Were you injured in a truck accident in Lancaster, SC? Did it result from another party’s actions? If so, they may be liable for your financial losses, physical harm, and emotional trauma. Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you hold them fully accountable.
Our Lancaster truck accident lawyers have 150 years of combined experience. We opened our law firm in 1980 to assist injured people after various types of accidents. Since then, we’ve secured over $100 million for our clients.
Let us put our skills and dedication to work for you. Call (803) 902-7065 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney in Lancaster, South Carolina.
How Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys Can Help After a Truck Accident in Lancaster, SC
Car accidents involving large commercial vehicles can result in complex legal issues. Multiple parties may be named as defendants in the case. Extensive insurance policies with complicated provisions may need to be interpreted. Local, state, and/or federal authorities may be investigating the incident.
All these things emphasize the immense importance of legal representation. With our Lancaster personal injury lawyers by your side, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with utmost care.
If you hire Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys to take on your Lancaster truck accident claim, we’ll:
- Ensure that you understand your legal options and rights throughout the process
- Investigate the circumstances of the truck collision
- Identify the responsible parties
- Monitor any ongoing external investigations
- Gather evidence proving damages and liability
- Handle all paperwork and filings
- Negotiate with trucking companies, insurers, and others
- Take your case to Lancaster County court if necessary
You don’t have to face a large trucking corporation or insurance company alone. Our Lancaster personal injury attorneys can provide the advocacy and support you need. Arrange your free initial consultation today.
How Common Are Truck Accidents in South Carolina?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), South Carolina’s most recent truck accident statistics are as follows:
- 2021: 3,218 crashes, resulting in 1,987 injuries and 162 fatalities
- 2022: 3,020 crashes, resulting in 1,746 injuries and 113 fatalities
- 2023 (as of 8/31/2023): 2,047 crashes, resulting in 1,258 injuries and 76 fatalities
Based on these statistics, an average of nearly 65% of South Carolina truck crashes cause either injuries or death.
What Is the Value of My Lancaster Truck Accident Case?
The value of any Lancaster personal injury case, including those involving truck accidents, is highly fact-specific. Each claim is unique and requires an in-depth look at various factors.
For example, we might evaluate the following when determining what your case is worth:
- The severity of your injuries and the duration of your recovery
- The value of your past and future medical expenses
- Your lost wages – and the impact of your injuries on your ability to work now and in the future
- The insurance coverage available
- Whether you share any responsibility for causing the truck crash
- Your emotional trauma and physical pain
These and various other factors may impact your personal injury claim. That’s why it’s essential to work with a skilled Lancaster truck accident attorney. We’ll ensure that all your damages are accounted for and pursue that amount on your behalf.
What Compensation Is Available To Truck Accident Victims in South Carolina?
South Carolina truck accident victims may be entitled to compensation for the full range of their losses. That includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are monetary expenses and losses resulting from the truck collision, such as:
- Medical bills covering hospital visits, ER services, and treatment
- Future medical costs for ongoing care and physical therapy
- Past and future lost income
- Reduced earning potential
- Out-of-pocket expenses for in-home services and other reasonable needs
- Property damage
Many people also experience intangible losses that affect their physical and emotional well-being – known as non-economic damages – including:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Reduced quality of life
A South Carolina court may award punitive damages in cases involving particularly bad behavior on the defendant’s part. Awarding these damages is a way to punish people and deter similar actions.
Can I Receive Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault for a Truck Accident in South Carolina?
The answer depends on the extent of your fault. South Carolina implements a modified comparative negligence law that bars recovery if your apportioned blame exceeds 50%. If your share of fault is less than 51%, you will receive a reduced payout.
For example, suppose a South Carolina court deems you 40% responsible for an 18-wheeler accident. The defendant would only be liable for 60% of your damages. So, if your damages totaled $100,000, your award would be reduced by 40%, or $40,000.
If you’re being blamed for a truck crash in Lancaster, seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may take home less money than you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Lancaster, SC?
Most truck accident lawyers in Lancaster and throughout South Carolina take cases on a contingency fee basis. You only pay your attorney if they win your case – and the fees will be based on a percentage of your recovery.
That means there are no out-of-pocket costs to acquire legal services. The attorney’s fees will be deducted from your settlement or court award.
Our personal injury attorneys in Lancaster will fully explain this payment structure during your free case assessment.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Large commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds in South Carolina – meaning they can cause significant damage in accidents with smaller passenger vehicles.
Our personal injury lawyers in Lancaster have helped crash victims who have sustained:
- Soft tissue injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Broken bones and fractures
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage
In some cases, a truck accident victim is killed instantly or doesn’t survive their injuries. If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, our experienced South Carolina lawyers can help you file a wrongful death claim.
What Causes Most Truck Accidents in Lancaster, South Carolina?
South Carolina truck drivers must carry a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and adhere to numerous state and federal regulations. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t make mistakes.
Many tractor-trailer accidents result from negligent truck drivers who are under stress, leading to the following behaviors:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Fatigued driving due to hours of service violations
- Tailgating and other aggressive driving
- Driving under the influence
- Dangerous turns and lane changes
- Failing to follow traffic signs
Of course, 18-wheeler accidents aren’t always the trucker’s fault. Trucking companies can be held liable for negligent hiring practices or failing to maintain/inspect their fleet. Cargo loaders could share responsibility for overloading or improperly loading a big rig.
We can help you identify every party who shares liability for your truck accident injuries and hold them accountable.
How Do I Prove Negligence After a Truck Accident in South Carolina?
Negligence – or carelessness – is the root cause of most semi-truck accidents in South Carolina.
To prove the elements of your negligence claim, you’ll need to have evidence establishing:
- The defendant’s duty of care – for example, a truck driver must follow SC traffic laws and FMCSA regulations.
- The defendant’s breach of duty – for example, a trucker’s excess speed led to a collision with your vehicle.
- Causation – the defendant’s breach directly caused you harm. If they hadn’t been speeding, they wouldn’t have caused your crash and injuries.
- You sustained damages – such as medical bills and chronic pain.
The following kinds of evidence may prove helpful in your case:
- Data from the truck’s black box (electronic logging device)
- Eyewitness interviews
- Accident reports
- Testimony from expert witnesses, including accident reconstructionists
- Medical records
- Photos, videos, and surveillance of the accident and scene
It can be challenging to obtain this evidence, especially if you wait too long. The sooner you contact our South Carolina truck accident lawyers for help, the stronger your case will be.
How Long Do I Have To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
Most South Carolina truck accident lawsuits are subject to a three-year statute of limitations. You’ll have three years from the crash date to take legal action against the at-fault party. If you’re filing a wrongful death case after a fatal truck collision, the time starts to run on the victim’s date of death.
There could be exceptions to the general three-year deadline. Thus, it’s crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Filing your personal injury lawsuit too late could result in a complete bar to financial recovery.
Contact Our Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation
If you were involved in a truck accident in Lancaster, SC, you may be struggling with painful injuries and financial burdens. Let Elrod Pope Accident & Injury Attorneys support you during this trying time.
Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation with a Lancaster truck accident lawyer.