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We Seek Justice for Charleston, SC Semi-Truck Accident Victims
Since 2021, Charleston has been in the top 3 cities for traffic collisions in South Carolina. It’s imperative that you drive safely at all times, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents are unavoidable.
Being involved in an accident with a truck can be overwhelming. Having to deal with the mental, emotional, and physical stress in the aftermath of a truck accident is a lot for anyone to bear on their own. In Charleston, SC, George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers has been helping the victims of truck accidents for more than 40 years.
After a collision with a truck, you may be entitled to receive compensation based on your injuries, lost wages, bills, and other expenses related to your accident. Contact us today for a free case review to discover how the unique circumstances of your accident and laws specific to Charleston will affect your claim.
Steps To Take After a Truck Accident
It’s extremely important that you seek medical attention after being in a truck accident. Even if you don’t see that you have external injuries, you could be experiencing shock, which will mask potential damage to your organs, spinal cord, and brain. Though signs of these kinds of internal injuries aren’t immediately noticeable, they can quickly affect your quality of life.
If you’re able to, at the scene of the accident, take photos; gather insurance, company, and contact information from the truck driver (but don’t sign any documents); gather contact information from any witnesses; and cooperate with the police, as their police report will be a key piece of evidence in your claim.
Once your health and safety has been assured, and you’ve gathered all the information you can, contact our truck accident attorneys as soon as possible for your free case review.
Why Hire a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney?
A Charleston attorney will understand the unique local laws and regulations that can affect your case. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, our attorneys are experts in South Carolina law. Their experience and passion for justice will provide you with the confidence that your injury claim is in the hands of the best attorneys in Charleston.
Our attorneys will be sure to thoroughly investigate the cause of your truck accident; identify your injury-related expenses; determine the at-fault and liable parties; file your claim and negotiate your settlement; and, if necessary, we’re ready to file a lawsuit on your behalf and fight for your just compensation.
When Should You Contact a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney?
We understand that you may be unsure when to contact a truck accident attorney, or if it’s even necessary. You should strongly consider contacting a truck accident attorney if:
- Multiple parties were involved in the accident.
- You have no idea where to start if there was damage to your vehicle or you were injured.
- You have extensive damages.
- Your injuries force you to take time off work.
- You’re struggling to negotiate with your insurance company.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Semi-trucks are some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles on the road. That’s why, they often cause serious damage to property and significant injuries to individuals when there’s an accident. Our attorneys have handled many truck accident cases and have seen individuals with varying injuries. Here are some of the most common truck accident injuries we’ve encountered:
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That list is not exhaustive, but it paints a picture of the kind of bodily harm a truck accident can cause. Call us today if you’ve been injured in a truck accident to find out how much you can be compensated for your pain and suffering.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Truck Accident in Charleston, SC?
Because truck drivers don’t work without oversight and are dependent on many different individuals to ensure safety and efficiency, truck accidents often hold more parties liable than other motor vehicle accidents. There may be several individuals or companies responsible for your injuries and compensation, and our attorneys will need to investigate and examine all the evidence related to your accident.
Keep in mind, Charleston, South Carolina follows comparative fault law. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault, or be denied completely if you’re more than 51% responsible.
Contact us to learn more about this law and how it may apply to your case. It’s important that you don’t delay contacting an attorney after your accident so that your case can be assessed and all responsible parties can be held accountable, that could include the truck driver, trucking company or insurance companies.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Truck Accident in Charleston?
If you’re injured in a truck accident, you are initially responsible for your medical bills. However, your health or car insurance may cover your medical expenses, depending on the kind of coverage you have.
The compensation from your settlement may cover the out-of-pocket payments you have made. It’s important to note that through a process called “subrogation,” your insurance companies may also be entitled to reimbursement from your settlement.
What Damages Can You Pursue After a Truck Accident?
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we always strive to recover full and fair compensation for the victims and families of truck accidents. The damages that you can receive compensation for include, economic and non-economic.
Economic damages may include:
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Non-economic damages may include:
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What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident Case in Charleston, SC?
