Navigating Your Next Steps After a Truck Accident in Myrtle Beach
Truck accidents are some of the most devastating incidents on the road, often resulting in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. If you've been involved in a truck accident in Myrtle Beach or anywhere in South Carolina, you need an experienced advocate to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Hopkins Law Firm, our team of seasoned truck accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach specializes in helping victims of commercial vehicle crashes. Whether you're dealing with a collision involving an 18-wheeler, semi-truck, or tractor-trailer, we're here to provide the legal expertise and compassionate support you need.
Types of Myrtle Beach Truck Accidents We Handle
Because commercial trucks are larger and heavier than other vehicles, tractor-trailer accidents differ from typical motor vehicle crashes. Truck accidents frequently result in more severe injuries than standard car collisions. However, not every truck accident is alike. Below are some common types of truck accidents in Myrtle Beach:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end truck accidents happen when a truck crashes into the vehicle ahead of it. Because trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars, these collisions frequently result in severe damage and serious injuries.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on accidents happen when the front ends of two vehicles moving in opposite directions crash into each other. Because trucks are large and heavy, these collisions frequently lead to severe injuries and deaths. The high speeds involved make the injuries even more serious.
Underride Accidents
Trucks are often required to be equipped with underride guards to stop smaller vehicles, like cars, from sliding underneath them in a crash. However, some trucks lack proper underride guards. If a smaller vehicle becomes trapped under a truck's trailer, the people inside are at high risk for serious injuries or death.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident happens when a truck's trailer swings out unexpectedly, creating an angle similar to a folding knife. This abrupt loss of control can cause rollovers, involve multiple vehicles, and result in significant property damage.
Side-Impact Crashes
Side impact truck accidents, often referred to as T-bone collisions, usually happen at intersections when a truck's front end strikes the side of another vehicle at a right angle. Because cars offer little protection on their sides, passengers are at high risk for serious injuries or fatalities.
Rollover Accidents
Because trucks have a high center of gravity, they are susceptible to rolling over, particularly when taking sharp turns or driving on uneven surfaces. Such rollover accidents can result in significant damage and injuries to those in the truck's vicinity.
Keep in mind that this list is not comprehensive; other types of truck accidents may happen based on the particular situation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina
Recognizing the causes of truck accidents is essential for both prevention and seeking legal action. Several frequent causes of truck accidents in Myrtle Beach are:
- Driver fatigue. Spending extended hours behind the wheel can cause tiredness, which affects judgment, slows reaction times, and reduces overall driving performance. Although federal rules limit how many hours commercial truck drivers can drive consecutively, these regulations are sometimes violated.
- Speeding and reckless driving. To meet strict deadlines, some truck drivers may drive above the speed limit or take dangerous risks, putting road safety in jeopardy.
- Distracted driving. Activities like texting, eating, or using electronic devices while driving can divert a truck driver's focus from the road and heighten the likelihood of accidents.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. Failing to address maintenance issues such as malfunctioning brakes, tire blowouts, or defective equipment can play a role in truck accidents.
- Mechanical failure. Defective components may cause a truck driver to lose control, resulting in a collision.
- Overloading. Exceeding a truck's weight capacity negatively impacts handling, braking, and stability, raising the chances of an accident.
- Improper cargo loading. If cargo is unevenly distributed or not properly secured, it can shift during transit, making the truck unstable and increasing the risk of swerving or rolling over, which can have severe consequences.
- Other types of driver negligence. This includes actions such as driving under the influence or ignoring health problems. Truck drivers have a responsibility to other road users and must exercise reasonable caution to avoid truck accidents.
It's essential to recognize that several factors may contribute to a truck accident at once, so a comprehensive investigation is needed to determine the exact causes and identify all responsible parties.
Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often cause severe and significant injuries due to their force and impact. Below are some common injuries resulting from Myrtle Beach truck accidents:
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Spinal cord injuries. These serious injuries may result in partial or total paralysis, depending on how badly the spinal cord is damaged.
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Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, impacting memory, cognitive abilities, motor skills, relationships, and more.
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Broken bones. Both simple and complex fractures are common in truck accidents due to the tremendous forces involved.
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Internal injuries. Damage to organs such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical care.
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Soft tissue injuries. These include muscle strains, sprains, and whiplash, which can cause considerable pain, limited movement, and discomfort.
In addition to physical harm, truck accidents may also lead to lasting psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Case?
One of the most complex aspects of a truck accident case is identifying all responsible parties. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck Drivers: Negligent or reckless driving behaviors often contribute to crashes.
- Trucking Companies: Employers can be held liable for improper training, hiring, or maintenance practices.
- Truck Manufacturers: Defective parts or equipment failures may place blame on the manufacturer.
- Cargo Loaders: Improperly secured or overloaded cargo can cause accidents.
