Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

You can get professional support from a Charleston truck accident lawyer if you sustain injuries in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence and misconduct. In this situation, you can turn to our team at Hopkins Law Firm for dedicated legal assistance and advocacy.

Our experienced attorneys are committed to fighting for full compensation after a serious crash involving large trucks, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles.

We have over two decades of experience that we can use to assist with your legal needs. You can learn more about how a Charleston personal injury lawyer can help by reaching out to us now for a risk-free initial consultation.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Charleston, SC?

Hiring a personal injury attorney after a trucking accident can immediately improve the odds that you’ll receive maximum compensation for your losses. Our team focuses on securing justice for those injured in trucking accidents.

We understand the devastating impact a trucking accident can have on your life, and we are here to help you recover. You can rely on us to:

Answer All of Your Questions

We offer free consultations to discuss your case. There are no upfront costs to speak with us. We can review your situation and see if you have a valid claim for compensation from the liable party.

Investigate and Gather Evidence

Our team will look into the accident and work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault. Depending on your situation, we may need to:

• Visit the scene of the commercial truck accident.
• Speak to all eyewitnesses.
• Get a copy of the police accident report.
• Collect information from the truck’s data recorder.
• Look for videos and photos showing the crash.

It’s crucial that you contact us immediately after a crash so we have a chance to gather all relevant evidence, especially because the trucking company may get rid of some evidence if we don’t move quickly.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Trucking companies and their insurance providers will do everything to minimize your claim. We will handle all negotiations to ensure insurance representatives treat you fairly. Generally, the legal process begins when we file a claim with the insurance company on your behalf.

Represent You in Court

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we are ready to take your case to court and fight for your rights. We stand ready to do what it takes to bring you the financial compensation you need to move forward after a crash.

We can file a claim against the liable party, present evidence to back up your case, and fully explain your losses during the legal process.

Compensation Recovery Following a Truck Accident

We assist you in securing funds to cover all the losses associated with your collision. For example, we may recover money that pays for your:

Medical Bills

Truck accident victims often face incredibly high medical expenses. Fortunately, the liable party may have to cover the costs of your: 

• Emergency treatment
• Hospitalization
• Medications
• Surgeries
• Other healthcare costs

Your insurance may cover these costs initially. However, after the resolution of your claim, the at-fault party may need to provide payment for all your medical treatments.

Property Damage

We can take steps to bring you funds to cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle after a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or semi-truck accident. You may also get funds to replace or repair any other damaged belongings.

Lost Wages

Many truck accident victims can receive funds to cover the pay they lose while recovering from a truck crash. You may also get compensation for your reduced earning potential in some cases.

Pain and Suffering

We often help our clients recover money for the non-economic effects of a crash. Non-economic damages that you may be entitled to recover are harder to quantify, as your lawyer isn’t simply adding numbers. Non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering due to your injuries
• Emotional distress, PTSD, and mental anguish
• Shame and harm to your reputation
• Loss of enjoyment in life and relationships

Our legal team can determine a fair value for these losses on your behalf.

What are the Common Reasons for Truck Crashes?

We see a tremendous number of crashes involving commercial vehicles. Some common reasons for these collisions include:

Driver Fatigue

The government regulates and imposes strict limits on how long truckers can drive in a single day, how often they must take breaks, and the duration of their breaks.

However, companies that work under tight deadlines and want to increase their profits push drivers to spend more time behind the wheel than legally permitted.

Long hours can lead to sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep causes drowsy driving, resulting in slower reflexes, reaction time, and motor function. Some fatigued drivers even fall asleep while behind the wheel. 

Impaired Driving

With extensive hours on the road, some truckers use drugs to counteract fatigue. However, driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is always a poor choice. Drugged and drunk drivers pose a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the road. 

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Some truckers engage in dangerous driving when behind the wheel. For example, they may speed or take a turn too fast. These dangerous behaviors can result in catastrophic accidents. We can help in the aftermath.

