What Makes Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Truck accidents in South Carolina differ from car accidents because they often involve multiple liable parties, more severe injuries, and higher potential compensation. Proving fault isn’t as simple as identifying one careless driver, as it can affect the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, or even the manufacturer of faulty equipment.
Because multiple defendants can share liability, total compensation in truck cases can exceed what’s typical in car crashes. If a fatigued driver, a negligent employer, and an equipment manufacturer all played a role, for instance, each may be held liable for a portion of the damages.
Our truck accident attorneys at Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson help injured drivers determine where negligence occurred and ensure that every responsible party is held accountable. That difference usually means the stakes and the damages you can recover are much higher.
Who Can Be Liable After a Truck Accident?
In most car crashes, liability centers on one driver’s negligence, such as running a red light or following too closely. Truck accidents, however, can involve an entire chain of responsibility. A single crash might trace back to:
- Driver who was fatigued or in violation of federal hours-of-service rules
- A trucking company that pushed unrealistic delivery schedules or skipped vehicle inspections
- Maintenance contractor who failed to replace worn brakes
- Cargo loader who improperly secured freight, causing a rollover
Each of these parties may carry separate insurance coverage. That’s why victims of truck crashes typically have access to higher potential compensation, but only if each responsible entity is identified and proven negligent.
Can I Recover Compensation After a Truck Accident?
The weight of a fully loaded truck means that even a low-speed crash can cause life-changing injuries that usually require long-term care and rehabilitation for anyone in a smaller car. Victims of truck crashes frequently face lifelong financial and emotional burdens far beyond what’s seen in ordinary car accidents.
Fortunately, compensation in a Greenwood, SC, truck accident claim covers both economic and personal losses. That can include hospital bills, lost income, rehabilitation expenses, and the lasting impact of pain, disability, or emotional distress. Families who lose a loved one may likewise pursue damages for funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Because trucking collisions often cause life-altering injuries, accurately calculating future medical needs and long-term financial strain is essential to achieving a recovery that truly reflects what was taken from you.
What Can a Greenwood, SC, Truck Accident Attorney Do for You?
Handling a truck accident claim involves more than simply proving who was at fault. An experienced Greenwood, SC, truck accident lawyer can uncover every layer of negligence that contributed to your accident. That means:
- Sending preservation letters to stop trucking companies from deleting black box data
- Working with accident reconstruction experts who analyze braking patterns and cargo weight
- Obtaining federal compliance reports through subpoenas
- Calculating the full scope of damages, including medical bills, lost earnings, pain, disability, and future care needs
Be warned that truck insurers are well-funded and quick to offer low settlements before you even realize how much your case is worth. Your attorney can ensure that you don’t settle for less than what federal and state law allows.
Connect With Our Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Now
Truck accidents involve complex regulations, multiple insurers, and evidence that can vanish within days. If you or a loved one were hurt in a collision involving a commercial truck, our Greenwood, SC, truck accident attorneys are here for you. Contact Nicholson, Meredith & Anderson at 864-229-7241 or online to arrange your free case assessment.