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Truck Accident Questions

Greenville, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Below you will find some frequently asked questions regarding large truck accidents. Should you have questions that are not answered here, a knowledgeable truck accident attorney can provide you with additional information.

What should I do to protect my rights if I have been involved in a truck accident?

If you are involved in a truck accident, call for an ambulance if there are any injuries. Here are some other important steps:

Never talk to other insurance companies or sign any documents
Do not speak with the trucking company’s claims adjuster or sign anything
If possible, take photographs of the scene
Obtain the contact information of the other drivers involved, as well as any eyewitnesses
File a police report and report your accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles
Photograph and inspect your vehicle before any vehicle repairs are made
Visit a doctor as soon as you are able after the accident, even if you feel OK
Call a qualified truck accident attorney

Are truck accident claims more difficult than automobile accident claims?

Truck accident claims are often more difficult because there are additional factors that may play a role in the truck accident, as well as the claim filed. For example, trucking companies implement different rules and standards that truck drivers must follow. More parties are also typically involved in a truck accident claim, such as:

The trucking company’s insurance
The insurance of the specific truck
The truck owner’s insurance

Why are truck accidents more serious than other motor vehicle accidents?

Truck accidents are typically much more serious than car accidents because of the massive size difference of the vehicles involved. A commercial 18-wheel truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas the average passenger vehicle weighs just 3,000 pounds. This means that truck accidents will cause significantly more damage and more severe injuries to drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles.

If a large truck jackknifed, which caused the accident, is the truck driver responsible?

Not always. Just because a truck jackknifes does not mean that an accident resulting from this is the fault of the truck driver. The truck accident must be investigated and often reconstructed to determine who is liable for the accident. Sometimes a collision is due to forces beyond the driver’s control, such as adverse weather conditions; or if the jackknife was a deliberate maneuver the driver made to avoid a catastrophic situation.

What kind of compensation can I recover for my truck accident injury?

While each claim will result in varying types and amounts of compensation, here are some general categories of damages you could be awarded:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and the inability to earn future income
Pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life

If you lost a family member in a truck accident, you can file a wrongful death claim. You may be able to collect compensation for:

Lost economic contributions
Funeral expenses
Loss of care and companionship
Other damages

If you or a loved one has been involved in a large truck accident, our South Carolina attorneys at the Dick James Law Firm can help win you the compensation you deserve. If you live in Spartanburg or Greenville, South Carolina, please contact our law firm for a free consultation.

800-714-6029
The Dick James Law Firm
611 N. Main Street
Greenville, SC 29601