Florence Truck Accident Lawyer 

Hit by a truck on I-95 or I-20 in Florence? George Sink Injury Lawyers takes on trucking companies.

Florence is located at the junction of I-95 and I-20, placing the city along two major commercial transportation routes. Tractor-trailers, delivery vehicles, and other commercial trucks travel through the area every day. When one of these vehicles causes a collision, the occupants of smaller cars may suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.

A Florence truck accident lawyer can investigate the driver and motor carrier, preserve important records, and pursue every party that contributed to the collision. George Sink Injury Lawyers has more than 40 years of experience, has helped over 50,000 clients, and has recovered more than $1 billion.

Injured in a Florence truck accident? Call George Sink Injury Lawyers for a free case review. Our team is available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win.

Why Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases are not simply larger versions of car accident claims. Commercial vehicles are operated as part of a business, creating additional safety obligations, corporate records, insurance policies, and potentially responsible parties.

A trucking company may send investigators and insurance representatives to the scene soon after a collision. They may inspect the truck, interview the driver, and begin building a defense before an injured person has had an opportunity to obtain legal advice.

Truck accident claims can involve:

• Severe or permanent injuries
• Several responsible companies
• Commercial insurance policies
• Federal and state safety requirements
• Electronic driving and vehicle data
• Complex employment relationships
• Interstate shipping operations
• Teams of insurance adjusters and defense attorneys

Injured people need someone protecting their interests from the beginning. George Sink Injury Lawyers can take immediate steps to preserve evidence and prevent the trucking company from controlling the narrative.

Where Do Commercial Truck Crashes Occur in Florence?

Florence’s location makes it a major stopping and transfer point for commercial traffic moving through the Southeast. Heavy trucks travel on I-95, I-20, US-52, US-76, US-301, and connecting local roads.

Truck accidents may occur when drivers encounter:

• Congested interstate interchanges
• Construction zones
• Sudden traffic backups
• Vehicles merging at highway speeds
• Busy commercial intersections
• Sharp turns on local roads
• Rain, fog, or reduced visibility
• Long overnight driving routes

An exhausted truck driver approaching Florence on I-95 may react too slowly to stopped traffic. A poorly loaded trailer entering I-20 may become unstable during an evasive maneuver. A delivery driver navigating a commercial district may fail to see a pedestrian or smaller vehicle in a blind spot.

Each type of collision requires a careful examination of the driver, vehicle, cargo, route, and employer.

What Causes Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Commercial drivers and motor carriers must take reasonable measures to protect everyone sharing the road. A collision may happen when a driver or company ignores those responsibilities.

Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue
• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Driving under the influence
• Unsafe lane changes
• Failure to check blind spots
• Inadequate driver training
• Hiring an unqualified driver
• Excessive hours behind the wheel
• Poor truck maintenance
• Defective brakes or tires
• Improperly secured cargo
• Overloaded trailers
• Pressure to meet unrealistic schedules
• Failure to adjust for road or weather conditions

Some crashes have multiple causes. A fatigued driver may be unable to stop because the carrier also failed to replace worn brakes. George Sink Injury Lawyers investigates the entire operation instead of focusing solely on the final mistake.

Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Several people and businesses may be liable for one commercial truck collision.

Potentially responsible parties include:

The Driver

A truck driver may be liable for speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, tailgating, or another unsafe action.

The Motor Carrier

A trucking company may be responsible for its employee’s negligence. It may also be directly liable for unsafe hiring, inadequate training, poor supervision, maintenance failures, or policies that encourage drivers to violate safety requirements.

The Truck or Trailer Owner

Commercial vehicles are sometimes leased. A separate owner may be responsible for inspections, repairs, or maintenance.

A Maintenance Contractor

An outside repair shop can be liable if negligent service causes a mechanical failure.

The Cargo Company

A shipper, loader, or freight contractor may be responsible for cargo that is overloaded, unbalanced, or improperly secured.

A Manufacturer

Defective tires, brakes, steering components, coupling systems, or other parts can contribute to a crash.

Another Road User

A passenger-vehicle driver or another commercial operator may cause the truck driver to lose control. Multi-vehicle accidents can involve several negligent parties.

Our attorneys identify the relationships among these parties and examine the insurance coverage available through each one.

What Evidence Is Important in a Truck Accident Case?

Commercial trucking businesses generate records that may reveal whether a driver or company violated safety requirements. However, some records are retained for limited periods, and electronic data may be overwritten.

Relevant evidence can include:

• Electronic logging device information
• Engine control module or “black box” data
• In-cab and dashboard-camera video
• GPS and dispatch records
• Driver qualification files
• Employment and training documents
• Hours-of-service logs
• Drug and alcohol testing records
• Inspection reports
• Maintenance histories
• Cargo and shipping paperwork
• Weight tickets
• Cellphone records
• Crash-scene photographs
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Nearby surveillance footage

A truck accident attorney can send preservation letters informing the appropriate parties that relevant evidence must not be altered or destroyed.

George Sink Injury Lawyers may also consult accident reconstruction professionals, medical experts, economists, or vocational specialists when expert analysis can clarify what happened and how the injuries will affect the victim’s future.

What Should You Do After a Truck Accident?

Truck collision scenes can be dangerous because of moving traffic, spilled cargo, damaged fuel systems, and debris. Prioritize safety and medical care.

