Truck accidents change lives in seconds. The aftermath often brings medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain that can last for years. At West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, we know what South Carolina families face after these devastating crashes. Our Summerville truck accident lawyers combine legal expertise with genuine care for each client.
Since 1945, our family-owned firm has fought for Lowcountry residents. We handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovery. The roads around Summerville see heavy commercial traffic, and when these large vehicles cause accidents, the results can be catastrophic. You need an advocate who understands both local courts and the specific challenges of truck accident cases.
Why Truck Accidents Differ from Car Crashes
Truck accidents create unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge. The legal aspects of these cases extend far beyond typical car accidents. Multiple parties may share liability, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Cargo loading companies
- Maintenance providers
Evidence in truck cases includes complex federal regulations, driver logs, and technical vehicle data.
Unlike car accidents, trucks carry specialized “black box” recorders and must comply with strict federal safety standards.
Trucking companies often dispatch teams of investigators immediately after a crash, collecting evidence that might disappear quickly.
These factors make truck accident cases notably different from standard vehicle collisions. Our Summerville truck accident attorneys bring decades of experience to this specialized area of law.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Summerville
Truck accidents around Summerville happen for numerous reasons. Our law firm has handled cases involving:
- Driver fatigue: Despite limitations by the federal regulations on driving hours, many truck drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigue impairs judgment, similar to alcohol consumption. This leads to slow reaction times and poor decision-making.
- Improper loading: Cargo must be properly secured and distributed. Unbalanced loads cause trucks to handle unpredictably, especially during emergency maneuvers or in bad weather.
- Inadequate maintenance: Commercial trucks require regular inspection and maintenance. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions cause preventable accidents when companies cut corners on safety.
- Distracted driving: Long hours behind the wheel tempt drivers to use phones, adjust navigation systems, or engage in other distractions. Even a momentary lapse in attention can prove deadly at highway speeds.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Delivery deadlines sometimes push drivers to exceed safe speeds. Large trucks require much greater stopping distances than passenger vehicles, making speeding particularly dangerous.
- Weather conditions: Summerville experiences heavy rain and occasional ice. These conditions affect trucks more severely than passenger vehicles due to their weight and handling characteristics.
The investigation into the cause of a truck accident forms the foundation of any legal claim. Our firm conducts thorough investigations to identify all contributing factors and responsible parties.
Injuries Common in Summerville Truck Accidents
The physical impact of a truck crash often causes life-altering injuries. Medical treatment for these injuries can continue for years or even a lifetime. We regularly represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries: The violent forces in truck collisions often cause brain trauma ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. These injuries frequently require long-term rehabilitation.
- Spinal cord damage: Damage to the spinal cord results in various degrees of paralysis or mobility limitations. These injuries fundamentally change daily life and typically require home modifications and ongoing care.
- Multiple fractures: The extreme force in truck accidents often breaks multiple bones. Complex fractures may require surgical intervention and extended physical therapy.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs sometimes manifests hours or days after an accident. These injuries demand immediate medical attention and can lead to lasting health complications.
- Psychological trauma: The emotional impact of serious accidents includes post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Mental health treatment represents an essential part of complete recovery.
Our firm works with medical experts to document all current and future medical needs. This comprehensive approach ensures compensation claims account for both immediate and long-term expenses.
Legal Time Limits for Truck Accident Claims
South Carolina law establishes strict deadlines for filing injury claims. The statute of limitations for truck accident victims in Summerville, South Carolina, is generally three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation entirely.
However, this general rule has exceptions. Claims against government entities involve shorter deadlines. Cases involving minors or incapacitated individuals follow different timelines. The complexity of these deadlines makes prompt legal consultation crucial after any truck accident.
Evidence preservation also makes early legal action important. Trucking companies maintain records for limited periods.
Electronic logging devices may overwrite data. Witness memories fade with time. Our Summerville truck accident lawyers act quickly to preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Why Choose West Law Firm for Your Truck Accident Case
The West Law Firm brings unique advantages to truck accident cases in Summerville and throughout the Lowcountry:
- Local knowledge: Operating from nearby Moncks Corner, we know the roads, courts, and communities of the Summerville area. Our deep local roots date back to 1945.
- Family values: As a family-owned firm, we bring personal attention to each case. Clients work directly with experienced attorneys, not junior associates or paralegals.
- Specialized experience: We focus on injury law with specific expertise in commercial vehicle accidents. This specialization gives us insight into the technical aspects of truck crash cases.
- Proven results: Our track record includes substantial settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims throughout South Carolina.
- Resources: Truck accident cases require significant financial resources for investigations, expert witnesses, and litigation. Our firm has the capability to advance these costs while pursuing your case.
We handle all case aspects so you can concentrate on healing. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, our team manages the legal process while keeping you informed at every step.
Contact Our Summerville Truck Accident Lawyers Today
If you have suffered injuries in a truck accident near Summerville, our legal team stands ready. The West Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers offer consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options.
The path to recovery starts with one call. Contact our experienced Summerville truck accident attorneys today to protect your rights and begin building your case. While financial compensation cannot erase what happened, it provides resources for rebuilding your life after a serious truck accident.