What Damages May I Recover in a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Case?
In a South Carolina truck accident case, victims may be entitled to various types of damages to compensate for their losses. These damages may include:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses cover all costs related to treating injuries from a truck accident. This includes emergency room care, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, rehabilitation, and therapy. Victims can receive compensation for both past and future medical costs tied to their truck accident injuries, helping ensure they get the care and support needed for recovery.
Lost Income
Lost income includes the wages, bonuses, raises, benefits, and self-employment earnings that a victim is unable to receive because they cannot work after a truck accident. Compensation for lost wages is intended to ease the financial strain on victims and their families caused by this inability to work.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate victims for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced as a result of a truck accident. This covers the discomfort and limitations caused by injuries, as well as emotional trauma, anxiety, and depression following the accident. Unlike economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, pain and suffering are harder to quantify but are a crucial part of recovering from a truck accident. These damages recognize the personal impact of the accident and seek to address the non-economic harm endured by the victim.
Property Damage
Property damage covers the expenses involved in repairing or replacing vehicles and personal property harmed in a truck accident. This includes the costs to fix or replace the victim's vehicle as well as any other belongings or items inside the vehicle that were damaged during the crash. Compensation for property damage assists victims in returning their property to its original state before the accident, reducing the financial burden caused by the incident.
Wrongful Death
If a truck accident leads to the death of a loved one, the surviving family members may seek compensation through wrongful death damages. These damages are intended to address both the financial hardships and emotional pain the family endures, such as costs for funeral and burial, loss of income, and loss of companionship and support. Although financial compensation cannot truly make up for the loss, wrongful death damages offer some justice and assistance to families during this challenging period.
The Process of a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Lawsuit
After a truck accident, navigating the legal system can feel daunting. Below is a summary of how a Myrtle Beach truck accident lawsuit usually unfolds:
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Lawyer consultation. The first step is to meet with a Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer to review your situation, explore your legal rights, and consider possible paths to compensation. If your attorney believes you have a valid claim, you'll move forward to the next steps together.
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Case investigation. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident, collecting evidence such as police reports, medical documents, witness statements, and truck driver records. This step helps determine the cause of the crash and who is responsible.
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Sending a demand letter. Based on the investigation, your attorney may prepare and send a demand letter to the insurance company of the truck driver or other liable parties, outlining the details of your case, the damages you've suffered, and a suggested settlement amount.
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Settlement negotiations. At this stage, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company or other involved parties to try to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for your damages.
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Filing a lawsuit. If negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit, taking your case to court for a judge or jury to decide.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you've been involved in a truck accident, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority.
- Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement and obtain a police report.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details for any witnesses.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Speak with an experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
How Is a Truck Accident Different from a Car Accident?
Truck accidents often involve larger insurance policies, multiple liable parties, and stricter federal regulations, such as those enforced by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for truck accident claims is three years from the date of the accident.
Key Things to Remember When Looking for a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
We understand you have several options when choosing a Myrtle Beach truck accident attorney. Here are key factors to keep in mind as you make this important choice:
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Experience. Seek out a lawyer with a demonstrated history of handling truck accident cases in Myrtle Beach. Although previous outcomes don't guarantee future success, local experience with truck accident lawsuits can be very valuable.
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Resources. Make sure the attorney has access to the right resources to fully investigate your claim, such as accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and financial specialists if needed.
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Communication style. Select a lawyer who communicates openly and clearly with you, keeps you updated throughout your case, and responds promptly to your questions and concerns.
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Contingency fee arrangement. Consider Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyers who operate on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront. Their fee usually comes as a percentage of the amount recovered.
You can find this information by:
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Setting up an initial consultation. This meeting allows you to speak with a Myrtle Beach truck accident attorney, discuss your situation, and get a feel for their experience, personality, and communication approach before deciding.
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Reviewing online feedback and recognition. Look at online reviews and testimonials from former clients to learn more about the lawyer's reputation and background.
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Verifying their credentials. Confirm the attorney is licensed to practice in South Carolina and is in good standing with the South Carolina Bar Association.
Have You Been Injured in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Truck Accident?
Whether you've been injured in a Myrtle Beach accident or are mourning the loss of a loved one from a fatal accident on Hwy 17 today in South Carolina, don't wait to seek legal help. At Hopkins Law Firm, our dedicated truck accident lawyers in Myrtle Beach are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Call us now for a free consultation, or visit our offices to discuss your case. Let us handle the legal challenges so you can focus on recovery.
Call (843) 314-4202 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation today.
We are Proud to Serve Personal Injury Clients Throughout South Carolina
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, family law, and criminal defense lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case. Our team has helped many clients to protect their future. With locations in Charleston, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach, we can make sure you get the counsel you need anywhere in South Carolina.