When possible:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Move away from active traffic and hazardous cargo.
3. Accept emergency medical evaluation.
4. Photograph the truck, trailer, company markings, license plates, and vehicle damage.
5. Document skid marks, debris, cargo, road conditions, and traffic signs.
6. Obtain the driver’s name, employer, and insurance details.
7. Collect contact information from witnesses.
8. Avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause.
9. Do not give the carrier’s insurer a recorded statement without legal advice.
10. Contact a truck accident lawyer promptly.

Do not discard damaged personal property, clothing, vehicle components, or safety equipment. These items may become important evidence.

Follow all medical recommendations and keep records of your treatment, travel, medications, and accident-related expenses.

What Injuries Can a Truck Collision Cause?

The size and momentum of commercial trucks can cause devastating harm, particularly to people in passenger vehicles.

Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Severe neck and back injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Burns
• Nerve damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Psychological trauma
• Permanent disability

A catastrophically injured person may need multiple surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, home modifications, assistive equipment, and personal care. The person may never return to the same occupation or live independently.

An appropriate claim must consider these future needs instead of focusing only on expenses incurred during the first weeks after the accident.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Truck accident victims may be entitled to pursue economic and non-economic damages.

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Ambulance and emergency treatment
• Hospitalization and surgery
• Medication and rehabilitation
• Future medical care
• Assistive devices
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Lost wages
• Reduced future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent impairment
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

When a truck collision causes a death, the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate may be able to bring a wrongful death action for eligible family members. A related survival action may also be available.

The value of a claim depends on the available evidence, the severity and permanence of the injuries, the degree of fault, and the applicable insurance coverage.

How Does South Carolina’s Fault Rule Apply?

South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence system. An injured person may generally recover compensation when their share of responsibility does not exceed 50%. Any recovery is reduced according to that person’s percentage of fault.

If a truck accident victim has $800,000 in damages but is found 10% responsible, the potential recovery would be reduced to $720,000.

A trucking company may claim that the injured driver:

• Entered the truck’s blind spot
• Followed the truck too closely
• Merged improperly
• Was traveling too fast
• Failed to take evasive action
• Was distracted

These allegations should be tested against objective evidence. Vehicle data, video, witness statements, phone records, and accident reconstruction findings can help establish what actually happened.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

South Carolina generally provides three years to file a personal injury lawsuit arising from a privately caused truck accident. Different deadlines and procedures can apply when a government-owned commercial vehicle or public agency is involved.

The investigation should begin much sooner. Trucking data can be overwritten, damaged vehicles can be repaired, and corporate records can become difficult to obtain.

Contacting a lawyer promptly does not mean your case must go to court. It allows your legal team to protect the evidence and prepare for every possible outcome.

Should You Accept a Settlement From the Trucking Company?

A carrier may offer a settlement before you understand whether your injuries will require future surgery or prevent you from returning to work. The offer may sound substantial while covering only a fraction of the claim’s long-term value.

Before accepting, consider whether the amount includes:

• Existing medical bills
• Anticipated treatment
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Reduced future income
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Future personal assistance

Signing a settlement release generally ends your right to seek more compensation. George Sink Injury Lawyers can review the offer, assess available insurance coverage, and calculate the accident’s probable future costs.

How George Sink Injury Lawyers Can Help

Our Florence truck accident team can:

• Investigate the driver and motor carrier
• Send evidence-preservation notices
• Obtain electronic truck and driving data
• Review qualification and training records
• Examine maintenance and inspection histories
• Analyze cargo information
• Interview witnesses
• Work with qualified experts
• Identify all liable parties
• Locate applicable insurance policies
• Document medical and financial losses
• Negotiate with insurers
• File a lawsuit when necessary
• Prepare the case for trial

Our team handles the paperwork, phone calls, and legal battle while keeping you informed about important developments.

Why Choose George Sink Injury Lawyers?

George Sink Injury Lawyers was founded by George Sink, Sr., a U.S. Marine who served two tours in Vietnam. His commitment to discipline and service helped create a law firm dedicated to fighting for injured and disabled people.

Clients choose us because we provide:

• More than 40 years of experience
• More than $1 billion recovered
• Help for over 50,000 clients
• Free case reviews
• Assistance available 24/7
• Home and hospital visits when needed
• No attorney’s fee unless we win

Our team understands the commercial transportation routes running through Florence and the Pee Dee region. We have the resources to confront trucking companies and their insurers while providing each client with compassionate, direct guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florence Truck Accidents

Can I sue both the truck driver and the trucking company?

Potentially. The carrier may be responsible for its employee’s actions or for its own negligent hiring, training, supervision, maintenance, or safety practices.

What if the truck driver received no traffic ticket?

You may still have a civil claim. A lack of citation does not conclusively determine negligence. An independent investigation may uncover evidence unavailable to officers at the scene.

Should I give the trucking insurer a recorded statement?

Consider speaking with an attorney first. The adjuster may ask questions designed to shift blame or minimize your injuries.

What if I was partly at fault?

You may generally recover under South Carolina law if your share of responsibility was no more than 50%. Your compensation would be reduced according to that percentage.

How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?

George Sink Injury Lawyers offers free consultations and handles qualifying cases on a contingency-fee basis. The firm does not receive an attorney’s fee unless it recovers compensation for you.

Contact a Florence Truck Accident Lawyer Today

A collision involving an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle can affect your health, finances, employment, and independence for years. You need a legal team prepared to investigate the entire trucking operation and fight for compensation addressing both your immediate and future needs.

For more than 40 years, injured families have trusted George Sink Injury Lawyers. Our veteran-founded team is available 24/7 and can come to your home, hospital, or office.

Injured in a Florence truck accident? Contact George Sink Injury Lawyers today for a free case review. There is no fee unless we win.