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Truck Accident Attorneys in Charleston, South Carolina

It can be nerve racking simply driving near a truck. Trucks generally weigh 20 to 30 times more than typical passenger cars – pair that size with a truck’s slower ability to stop, an overworked driver behind the wheel, congestion on the road, construction or infrastructure issues, and the impact of accidents involving trucks in Charleston, SC, can be devastating. 

It never gets easier seeing someone’s life halted while recovering from unexpected injuries or a family grieve a loved one as a result of an accident. That’s why our team does what we do. We are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents and their loved ones recover the best that they possibly can physically, financially, and emotionally, and we won’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. 

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, we aggressively and thoroughly handle the legal process for you so you can focus on what’s most important: healing. We will keep you posted on what to expect every step of the way and give you a clear path forward so you never feel alone or in the dark. To get started on the road to justice and compensation, simply call our office at (843) 888-9000. 

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina

No matter how careful you are on the road, accidents happen. There are a few commonalities we see in accidents caused by large trucks, also referred to as tractor-trailers, semis, semi-trucks, or 18-wheelers. Common causes of Charleston truck accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Driving under the influence
  • Unsecured cargo
  • Loads exceeding weight limits
  • Illegal maneuvers
  • Insufficient training and supervision
  • Improper maintenance/inspection
  • Following too closely
  • Failure to stop
  • Vehicle maintenance issues

An experienced truck attorney will identify all of the factors at play specific to your accident in order to prove fault, a critical part in all South Carolina accidents. 

Proving Fault in a Truck Accident Case

Proving who was at fault for an accident is arguably one of, if not the, most important part of a personal injury case. Proving fault determines whether or not you are entitled to compensation and how much compensation you can recover. When a truck is involved in an accident, proving who was at fault can get very complicated for many reasons. Why? Oftentimes in trucking accident cases there are several parties at fault. On top of that, trucking companies may try to conceal and even destroy critical evidence, especially if you do not have an experienced trucking lawyer on your side. 

For example, when it comes to fault, one or more of the following parties may have played a role:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The owner of the trailer
  • The manufacturer of the vehicle
  • The party(ies) who loaded the truck
  • The maintenance company

In order to get the compensation you deserve after an accident, you need to prove that you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. Insurance companies and trucking companies will not make this easy for you. Luckily, having an attorney on your side with the resources and experience needed can take this pressure off your shoulders. 

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How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You and Your Case

Attorneys help make sure that insurance companies don’t take advantage of injured people or their loved ones, something that we see happen far too often. With Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC on your side, you can expect our team to fight diligently to ensure you get the entirety of what you’re owed for the best outcome possible for your case and future. 

For example, we will:

  • Go out and collect critical evidence. This includes downloading electronic data on the tractor trailer, getting photos, videos, security footage, and more.
  • Manage important communication with the parties involved, protecting your rights at each stage.
  • Regularly update you on the legal process, status of your case, and what to expect next.
  • Obtain and analyze police reports, uncovering any mistakes/inconsistencies made.
  • Get and analyze critical documents from the trucking company including driving logs, driver history, and more.
  • Find and speak with witnesses.
  • Organize medical documents.
  • Provide guidance on important decisions.
  • Prove and value all of your past, current, and future damages, expenses, and losses.
  • Optimize your case to get you the maximum of what you’re owed under SC law. 

You can rest assured knowing that we will do everything possible to get you the best outcome for your case and future. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling truck accident cases throughout Charleston and the state of South Carolina, so you can rest assured knowing your case is in good, qualified hands.

In addition to our legal knowledge and experience, we also have great medical providers we can put you in touch with, as well as a wide array of other referral partners who can help you in various areas so you can recover physically, financially, and emotionally.

Cavanaugh & Thickens Truck Accident Case Results

Our team is highly recognized across South Carolina for our truck accident litigation. In fact, two of our attorneys were recently nominated to the “Top 10 Trucking Lawyers in South Carolina” by The National Trial Lawyers. Truck accident law is unique, so it’s critical to hire someone to represent you that is versed in this area particularly. 

Recent Case Results

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These are just a few of our trucking accident case results. To discuss your potential case directly with an award-winning Charleston truck accident attorney, please call our office at (843) 888-9000.

Types of Truck Accident Cases Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Handles

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, we represent clients throughout the state who have been in involved in all types of trucks accidents – including but not limited to:

  • Head-on truck collisions
  • Rear-end truck collisions
  • Side impact/side sweep accidents
  • Rollover accidents
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Blindspot accidents
  • Underride accidents
  • Tire blowouts, and more.

No matter what type of accident you or a loved one was involved in, it’s in your best interest to at least speak with an experienced lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. We are here and happy to help you understand your options under South Carolina law.

