Lexington, SC Truck Accident Lawyers in a Class of Their Own
Get the personal injury attorneys who are serious about winning complex cases
Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles often cause serious accidents when they crash into smaller vehicles. This is especially true in growing communities like Lexington, SC, where highways such as I-20, US-1, US-378, and SC-6 see a significant amount of commercial traffic. In an instant, they can cause a collision that can affect people’s lives for many years – or even the rest of their lives. That’s why it’s important that people injured in truck accidents take strong legal action after their crash.
Were you or a loved one injured in a truck crash in Lexington, Columbia, or another South Carolina community? Whether it was caused by a fatigued trucker, tire blowout, failure to yield or another type of negligence, make sure you understand your rights and the legal options available to you. Make sure you talk with an experienced, Lexington truck accident attorney. Make sure you contact Johnson + Johnson Attorneys at Law. You can count on us after your truck accident.
“Wonderful law firm to do business with. The entire staff was exceptionally nice. And they really cared about my outcome and made me feel like part of their family. And they got me the money I deserved. It was an honor to have them represent me in my case and I will definitely use them again if I ever need an attorney for anything. Thanks Johnson and Johnson for being there when I needed you.” – Mary J.D, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
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FAQs for Lexington Truck Accidents
There is a lot of information to sort through after a crash caused by a commercial truck driver. Here are some answers to common questions people have after being hurt in an accident:
- What are Lexington truck accident crash hotspots?
- What are common truck accident causes?
- What are common truck accident injuries?
- What makes commercial truck accidents so complicated?
- How does South Carolina’s “at fault” system affect my truck accident case?
- Do federal truck regulations play a role in my claim?
- When should I file a truck accident claim in South Carolina?
- What should I do after a truck accident in South Carolina?
- How much is my truck accident claim worth?
- What damages can I recover after a Lexington truck accident?
- Will I have to go to court for my truck accident claim?
- How can a Lexington truck accident lawyer help me?
What are Lexington truck accident crash hotspots?
Truck accidents can happen anywhere, but some areas see more crashes due to factors such as heavy traffic, tired truck drivers, and poorly maintained vehicles. According to federal data, in South Carolina, the Lexington and Columbia areas have several accident hotspots, including:
- US-178 Fairview Rd at I-20 in Leesville
- I-26 James F. Byrnes Expy in Columbia
- US-176 Charleston Hwy in West Columbia
- US-20 Burton Rd and I-20 in Lexington
- US-378 in Gilbert
These roads see a lot of traffic from big trucks, which increases the risk of serious accidents. If you’ve been in a truck accident on one of these roads, you’re not alone. A trusted truck accident lawyer can help you figure out what happened and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
What are common truck accident causes?
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. Whether it’s a driver’s actions or a truck that hasn’t been properly cared for, these crashes often result in devastating consequences. Some of the most common causes include:
- Speeding: Large trucks take much longer to stop than smaller vehicles. When truck drivers are in a rush and drive over the speed limit, they have less control, which can lead to serious collisions.
- Distracted driving: Checking a phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio can pull a truck driver’s attention away from the road. With the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a few seconds of distraction can cause a severe crash.
- Drowsy driving: Long hours behind the wheel can leave truck drivers exhausted. Fatigue slows reaction times and increases the risk of accidents, especially on highways where trucks travel at high speeds.
- Inexperience: Driving a commercial truck requires skill and training. Inexperienced truck drivers may struggle with handling, braking, or responding to sudden changes in traffic, putting everyone on the road at risk.
- Poorly maintained trucks: When trucks aren’t properly inspected or repaired, problems like faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or mechanical failures can happen. These issues are a leading cause of preventable accidents.
What are common truck accident injuries?
The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents with them especially dangerous. When a truck collides with any size vehicle, the force of impact can cause serious, life-changing injuries. Victims often face long recoveries, costly medical bills, and lasting physical and emotional effects. Some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents include:
- Head injuries and TBIs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Internal injuries
What makes commercial truck accidents so complicated?
