Lake City, SC Truck Accident Lawyer
You have likely passed more than a few large trucks when driving on the highways around Lake City, SC. While most people have an idea of how bad a truck accident can be, it is often much worse. If you were hurt in a truck accident, get help from a lawyer as soon as possible.
To start a truck accident lawsuit, we need to identify the responsible parties. The truck driver may be directly responsible, and the trucking company that hired them should also be included in the case. Get urgent medical care and, with help from your lawyer, determine the extent of your damages. Any damages that are overlooked or undervalued may not be considered when a judge or jury awards compensation.
Contact our truck accident attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000, and ask for a confidential, free legal evaluation.
How Do You Sue for Damages After a Car Accident in Lake City, SC?
Suing for damages is not easy, and you should start by calling an experienced attorney for help.
Identify the At-Fault Driver
First, we must identify the people involved in the truck accident and determine who is responsible. Often, the truck driver is directly responsible, and we should get their name and contact information as soon as possible. If any other drivers were involved in the accident, we should speak to them as well.
Gathering Information and Evidence
Lawsuits are not prepared and filed overnight. We may spend several months gathering information and evidence from the truck accident before we file the case in court.
We should gather information about how the truck accident occurred, who was driving, your damages, and evidence to support your claims that the truck driver and their employer should be held responsible.
Get a Lawyer to Help You
Perhaps the most important step you should take is to call a lawyer for help. Many injured victims believe that they can handle their claims on their own and save money on legal fees. These same people are often unpleasantly surprised to learn just how difficult it is to steer a personal injury lawsuit through the court system.
What Injuries or Losses Should You Include in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
It is critical that our truck accident lawyers thoroughly evaluate all your damages so we can claim the maximum possible compensation.
Medical Expenses
Truck accidents are often severe, and you may have intense injuries that require urgent treatment. Unfortunately, medical care is infamously expensive. You must include all your hospital bills in your claims for damages.
We may also estimate the cost of future medical care if your injuries require long-term treatment.
Vehicle Damage
Trucks are large and very heavy, and they often destroy everything in their path in the event of an accident. Your vehicle may be damaged beyond repair, and the personal items you had inside may be lost or destroyed.
We should include the value of your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
Loss of Income
While you recover, you might find it difficult or impossible to return to work. The longer you cannot work, the more income you might lose. We can review salary information and recent pay stubs to calculate how much income you have lost and may continue to lose, and we can add it to your claims.
Pain and Suffering
A truck accident may leave you in immense physical pain, and the pain from your injuries, and the overall effect of the accident on your life, and leave deep psychological scars. Although pain and suffering do not come with a price tag, they are worth valuable compensation and should be included in your claims.
Do You Need to File an Insurance Claim Before a Lawsuit for a Car Accident?
Insurance may be available, but it is not required by law. If you have insurance options, you can explore them with your lawyer while also preparing a lawsuit.
Auto Insurance Options
Truck accidents, like most other auto accidents, may be covered by auto insurance. Drivers in South Carolina may file third-party claims with the at-fault trucker’s liability coverage. They can also file claims with the trucking company’s insurance.
Proceeding Straight to a Lawsuit
You can choose to forego auto insurance and proceed straight to a trial. In cases where the injured driver’s damages are so severe that they almost undoubtedly outweigh compensation available through insurance, heading straight to a trial may be a good legal strategy. Even so, discuss this with your lawyer before deciding.
Is Insurance or a Lawsuit the Better Option?
Whether insurance or a lawsuit is the better choice depends on your needs. Those with less severe injuries and damages might find their claims adequately covered by insurance and not feel the need to pursue further damages in a lengthy trial.
For others, a lawsuit and formal trial might be the only way to get the full extent of their damages covered. Your lawyer should help you make an informed decision about what is best for you.
FAQs About Truck Accident Cases in Lake City, SC
Should You File an Insurance Claim Before a Lawsuit for a Truck Accident in Lake City, SC?
While insurance is an option for many after a truck accident, you are not required to file one to get compensation. Many injured drivers have such significant damages that they proceed straight to a lawsuit because they know an insurance claim may not cover everything.
What is a Truck Accident Lawsuit Usually Worth?
Truck accidents are often worth much more than the average car accident. People are often severely injured, and their vehicles may be totaled. They also often experience other damages, like lost income, physical pain, and emotional distress.
How Soon After a Truck Accident Should You File a Lawsuit?
You have no longer than 3 years after a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. If you do not file the case on time, you might be barred from ever filing it.
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Truck Crash?
Yes. You may be in great pain and on a very long road to recovery. As such, you may be in no shape to handle a lawsuit on your own. Even if your injuries are not severe, navigating the judicial system is incredibly difficult, and you should have an experienced attorney on your side.
Get Help Now from Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Lake City, SC
Contact our truck accident attorneys at Burriss Ridgeway Injury Lawyers by calling (803) 451-4000, and ask for a confidential, free legal evaluation.