Truck accident cases vary greatly from state to state and from individual to individual, but for every client we pursue to recover the maximum amount of compensation. There is no true average dollar amount for truck accident settlements, but here are a few of our past case results:
- $4.1 million total recovered for a family harmed by an 18-wheeler
- $988,493 for a family injured in a truck collision
- $744,623 for an individual rear-ended by a truck
How Long Does it Take To Settle A Truck Accident Case?
The time frame for settling a truck accident case varies widely based on its complexity and the parties involved. Simple cases can conclude in just a few months. More complicated cases involving multiple at-fault parties could take several years to negotiate and close.
Given the specialized regulations and technicalities in truck accident claims in Charleston, it’s crucial to consult with a seasoned truck accident lawyer. Our experts at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers are here to help you navigate the unique challenges of these cases.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance in a Charleston Truck Accident?
In Charleston, driving without auto insurance is not only risky but also a criminal offense. If you’re involved in a truck accident without coverage, not only will you bear the financial burden of your damages, but you could also be held accountable for the other party’s losses. Additionally, first-time offenders can face fines up to $200 plus daily penalties. Repeated offenders could face jail time.
If you’re found to not be at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. It’s imperative to consult a truck accident lawyer in Charleston, SC to understand your rights and if you’re entitled to compensation.
What if You Are Hit by an Uninsured Truck Driver?
In the event of an accident caused by an uninsured truck driver, the situation may appear overwhelming. However, there are still options available for obtaining compensation. One possibility is to rely on your own uninsured and underinsured motorist policy to cover the damages. Another approach is to hold the truck driver accountable by seeking their personal assets or utilizing the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” which holds employers responsible for their employees’ negligence.
This kind of scenario can become complicated, so it is crucial to seek guidance from a knowledgeable truck accident attorney such as those at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers.
What is UM/UIM Insurance?
UM/UIM, or Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist insurance, is mandatory for drivers in Charleston, South Carolina (and everywhere in the state of South Carolina). This coverage comes into play when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance or has no insurance at all.
UM/UIM insurance is designed to cover costs like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It was designed to make sure you’re protected even when the at-fault driver isn’t adequately insured. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer can further clarify the benefits and necessity of UM/UIM coverage.
How Do You Get a Temporary Rental Car After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, you can notify your insurance company to inquire about rental car coverage. In most cases the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers rental car costs, though in South Carolina, this is often limited to 5-10 days.
If you need more time, you can request the responsible party’s insurance to extend the rental or use your own insurance rental coverage. Should you face difficulties or delays, consulting with a Charleston truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and ensure compensation for rental fees.
What if You Are in a Truck Accident in a Rental Car in Charleston, SC?
If you’re involved in a truck accident while driving a rental car in Charleston, SC, the process is similar to if you were in an accident in your own vehicle, and typically your personal car insurance will cover the damage. However, before obtaining a rental car, it’s wise to review your policy for rental car coverage.
You can also check if the credit card you plan to use to pay for the rental offers rental car insurance. Most rental companies offer supplemental insurance options, like collision damage waivers or liability coverage. Still, it’s important to evaluate whether these overlap with your current policies or if additional coverage is necessary, especially if the rental car’s value surpasses that of your personal vehicle.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Charleston, SC
While the majority of motor vehicle accidents can be attributed to driver error, truck accidents in Charleston, SC often arise from a combination of factors. Some prevalent truck accident causes include:
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Our Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Serve Your Case in Charleston, SC
With the always busy I-26 being the primary interstate, there are unfortunately many truck accidents in or around Charleston, SC. Our law firm has been serving the Charleston community for more than 40 years, and we have the experience and compassion that will guide you through the aftermath of a truck accident. We’ve worked over 50,000 cases, and we know what it takes to get you the just compensation you deserve.
You can rest assured that if you are in a truck accident in Charleston, SC, we will fight for your rights and to get you the maximum compensation available. Please call the office of George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers at 843-628-0100 anytime for your free case review in your home, at the hospital, or in our office.
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Charleston, SC
The attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers specialize in all types of truck accident cases, including:
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