South Carolina highways can be dangerous, especially when you’re sharing the road with semi trucks. While many assume that truck drivers are the most qualified on the road, this isn’t always the case.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Charleston, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to hold the trucking company responsible – whether your crash was the result of inadequate training, poor maintenance or an improperly placed load.
Accidents involving semi trucks are complex, and require resources that many law firms don’t have. But Hoffman Law Firm knows the trucking industry, and has the results to prove it.
As a local Charleston law firm, we’re just as familiar with Charleston highways as you are. Busy ports and the increased freight transport associated with them put countless semi trucks on our highways here at home. If traveling them has left you with a trucking accident injury, don’t take on the insurance company alone. Trust the personal injury lawyers at Hoffman Law Firm.
5 Steps to Take After Your Accident With a Semi Truck in South Carolina
If you’ve been in a truck crash, do the following:
- Call 911 immediately.
First responders will help secure the scene and divert traffic to prevent further damage. The police will also begin documenting the trucking accident scene and investigating its cause. - Seek medical attention.
Paramedics will treat serious injuries on the scene, but be sure to visit your doctor even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries won’t become apparent until later down the road, and minor aches and pains could be indicators of a more serious issue. - Document the truck crash scene.
It’s crucial to take photos of the scene, including close-up shots of passenger vehicle damage and shots of the entire scene. In an effort to protect their reputation or truck driving jobs, the semi’s driver will likely do all they can to avoid responsibility – but photos can serve as valuable evidence against them. - Get witnesses’ contact information.
If other drivers witnessed your accident, do your best to get their contact information before they drive away. Their testimony could be very important, so be sure you’re able to get in touch. - Hire a trusted South Carolina truck accident attorney.
18-wheeler accident cases can be complicated and require a team of attorneys with experience in accidents involving semi trucks.
Average Cost of a Commercial Truck Accident
Trucking accidents often result in serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment – and hospital bills to match. Given the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions can be catastrophic, causing anything from brain injuries and spinal cord injuries to wrongful death.
Aside from medical bills, those suffering truck accident injuries are typically also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages and vehicle repairs.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the average cost of a commercial truck accident is:
- Basic health and property damage: $334,892
- When a semi-truck is pulling multiple trailers: $1.2 million
- When a truck accident results in fatality: $7.2 million
Your trucking accident’s value will vary based on multiple factors, including:
- The extent of physical injury and future impairment
- The amount of vehicle damage
- The determined cause of the accident
- Whether or not you’re able to return to work
- The number of passengers injured
- Whether the truck driver was negligent (Example: whether the truck driver’s behavior or a defect/malfunction caused the truck crash)
Your Trusted South Carolina Attorneys
Vehicle accidents become even more dangerous when commercial trucks are involved. Our truck accident attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, relying on years of experience to help you on the road to recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car crash accident with an 18-wheeler, call our South Carolina attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm today to schedule your free case consultation today!