Commercial truck accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. These cases are often far more complex because they involve large companies, strict regulations, and multiple parties who may be responsible. For someone injured in a truck accident, navigating these challenges can feel overwhelming. Truck accident cases tend to be complicated because:
- There can be multiple parties involved: While the truck driver may have caused the crash, they may not be the only party responsible. You could also be dealing with the trucking company or other businesses connected to the truck or its cargo.
- Trucking companies can be hard to track down: Many trucking companies operate across multiple states or even internationally, making it difficult to figure out who’s responsible and how to hold them accountable.
- State and federal laws apply: Truck accidents are subject to unique regulations set by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover everything from driver hours to vehicle maintenance.
- Trucking companies may hide evidence: Companies sometimes delay or even destroy important records like driver logs, maintenance reports, or GPS data to avoid liability. It takes quick action and legal help to secure these critical pieces of evidence.
- Multiple companies may share responsibility: Liability in a truck accident often extends beyond the truck driver and the trucking company. Other companies involved could include:
- The company that employs the truck driver.
- The company that owns the truck or trailer.
- The company that loaded the cargo.
- The company that packaged the contents inside the truck.
- Multiple insurance companies and lawyers get involved: Trucking companies and their insurers often have teams of lawyers ready to minimize their financial responsibility, but an experienced lawyer familiar with these tactics can help level the playing field.
- Denial of claims: Even when the facts are on your side, trucking companies and their insurers may deny responsibility or try to place blame on you, hoping you’ll settle for less or drop your claim altogether.
Because of these challenges, it’s crucial to have an experienced truck accident lawyer who knows how to navigate these types of complicated cases. They can cut through the confusion, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How does South Carolina’s “at fault” system affect my truck accident case?
South Carolina follows an "at fault" system for car and truck accidents, which means the party responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for covering the damages. This is important because it allows you to pursue compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, determining fault in truck accidents can be complicated due to multiple parties being involved, such as the truck driver, trucking company, or even the vehicle's manufacturer.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help investigate the cause of the crash, gather evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable. In South Carolina, if you’re found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. That’s why it’s important to have legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.
Do federal truck regulations play a role in my claim?
Yes, federal truck regulations play a critical role in truck accident claims. These rules, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are designed to ensure the safety of truck drivers and everyone on the road. Violations of these regulations can often be a contributing factor in accidents, making them key to building a strong claim.
One major regulation is the Hours of Service (HOS) rule, which limits how many hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of truck accidents, and exceeding HOS limits is not uncommon in the industry. Other common violations include inadequate vehicle maintenance, improper cargo loading, and failure to conduct pre-trip inspections.
If a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, it may demonstrate negligence. An experienced truck accident lawyer can investigate your case, uncover any violations, and use that evidence to strengthen your claim.
When should I file a truck accident claim in South Carolina?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in South Carolina, it’s important to act quickly. South Carolina law gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. This is known as the statute of limitations, and missing this deadline could mean losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
While three years may seem like a lot of time, truck accident cases are complex and require detailed investigations. Evidence such as truck driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data can become harder to obtain as time passes. Witnesses’ memories may also fade, and trucking companies may not retain critical records for long.
Filing a claim sooner rather than later allows your attorney to preserve evidence, build a strong case, and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines. Waiting too long can jeopardize your ability to recover damages for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. If you’re unsure where to start, contacting a South Carolina truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
What should I do after a truck accident in South Carolina?
Truck accidents are stressful, but taking the right steps immediately after the crash can protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance. Make sure law enforcement files an official accident report.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. A medical evaluation ensures your well-being and documents your injuries.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Don’t go into detail: Stick to the facts when speaking to police, other drivers, or insurance representatives.
- Contact an attorney: A truck accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process and protect your rights from start to finish.
How much is my truck accident claim worth?
The value of your truck accident claim depends on many different factors unique to your claim. From the severity of your injuries to the financial losses you’ve endured, every case is different, making it difficult to provide an exact amount upfront.
