Massive commercial trucks are a big part of our economy, and if the number of semis on our roads is any indication, our economy is doing alright. When truck accidents happen, however, they are among the deadliest accidents out there. While every truck accident claim is unique to the situation, the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions may help you get a better handle on your claim. If someone else’s negligence leaves you injured in a truck accident, look to an experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney for the legal help you need.
Is the Truck Driver to Blame?
If you were injured in a truck accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, the chances are good that the negligence rests with the truck driver. Truck drivers are professional divers, which means not only that they make their living behind the wheel but also that they are held to higher safety standards to help keep everyone on our roads safer. Unfortunately, truck driver negligence comes in many dangerous forms, including:
- Distraction
- Impairment
- Exhaustion
- Excess speed
- Aggression
A trucker who engages in any form of negligence behind the wheel puts everyone on the roadway at increased risk of being injured.
Can the Trucking Company Also Share Blame?
Trucking companies are responsible for sending trucks out on the road, and they bear a tremendous responsibility to safety. As such, the trucking company can also be found liable or can be found solely liable for the damages you suffer. Their responsibilities include:
- Maintaining their rigs in safe working order
- Hiring safe and experienced truck drivers
- Hiring experienced truck mechanics (and providing them with quality truck parts and tools)
- Implementing regular safety checks and maintenance breaks and ensuring that they’re adhered to
- Not pushing drivers to drive beyond the limits of safety or their hours-of-service restrictions
What Kind of Compensation Can I Seek?
If you have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can seek compensation for all the damages you suffer (or losses you experience), which can be hefty.
Medical Expenses
The medical costs associated with a truck accident can be enormous, including:
- Emergency care at the scene of the accident and emergency transportation from the scene of the accident
- Surgery and all follow-up care
- Treatment from doctors and specialists
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Pain management
- Adaptive physical devices
- Home healthcare
Serious injuries can lead to serious secondary health concerns and can flow into long-term healthcare needs.
Lost Earnings
As you recover your health, you can expect to miss work and experience decreased earnings, all while your medical bills continue to mount. Depending upon the kind of injuries you suffer, you could be facing a decrease in your earning potential, or your injuries could even put an abrupt halt to your chosen career.
Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering
The physical and emotional pain and suffering associated with truck accidents can be tremendous. Many victims suffer PTSD-like symptoms that can include:
- Heightened anxiety
- Self-isolation
- Depression
- Crying bouts
- Abrupt mood changes
- Changes in personality
- Trouble controlling one’s moods
Just when you need your friends, family members, and loved ones the most, you could inadvertently push them away.
Will the Insurance Company Compensate Me Fairly?
While the insurance company that fields your claim is paid to cover your losses, this does not mean that it is invested in compensating you fairly. Like other businesses, the insurance company is motivated by profits, and this translates to keeping settlements as low as possible whenever possible. In fact, the insurance company has plenty of techniques at its disposal to help ensure that you are not compensated fairly, including:
- Making an early settlement offer (before you are aware of your complete damages) that is woefully inadequate to meet your needs
- Making the claims process so arduous, lengthy, and convoluted that you give up in exasperation
- Attempting to shift the blame from the at-fault party (their client) to you
- Questioning the extent of your damages
The insurance company is a worthy opponent (with deep pockets backing it up), and you are well-advised to counter effectively by working closely with an experienced truck accident attorney.
Do I Really Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
While you are not required to hire a truck accident attorney, it is almost certainly to your advantage to do so. Truck accident claims are complicated and obtaining the compensation to which you’re entitled may require bringing in expert testimony, recreating the accident scene, and more. Your dedicated truck accident attorney has the resources, skill, and experience to help ensure that you bring your strongest claim in defense of your legal rights and in pursuit of just compensation.
What if I Can’t Afford an Attorney?
The bigger question is can you afford not to hire an experienced truck accident attorney? In order to regain your health and well-being to the best of your ability, you’re going to need compensation that covers your damages in their entirety. Having an experienced truck accident attorney in your corner greatly increases your chances of accomplishing this task. Further, it is important to note that most reputable truck accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that your attorney’s payment will be contingent upon you either settling with the insurance company or receiving a court award. In other words, your truck accident attorney accepts the financial risk involved and won’t be paid unless you are compensated.
An Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
The accomplished truck accident attorneys at McCravy Law in South Carolina are well prepared to aggressively advocate for your case’s most favorable resolution. Our dedicated legal team has more than 25 years of experience helping clients like you prevail (either in negotiations with the insurance company or in court). To learn more about how we can help you, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 864-388-9100 today.