Truck Accident Lawyer in Mount Pleasant, SC
Large commercial trucks are a common sight on Mount Pleasant roadways. They are also a common feature in severe and fatal traffic collisions. The National Safety Council reports that although large trucks account for only four percent of all registered vehicles, they are present in nearly one out of every ten fatal crashes in the United States. A large truck can do serious damage to your passenger car or truck and can leave you and your loved ones to deal with the aftermath. When truck drivers cause these crashes by careless or reckless driving, Lowcountry Law, LLC, is here to help hold such drivers and the companies that employ them accountable. If you or a family member suffered injuries or incurred other expenses, you may be entitled to compensation for these costs. Contact our Mount Pleasant truck accident lawyer immediately to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
Causes of Trucking Accidents in South Carolina
Accidents rarely just happen. Instead, truck drivers who are careless behind the wheel may cause these terrible tragedies to occur. Additionally, truckers who willfully violate safety laws are a danger to other motorists, including you and your loved ones.
The reasons truckers collide with other vehicles include:
- The truck driver is speeding or violating some other traffic safety law
- The trucker is distracted by something like a cellphone, radio traffic, or passenger
- The truck operator is tired or impaired by medications, drugs, or alcohol
- The trucker suffers from an undisclosed or untreated medical condition
Truck drivers must be especially careful while driving. The truck’s size and weight mean that it takes longer for the truck to stop or maneuver in the event of an emergency.
Even when a truck driver is otherwise careful, defects in the truck or others’ negligence and oversight can contribute to a crash. Examples of this include:
- The truck’s tires are not routinely inspected and replaced as needed
- The truck’s brakes are worn and ineffective
- An oversized load or trailer does not display the required warning signs and flags
- The truck’s load is overweight or unbalanced
You may not know why the truck driver collided with you. But trust your truck accident lawyer with Lowcountry Law, LLC, to get to the bottom of your case. Our legal team is experienced in investigating these complicated collisions and will work tirelessly to identify the causes of your crash.
But we do not stop there. Once the causes of your truck collision are identified, we aggressively pursue compensation for you from any person or business that played a role in your wreck. Call our office today for a free consultation.
What to Do Following a Trucking Accident in South Carolina
Crash scenes are chaotic, no matter the types of vehicles involved. But truck accidents are especially so, considering the likelihood of severe injuries. The scene of a truck crash can be a whirlwind of activity, with law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and bystanders all running about.
You may not know what to do or what to expect.
Yet, these first minutes and hours can be crucial to your health, recovery, and legal rights. Consider the following tips following a collision with a truck:
- Do call for law enforcement or emergency medical help
- Don’t assume that because you feel fine that you’ve suffered no injuries
- Do meet with the truck driver if possible and get their name and employer’s name
- Don’t discuss the crash at the scene or admit fault
- Do speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible
- Don’t agree to any settlement or resolution without speaking to legal counsel
Your and your family’s health and safety are the top priority following a trucking accident. You may be injured and not even know it, given the adrenaline and excitement of a crash. Seeking prompt medical attention, either on the scene or at a hospital, can help mitigate any injuries you did sustain.
Just like your health, your legal rights also need attention and protection. Our dedicated truck accident lawyer, Matthew Breen, can help you protect and assert your legal rights.
Give our team a call and ask for your risk-free, complimentary case consultation. A comprehensive case review with our truck accident lawyer can give you clarity about your legal situation, the rights you have available, and how to exercise those rights.
When to File a Trucking Crash Lawsuit
South Carolina’s statute of limitations gives you three years from the date your crash occurred to file a lawsuit and ask for monetary compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations.
Aside from when a few extenuating circumstances apply, you are not able to pursue compensation from the trucker, trucking company, or other responsible parties outside of this time period.
How and When Will My Truck Accident Case Settle?
Settlements are common in Mount Pleasant truck accident cases. Truckers, trucking companies, and their insurers all prefer settlements because they are oftentimes less costly and less time-consuming than proceeding to trial. As a result, truck crash victims in Mount Pleasant will often face pressure from these other parties to settle their cases quickly and without regard for just compensation.
When settlements are done properly, there can be advantages for you and your loved ones, too. A settlement often gives you access to compensation more quickly than if the case proceeded to trial. Additionally, settlements are final and cannot be appealed, so there is a benefit in that settlements fully resolve the case.
Although settlements are common in truck accident claims, they are not always the best way to handle your case. If the compensation provided through a settlement is not sufficient to cover your bills and expenses, you may be left to pay these obligations yourself.
Consulting with your Mount Pleasant truck accident lawyer soon after your wreck can help resolve your case quickly. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that is in the best interests of you and your family. When a settlement is not possible, your truck accident lawyer is prepared to take your case to court and seek fair compensation for you there.
How An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Can Make a Big Difference
When you are looking for an attorney to represent you in a truck accident case, do not settle for just any lawyer. Look for an attorney who has a track record of success in representing people just like you. Search out an attorney recognized by his peers as providing exceptional representation and who is committed to working hard for you.
Attorney Matthew Breen is a second-generation lawyer committed to representing individuals in need. He is a graduate of The Citadel Military College in South Carolina and has been selected as a SuperLawyer for three consecutive years. He has also been recognized as a Platinum Client Champion by Martindale-Hubbel.
We are proud to offer all prospective clients a free, no-risk case consultation with our legal team. You will receive a comprehensive review of your situation and an explanation of your legal options.
Do not delay in seeking compassionate and competent counsel from your Mount Pleasant truck accident lawyer. Reach out to us today for help with your case.