An experienced and knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can evaluate the details of your case, calculate an accurate estimate of what you’re entitled to, and fight for nothing less. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but with the right lawyer, you can ensure your claim fully reflects the compensation you need to recover. Don’t leave money on the table – let a trusted Lexington truck accident attorney protect and defend your rights.
What damages can I recover after a Lexington truck accident?
After a truck accident, you shouldn’t be stuck paying for expenses that weren’t your fault. Victims of truck accidents are entitled to compensation for all their accident-related costs – both present and future. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries, and the financial toll can quickly add up. That’s why it’s important to understand the types of damages you can recover and fight to make sure you’re fully compensated for all the losses you’ve suffered. You may be entitled to recover the following damages:
- Emergency medical care: From ambulance rides to ER visits, the immediate care you need after a truck accident can be costly, but it’s a critical part of your claim.
- Surgical procedures: Severe injuries may require surgery, which can lead to significant medical bills. This includes the costs of the operation itself, as well as any related hospital stays.
- Follow-up medical care: Recovery doesn’t end after your initial treatment. Ongoing doctor visits, checkups, and rehabilitation may be necessary to help you heal fully.
- Physical therapy: Truck accident injuries often require extensive physical therapy to regain mobility and manage pain, especially for neck, back, or spinal injuries.
- Lost income: Missing work while you recover can take a serious financial toll. You may be entitled to recover wages you’ve already lost due to your accident. If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, your compensation should reflect the income you’ll miss out on.
- Pain and suffering: Beyond physical injuries, you may experience emotional distress, mental anguish, or a decrease in quality of life due to the accident. Compensation can address the physical pain and the psychological impact of your injuries.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be able to claim compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, or support.
- In-home medical care: Serious injuries may require assistance at home, whether it’s short-term help during your recovery or long-term care for permanent disabilities.
- Home modifications: If your injuries result in a permanent disability, you may need modifications to your home, such as wheelchair ramps, widened doorways, or stair lifts, to accommodate your new needs.
Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer ensures that no detail is overlooked and that you receive compensation that truly reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Will I have to go to court for my truck accident claim?
Many truck accident cases are resolved through settlement, so you may not need to go to court. However, it's essential to be prepared in the case that you do. Insurance companies and trucking companies often try to settle quickly and for the least amount possible, but sometimes, these negotiations don’t lead to a fair offer.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement or if the trucking company denies responsibility, going to court might be the only option. In these situations, having a lawyer with trial experience is crucial. While many lawyers settle cases out of court, trial-tested attorneys know how to effectively present your case, handle courtroom procedures, and ensure your rights are defended in front of a judge and jury.
Even if your case doesn’t end up in court, having a lawyer with trial experience can give you a strong advantage. They’ll be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary, ensuring that the trucking company and insurance providers take your claim seriously and offer a fair settlement.
How can a Lexington truck accident lawyer help me?
Hiring a Lexington truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference after a crash. There’s often only one chance to secure the compensation you need, and insurance companies or trucking firms may try to offer quick, lowball settlements that don’t reflect the true costs of your injuries or future expenses.
The truck accident attorneys at Johnson + Johnson know how to conduct an independent investigation, handle all necessary paperwork, and negotiate with the trucking company and insurance providers on your behalf. We understand the laws governing truck accidents and know how to fight for the full compensation you deserve, whether that means negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit.
Lexington truck accident attorneys who are serious about winning your case
After a truck accident, you often only have one opportunity to obtain the financial compensation you will need for the rest of your life. That’s why many insurance companies or trucking companies often make lowball settlement offers soon after a truck accident. They realize that some people might be tempted to accept an offer.
The reality is many settlement offers don’t even come close to covering all your accident-related expenses. That’s why we want to work with you and demand the compensation you deserve. We’re honored to do this work because we’re proud to help our friends and neighbors. Our attorneys were born and raised in Lexington. To us, you’re more than just a client. You’re family.
Put your trust in a Lexington, SC truck accident lawyer that puts your needs first. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation. We’re here for you when you need us most.
