Do I need an attorney to pursue compensation in my South Carolina truck accident case?
Yes, you absolutely do. Because of the catastrophic nature of a commercial truck accident, you are likely dealing with injuries that are life-altering, long-lasting, and may even result in permanent disability. Your attorney will properly value your case and fight for you to get fair compensation to cover the expenses you face not only now, […]
Is My Settlement From My South Carolina Truck Accident Case Taxable?
According to the Internal Revenue Service, economic and non-economic damages recovered through a settlement or award are not considered income and are not subject to tax. However, if there were punitive damages awarded in your case, those may be subject to tax. Additionally, if you take your settlement and invest it in stocks, the gains your […]
Why Would An Insurance Company Settle A South Carolina Truck Accident Claim?
Insurance companies are in business to make money, not pay out claims to individuals who were injured in accidents caused by their insured. They will do a lot to avoid these payouts. However, litigation is also expensive, particularly when the outcome of the trial is uncertain. Insurance companies will often offer a settlement in cases […]
Are South Carolina Truck Drivers Held To A Higher Standard Than Other Drivers?
Yes. Commercial truck drivers are required to obtain additional training to learn how to safely operate their vehicles. If they are hauling hazardous chemicals, they are also required to undergo additional training and certification. In many states, drivers can be cited for alcohol impairment with a lower blood alcohol content than other drivers. In South […]
What Evidence Will My Attorney Want To Obtain In My Case?
In addition to photos of the damaged vehicle and repair bills, medical bills, receipts for other out-of-pocket expenses, and details of the medical treatments you have received and your prognosis, other evidence your attorney will collect for a truck accident case includes:
Isn’t The South Carolina Trucking Industry Heavily Regulated?
Yes, the trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and is also subject to state laws and inspections. Some of the regulations that drivers and commercial trucking companies must follow are:
What Is The Difference Between A Semi-truck, A Tractor-trailer, An 18-wheeler, And A Commercial Truck?
Generally, all of these terms refer to large commercial vehicles. However, there are some distinctions between a few of the commonly-used terms:
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
In most cases, you must file your South Carolina truck accident lawsuit within three years of the date of the accident that caused your injuries. Some exceptions can extend the time you have to file, but you need to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible for specific advice about your case.
How Much Is My Truck Accident Worth?
You are likely to accept a low settlement offer if you don’t understand the value of your truck accident. There is no average value of a truck accident, as the outcome depends on the facts and details of the crash. A truck accident lawyer can use various factors like severity of injury, shared fault, and […]
How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
A truck accident lawyer can provide legal guidance and objectivity in the aftermath of the crash. They objectively analyze your case’s strengths and value, negotiate with aggressive insurance companies, and preserve evidence. They can also identify all liable parties and ensure you receive fair compensation while you focus on recovery.
How Do I Prove Negligence or Identify the Liable Parties
Proving negligence requires establishing that the defendant breached their duty of care, directly causing your injuries. The process can involve gathering evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and expert testimony. Identifying liable parties means investigating all potentially responsible entities, including drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and maintenance providers, through thorough case analysis.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a truck accident?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney’s fees upfront. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the total amount of money they recover for you, whether through a truck accident settlement or a court verdict. If you don’t win your case, you typically owe no attorney […]