Mechanical or Engine Malfunction

Occasionally, accidents are not due to driver error but rather a failure or fault within the rig. These issues or defects can cause brake failures, tire blowouts, trucks veering off the road, or numerous other crashes.

Load Issues

Some trucking collisions happen because a company improperly loads the vehicle. Cargo could come loose and shift around inside a truck, for example, potentially contributing to a rollover accident as the weight moves around inside the vehicle.

Unskilled or Unqualified Drivers

Commercial truck drivers need a lot of training and experience to successfully operate these large vehicles. Drivers without experience often make mistakes, which can end in major accidents.

Weather Conditions

Poor weather can play a role in causing truck crashes. Drivers have a responsibility to adjust their driving based on the weather. For example, in heavy rain, a truck driver may need to slow down and increase following distance to minimize the chances of a crash.

Blind Spots

Trucks have many blind spots that smaller vehicles do not have to worry about. Truckers may fail to check these blind spots on the road or when backing up, resulting in a collision with another vehicle or even a pedestrian accident.

Why Choose Our Dedicated Team After a Truck Crash?

Truck accidents can lead to devastating consequences. When these accidents occur, you need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney by your side. Our team at Hopkins Law Firm has:

Decades of Experience

Our Charleston truck accident attorneys have a long history of handling complex cases and fighting for our clients’ rights.

In-depth Knowledge of Trucking Laws

We have extensive knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, which are essential to building a successful case for truck accident victims. You can rely on us to provide the assistance you need in this difficult time.

Necessary Focus on Your Needs

We aim to help you recover the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages. We want to provide the personalized assistance you need to handle a trucking accident claim.

Given the potential for such devastating physical and financial repercussions, it is vital to have a team of experienced truck accident attorneys on your side. We can work to properly manage your case so you can receive every dollar you deserve.

How Trucking Accident Cases Differ from Car Accident Cases

Some distinctions between car accidents and trucking accidents are apparent. For instance, passenger vehicles typically weigh around 4,000 pounds, whereas many semi-trucks can weigh up to 40 tons.

This difference means that damage to property and personal injuries in a trucking accident can be significantly more severe, often affecting the car driver more harshly. However, there are also crucial legal distinctions that might not be as evident.

Liability in Trucking Accidents

Unlike most car accidents, trucking accidents can involve extensive liability that extends beyond the drivers involved, reaching up to the company employing the driver and the mechanics servicing the truck.

Who is Responsible for Damages After a Trucking Accident?

While car accident cases are usually straightforward, establishing liability in a trucking accident can be more complicated, with several parties who might be accountable for damages.

Besides the driver, responsibility may fall on the trucking company, the manufacturer, the maintenance provider, or even the cargo shipper. For example, the company may be held liable if a driver causes a crash while on the clock.

National and international shipping and logistics is a massive industry, so you can expect each party to have a team of lawyers at their disposal. With that in mind, ensure that you have an attorney to advocate for you.

What to Do After a Truck Accident

If you sustained injuries in a truck accident, you can follow these steps:

Call the Authorities

Dial 911 and report the accident. Make sure to file a police report, as this will be essential for your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, many truck accident injuries don’t show immediate symptoms. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Document the Scene

If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. You may also collect contact information from witnesses. Your truck accident attorney in Charleston may use this information when building your claim. 

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

Reach out to our professional legal team for a free consultation. We will use our many years of combined experience to guide you through the process of taking legal action and helping you understand your rights.

Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Some of the most common injuries we see in trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Fractures and broken bones
• Amputations
• Internal injuries
• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Burns and road rash

If you’ve suffered any of these injuries or worse, it’s critical to consult a Charleston truck accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of commercial vehicle cases.

Contact Us After a Crash in Charleston, SC

Call us now or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you handle the nuances of your case and fight for the justice and compensation you’re owed.

When you have to go to court, you want to know your lawyer will fight for you so you get the best possible outcome. Here at Hopkins Law Firm, our team of personal injury lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case.

Our team has assisted many clients in protecting their future. You can rely on a Charleston truck accident attorney from our team to work to meet all of your potential legal needs.