Common Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can result in various different forms of injuries ranging in severity. These accidents can lead to:

If you or a loved one has been injured or lost their life in a tractor trailer accident, we are here to fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future. Simply reach out to our team today to speak directly with an experienced truck accident attorney at (843) 888-9000.

Damages You Can Recover in a Charleston Truck Accident Lawsuit

Following a tractor trailer accident in Charleston, you may qualify for significant compensation for all related damages, such as lost wages, medical expenses, reduced earning capacity, mental anguish, and more. 

Medical Expenses – This includes emergency medical care, doctor bills, prescription medication costs, hospital bills, physical therapy, other long-term/future care, and more.

Lost Wages – If your injuries or emotional damages prevent you from working, you may be able to collect compensation for this. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work at the same level, you may be able to collect for the “loss of earning capacity.” Our team can help you understand and work through these circumstances.

Property Damage – Whether your car is totaled or has other damage, you can collect compensation for its repairs/replacement. Property damage can also include any personal belongings damaged in the accident, such as watches, jewelry, glasses, etc.

Emotional Trauma – This includes compensation for PTSD, anxiety, lost quality of life, loss of consortium, and other emotional trauma caused by the wreck.

Transportation – You can collect compensation for travel to and from certain destinations such as doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, and more.

Funeral Expenses – If the accident resulted in the tragic loss of life, you may be eligible to collect compensation for funeral/burial-related expenses.

To get a better understanding of what you may be entitled to based on the specifics of your case, reach out to our team today.

Contact Experienced Charleston Truck Accident Attorneys

Have any questions? Ready to learn more about your rights under South Carolina law? We are here for you 24/7. For your convenience, we are available via multiple communication methods. Simply call our team at (843) 888-9000 or contact us online by submitting a form or beginning a chat, and a truck accident lawyer will be in touch as soon as possible.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Will An Attorney Cost?

With Cavanaugh & Thickens, you don’t pay us anything upfront or out-of-pocket: no retainer fee and no court fees. In fact, you owe us nothing unless we recover a settlement or judgment for your case.

Our truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning at the end of your case, our team collects a pre-approved percentage of the total compensation we’ve earned for you.

What Are My Legal Options If My Loved One Died in a Truck Wreck?

In the tragic instance that a truck accident led to the passing of a loved one, our Charleston wrongful death lawyers will help you file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice, hold those involved accountable, and recover damages.

While this cannot undo what has happened, we’ve seen that wrongful death claims can bring a sense of closure and justice to families while fighting to prevent this from happening to anyone else in the future.

How Much Is My Case Worth?

How much your case is worth depends heavily on the specifics of your case. However, we should be able to give you a general estimated range based on our experience.

Simply call our team at (843) 888-9000, email us at info@ctlawsc.com, or complete our online request form to learn more.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations is three years against private entities. The time frame is drastically shorter if a government or certain other entities are involved.

It’s a good idea to begin working with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence and optimize your claim. It’s also important to note that before filing a lawsuit, you typically go through discussions with the insurance company to try to settle the matter out of court. If that fails, you need to ensure you have ample time before the three-year deadline to file the lawsuit and prepare for trial.

Trial or Settlement?

You may be wondering whether your case will go to trial. This depends on multiple factors. There are pros and cons to trial, and our truck accident lawyers will explain these in detail based on your specific circumstances. In general, here are some considerations:

Pros:

  • Trial by jury may be to your advantage. Our truck accident lawyers will build the best case possible for you, and we know how to appeal to a jury. We have experience securing larger verdicts in court than the companies were willing to offer beforehand.
  • A trial can provide a stronger sense of accountability. Some clients feel a deeper sense of justice for themselves and their loved ones when a case goes to trial. The details of trial cases become public record, offering a stronger sense of closure and holding the responsible parties publicly accountable.

Cons:

  • There is less certainty about reaching a settlement. In a trial, the outcome is entirely in the hands of the jury. It’s possible to walk away with no compensation or less than what was originally offered.
  • A trial can take more time. The legal process for trials involves more steps, meaning it will likely take longer to receive compensation.
What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Charleston?

The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. We’re here to help make it as smooth a process as possible. Here are some important steps to take after a truck accident:

  1. Move to safety if possible and check on others. Call emergency services immediately.
  2. Give an accurate description to first responders. This will be used in the official report.
  3. Exchange information with the other driver(s). Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
  4. Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, weather, and any other relevant details.
  5. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, let a doctor check for internal or external injuries.
  6. Consult a personal injury lawyer. An attorney can guide you through the claims process and help ensure you are not taken advantage of.