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Pursuing Justice for Myrtle Beach, SC Semi-Truck Accident Victims
Truck accidents in Myrtle Beach have become alarmingly frequent, exacerbated by the city’s growing population and increased traffic that our roads can’t always accommodate. Sadly, negligent behaviors such as distracted driving or driving under the influence further elevate the risk. In South Carolina alone, large trucks play a role in 9% of fatal crashes and more than 1,000 injuries annually.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers understands the unique challenges of these accidents, and we stand ready to help victims get the justice they deserve. Contact us to get your free case review today.
Getting Your Life Back After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Myrtle Beach, it’s imperative to know what actions to take immediately for your safety and potential legal case.
First and foremost, call 911 and ensure everyone’s safety. If possible, move yourself, your vehicle, and help others move away from direct traffic threats. Right away, check for any injuries and cooperate with the police. Once you confirm your and everyone else’s safety, begin to document the scene by capturing photos and gathering details from witnesses. Finally, even if injuries aren’t apparent, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. After you’re released from medical care with proper documentation, consult with a truck accident lawyer, like those at Sink Law, who can guide you through the subsequent steps and protect your interests.
Why Hire a George Sink, P.A. Truck Accident Attorney in Myrtle Beach?
In the aftermath of a truck accident, understanding the complexities and navigating the legal procedures can be overwhelming. An expert lawyer not only conducts a meticulous investigation into the cause of the accident by gathering evidence like accident scene photos, witness statements, and medical records, but they also collaborate with professionals like accident reconstruction specialists. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, our team dives deep into identifying the root cause, be it driver fatigue, speeding, brake failures or other negligent behaviors, ensuring all relevant evidence is on your side.
Moreover, it’s not just about investigating; it’s about fiercely advocating for your rights against powerful trucking companies and their high-caliber attorneys. These companies often have vast resources at their disposal and aim to minimize the compensation they pay out. With George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, you get an experienced team that’s skilled in negotiating on your behalf, accurately estimating your damages, and ensuring you get the rightful compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other suffering.
When Should You Contact a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Lawyer?
After a truck accident, it’s essential to contact an attorney when multiple parties might be involved, you’re unsure of the best legal strategy, or you face significant damages or injuries that impact your ability to work. Having George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers by your side can simplify the process and protect your rights, especially if your insurance company is proving difficult to work with.
Conversely, if damages were minimal and there were no injuries or disruptions to daily activities, you may be able to handle the situation without legal intervention.
What Are the Most Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Given the significant size and weight of semi-trucks, accidents involving them often result in severe injuries compared to typical car-on-car collisions. The most commonly reported injuries in truck accidents include:
- Back and Neck Injuries: Often resulting from the force of the impact, these injuries can range from minor strains to severe conditions like herniated discs, limiting mobility and daily activities.
- Broken Bones: Victims frequently sustain fractures which can be painful and require extended recovery times.
- Burn Injuries: With the potential for fuel tanks to rupture upon impact, truck accidents can lead to fires, causing severe burns and permanent scars.
- Head Injuries: The force of a truck collision can cause anything from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries, affecting cognitive functions and long-term quality of life.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding can pose life-threatening risks.
- Lacerations: Sharp debris and the force of the crash can lead to deep cuts which require stitches or even surgery.
- Rib and Torso Injuries: The chest area is vulnerable in truck accidents, making broken ribs and other torso-related injuries common.
- Seat Belt Injuries: While seat belts save lives, they can also cause abrasions and internal injuries due to the force of the restraint during a collision.
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: Significant trauma to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries in a Truck Accident in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Truck accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC can be more intricate than typical car collisions due to the potential involvement of multiple parties. Determining liability necessitates establishing a duty of care, showing that this duty was breached through negligence, and proving that the breach directly caused your injuries. Common parties held responsible include the trucking company, the insurance company, manufacturers of defective parts, the truck or trailer rig owners, and the cargo loading company.
In the context of South Carolina’s comparative fault law, it’s essential to understand that if you’re found partially at fault for the accident, your potential compensation will decrease according to your fault percentage. If you are deemed 51% or more at fault, you won’t be eligible for compensation. Given that there’s a specific time frame to claim these damages, it’s imperative to consult with a lawyer to understand and adhere to these deadlines.
Who Pays Your Medical Bills After a Truck Accident in Myrtle Beach?
After a truck accident in Myrtle Beach, you are initially responsible for your medical bills. However, these bills can be covered by your health insurance or medical payments (med pay) coverage from your car insurance.
