Truck accidents can be devastating events that leave individuals and families grappling with injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma, and those that happen in South Carolina are no exception.
When faced with such a situation, knowing how to navigate the legal complexities becomes crucial.
A skilled Rock Hill truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable support and guidance throughout the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Trucking Collisions in South Carolina
Truck accidents involve large commercial vehicles. Due to their size and weight, these semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and delivery trucks can cause severe damage and catastrophic injuries when in collisions with smaller passenger vehicles.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), South Carolina saw 3,101 vehicles involved in large truck accidents in 2022; of these, 1,689 injuries were reported, as well as 105 fatalities.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Improper loading
- Mechanical failures
Understanding the specific circumstances of a Rock Hill trucking accident is essential for building a strong legal case.
4 Steps To Take After a Tractor-Trailer Crash in Rock Hill
The steps you take in the aftermath of a Rock Hill truck accident can impact the outcome of your case. Thus, we’d recommend doing the following if you’ve just been involved in a crash with a big rig or some other truck:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety are the top priorities. Seek medical help immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Documenting your injuries is crucial for your claim.
- Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to file an accident report. This document will serve as an official record of the incident and can provide valuable evidence in any legal case that you file.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, collect information from the scene, including photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact details of witnesses.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters: Refrain from discussing the accident with insurance adjusters or signing any documents without consulting your Rock Hill truck accident lawyer. They may try to minimize your claim.
Common Injuries From Trucking Collisions
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries due to the disparity in size between trucks and passenger vehicles, which is the typical cause of these types of accidents.
Common injuries from truck accidents often include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can strain neck muscles and ligaments.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or long-term disability.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur due to head impact, leading to concussions or more significant impairments.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of a collision can cause multiple fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and other bones.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma from a crash may damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
- Lacerations and Cuts: Sharp debris can cause deep cuts and severe bleeding.
- Burn Injuries: If the crash involves a fire or explosion, burn injuries can occur, often leading to scarring or disfigurement.
- Amputations: Severe crashes may result in the loss of limbs due to the impact, leading to necessary surgical removal.
Recovering from these injuries may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work, impacting your quality of life and financial stability.
Why You Need a Rock Hill Truck Accident Lawyer
A qualified truck accident lawyer in Rock Hill has the expertise to navigate the complexities of South Carolina’s trucking laws and regulations that pertain to commercial vehicles.
Three key skills that your lawyer can bring to the table include:
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Lawyers specializing in truck accidents can conduct thorough investigations and gather crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, and electronic data from the tractor-trailer’s black box.
Negotiation Skills
Attorneys possess strong negotiation skills that allow them to engage with the insurance companies and legal teams that represent trucking companies, helping ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Trial Representation
If your case goes to trial, your trucking accident lawyer will provide expert representation at trial by presenting a compelling case to secure a favorable verdict on your behalf.
Compensation Available for Truck Wreck Victims in York County
Victims of truck accidents in Rock Hill may be entitled to various forms of compensation for both economic and noneconomic losses, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for current and future medical bills related to accident injuries may be recoverable by filing a claim after a wreck with an 18-wheeler in Rock Hill.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income (current and future) lost due to your inability to work during or after recovery may be available to you.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life may be available to truck injury victims.
- Wrongful Death: Additional compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost expected future earnings and benefits, and more may be available to families who’ve lost loved ones in fatal truck accidents in Rock Hill.
Choosing the Right Truck Accident Lawyer in Rock Hill SC
When selecting an attorney to represent you in your truck crash case, you need to consider the following factors:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer or firm that has a proven track record in successfully handling truck accident cases in York County.
- Reputation: Client testimonials, reviews, and peer ratings can all help you gauge the lawyer’s reputation and credibility.
- Communication: Be sure to choose an attorney who communicates clearly and effectively and who keeps you informed about the progress of your case.
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, our skilled truck accident attorneys can give you a significant advantage as you look to recover fair compensation and begin rebuilding your life. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today to protect your rights and pursue justice.
By understanding your legal options and taking these proactive steps with the guidance of a knowledgeable Rock Hill truck accident lawyer, you and your family can move forward with confidence toward a brighter future.
