills and resources to protect your rights. Call us at 843-727-6500 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. Located in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, we serve clients across the state.
Our Experienced Lawyers
How can we help? Fill out the form for a free case review.
Contact Us
- Toll Free: 888.293.6883
Case Types
Mesothelioma
Worker rights / health
Criminal Defense
Consumer Protection
Drugs & Medical Devices
Personal Injury
Related Posts
Jun 25, 2025
How Do You Prove a Wrongful Death Claim?
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially when their death was caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct. A wrongful death claim allows surviving family members to seek justice and compensation when a person dies due to the careless, reckless, or intentional actions of another. While no amount of money can replace your loved one, […]
READ MOREJun 25, 2025
Can Prescription Medication Increase Your Car Accident Risk?
Prescription medications help millions of people manage their health issues every day. But some of these same medications could make driving much riskier, even when taken exactly as prescribed. Unfortunately, many drivers never think about this risk until it is too late and are involved in a car accident. What Makes Prescription Drugs Risky When […]
READ MOREJun 17, 2025
Steps to Take After a Loved One Dies in a Preventable Accident in Charleston
Losing someone you love is always devastating—but when that loss is caused by someone else’s carelessness, the grief is compounded by anger and unanswered questions. Whether it was a car crash, a slip and fall on dangerous property, or a fatal workplace incident, wrongful death leaves families with emotional pain and legal uncertainty. At Rogers, […]
READ MOREJun 17, 2025
Top Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Charleston and How to Protect Your Rights
Charleston’s historic charm and busy tourism scene make rideshare services like Uber and Lyft a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. But with more rideshare drivers on the road comes a higher risk of crashes, and determining who’s responsible in a rideshare accident can be far more complicated than a typical car wreck. At […]
READ MOREJun 10, 2025
Road Rage and Car Accidents in South Carolina: When Aggression Leads to Injury
We’ve all experienced it: the frustration of heavy traffic, the annoyance of someone cutting you off, or the intimidation of a tailgater. That surge of adrenaline and urge to retaliate is a common human reaction. However, when these everyday frustrations escalate into dangerous and deliberate aggression, they transform into road rage. In South Carolina, where […]
READ MOREJun 10, 2025
Hit by a Distracted Driver: Your Rights and Options in South Carolina
Whether through texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio, distracted driving has turned into an epidemic on South Carolina roads. Anything that takes your mental focus off the hazards in front of you poses serious risks to everyone sharing the roadway. If you suffered injuries in an accident with a distracted driver, […]
READ MOREMay 21, 2025
What Happens if I Am in a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Mt. Pleasant?
Getting into a car accident is stressful under any circumstances, but when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, things can become even more complicated. Unfortunately, uninsured drivers are still a reality in South Carolina, including right here in Mt. Pleasant. If you’re involved in a crash with someone who lacks coverage, you may wonder how […]
READ MOREMay 09, 2025
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Charleston?
Losing a loved one is always a deeply emotional experience. When a loved one dies due to the wrongful actions of another, the pain can be compounded by the legal complexities of seeking justice. In Charleston, South Carolina, a wrongful death lawsuit allows certain individuals to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. But who […]
READ MOREMay 07, 2025
Boiling Crab Restaurant Settlement Update
LAS VEGAS, N.V. – A class action lawsuit brought by employees of the Boiling Crab restaurant in Las Vegas, involving allegations over a tip pool, has reached a settlement on behalf of all opt-in employees. In the lawsuit, filed on October 7, 2020, plaintiffs alleged that The Boiling Crab Vegas, LLC, violated the Fair Labor […]
READ MOREApr 30, 2025
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC Attorneys Selected to the 2025 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists
Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC is pleased to announce that Charles W. Patrick, Jr., Esq., Elizabeth Middleton Burke, Esq., Kenneth J. Wilson, Esq., and Deon Tedder, Esq. have been named to the 2025 South Carolina Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. Charles W. Patrick, Jr., Esq. is a nationally recognized personal injury and products […]
READ MOREMar 04, 2025
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries from Car Accidents
The spinal cord is the pathway the brain uses to relay messages for movement to the rest of the body. The spinal cord needs to be fully intact for it to effectively serve its purposes. A spinal cord injury affects movement below the area that has been damaged. Depending on the severity of the injury, […]
READ MOREMar 04, 2025
Warrenville Teen Killed in Hit-and-Run
A 14-year-old Warrenville girl is dead following a hit-and-run on Augusta Road on Friday. The teen was a passenger on a dirt bike traveling north on the sidewalk when it struck a mailbox and crashed onto the roadway. Authorities are not yet certain whether the girl died from the bike crash or was struck by […]
READ MOREFeb 28, 2025
MDL Formed for Depo-Provera Brain Tumor Cases: Judge M. Casey Rodgers to Lead Litigation
A Multi-District Litigation (MDL) has been formed to address thousands of lawsuits filed across the country involving Depo-Provera and its alleged link to meningioma brain tumors. This follows a new study revealing a significant connection between the prolonged use of birth control injections and the development of these tumors. On Feb. 7, the Judicial Panel […]
READ MOREFeb 13, 2025
Permanent Scarring from Car Accidents: What You Should Know
You may be left with several lasting effects from a car accident. Even long after the crash, you may never fully heal. Not only can you be affected physically, but your appearance may also be changed. If you have suffered scarring and disfigurement in a car accident, it is considered part of the ‘non-economic’ damages […]
READ MOREJan 30, 2025
How to Handle a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you get into a car accident, you can usually rely on an insurance claim against the at-fault driver to cover your associated costs and lighten your mental load. But what if the other driver does not possess enough insurance coverage to pay for your damages? Do you need to pay for everything out of […]
READ MORE