If you eventually secure compensation from a settlement or court judgment related to the accident, your insurance provider may seek reimbursement through a process called subrogation. Subrogation is the process by which an insurance company seeks reimbursement from a third party for a claim it paid on behalf of its insured.
What Damages Can You Pursue After a Truck Accident?
The goal is to help injured victims and families recover full and fair compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past and upcoming medical bills, including hospitalizations, medication, surgeries, emergency room visits, and doctor’s appointments
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages, including benefits, sick leave, bonuses, and vacation time
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work or earning your pre-injury income
- Reduced quality of life if you suffer permanent impairment
- Scarring and disfigurement
Other damages may also apply to your case, and our legal team can calculate them for you. We aim for just compensation so that you do not continue to incur losses due to your injuries.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident Case in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Determining an “average” settlement for truck accident cases can be challenging due to the unique nature of every incident. However, George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers have secured significant settlements for clients injured in truck accidents. Some of our notable case results include:
- $4.1 million total recovered for a family hit by a truck.
- $988,493 for a family injured in a collision with a truck.
- $744,623 for a client rear-ended by a truck.
These figures are not guarantees, but they highlight our commitment to pursuing the maximum recoverable damages for our clients.
How Long Does it Take To Settle A Truck Accident Case?
The timeline for a truck accident settlement varies depending on the complexity of the case. Uncomplicated truck accident cases might settle within a few months, while more complex situations, especially those involving 18-wheelers or semi-trucks with multiple parties at fault, can extend the settlement process to several years.
What Happens if You Don’t Have Auto Insurance in a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident?
Driving without auto insurance in South Carolina is a misdemeanor. If you’re involved in a truck accident without coverage, you face not only the financial burden of repairing your vehicle and covering medical expenses but also potential legal repercussions.
Penalties can range from fines up to $200, plus additional charges for every day without coverage, to potential jail time for repeated offenses. Furthermore, if you choose to sue another driver, the cost of your legal defense, which is typically covered by liability insurance, falls on you. Additionally, any settlement received might be largely consumed by lawyer fees.
What if You Are Hit by an Uninsured Truck Driver?
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured truck driver, you have several avenues to pursue compensation. You can potentially sue the truck driver directly, their employer, or rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage within your auto insurance policy. Additionally, under the legal principle of respondeat superior, the trucking company could be held liable for their employee’s negligence.
What is UM/UIM Insurance?
UM/UIM insurance, which stands for Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist coverage, is a type of insurance policy endorsement that protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance or insufficient coverage to compensate for your losses.
South Carolina mandates all drivers to have both automobile liability and uninsured motorist coverage. UM/UIM insurance can cover medical bills, lost wages, and intangible losses like pain and suffering when the at-fault party’s insurance is lacking or nonexistent.
How Do You Get a Temporary Rental Car After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident, the insurance company of the at-fault driver typically covers the cost of a rental car. However, in South Carolina, a rental is often only provided for 5 to 10 days.
If you need the rental for a longer period, you can request an extension from the at-fault driver’s insurance or consult your own insurance policy to see if rental coverage applies. Keep in mind, there may be minor fees associated, such as insurance for the rental, but these are often outweighed by the convenience and necessity of having a temporary vehicle.
What if You Are in a Truck Accident in a Rental Car in Myrtle Beach, SC?
If you’re involved in a truck accident while driving a rental car, the process is similar to any other accident scenario. Often, your personal car insurance will cover damages to the rental, but it’s essential to check your policy before renting a car. While some credit cards may provide rental car insurance, it may not include liability.
Rental companies do offer additional insurance options, such as liability coverage or collision damage waivers. Although not mandatory, you might consider these additional coverages if your primary insurance doesn’t sufficiently protect against potential damages or liabilities.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Myrtle Beach, SC?
Some common causes of truck accidents include the following:
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Our Truck Accident Attorneys Are Ready To Serve Your Case in Myrtle Beach, SC
Accidents can occur to even the most cautious of drivers, especially with major highways like 1-95, 1-85, and I-20 weaving through Georgia and the Carolinas.
While we can’t prevent or undo the events of a collision, the seasoned team at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers is committed to ensuring you receive the rightful compensation for your damages and injuries. Our law firm has worked on over 50,000 cases, and we’re adept at succeeding in accident cases.
Trust in our expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a comprehensive consultation anytime. We’re always ready to fight for your rights!
Types of Truck Accident Cases We Handle in Myrtle Beach, SC
We have extensive experience helping clients recover the compensation they deserve after a truck accident. Our experienced car accident attorneys at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers specialize in all types of truck accident cases, including:
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