Truck crashes are unfortunate occurrences that can lead to catastrophic injuries. When you have been injured in one of these incidents or lost a loved one, taking action to hold the responsible party accountable is crucial.

At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, a Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer could help with your case. Call our law office today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Steps to Take After a Truck Wreck

After a collision, it is vital for those involved to take steps to secure their safety and right to compensation. Prompt action can ensure an injured party’s long-term physical, mental, and financial well-being.

After a truck crash, individuals will want to do the following:

  • Contact emergency services and seek medical attention
  • If possible, document the scene and damages
  • Obtain contact information from the driver, trucking company, and witnesses
  • Gather evidence of any injuries and damages
  • Call a truck crash lawyer in Myrtle Beach for help filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company

Truck crash cases can be complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility. However, identifying these individuals is critical for recovering maximum compensation. An attorney could help determine the liable parties and available damages and negotiate a fair settlement.

Damages Available After a Truck Crash

Economic and non-economic damages may be available to injured people in a truck wreck. There is no cap on these types of damages for vehicle collision cases. Ultimately, the amount of damages available will depend on the types of losses. 

Economic damages include actual financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and the cost to repair or replace a vehicle. Conversely, non-economic damages include non-financial losses like disfigurement, pain and suffering, loss of function, and emotional distress. A spouse may also recover damages arising from the impact on the marital relationship. Additionally, if a loved one was killed in the crash, wrongful death damages may be available.

The court may award punitive damages when the at-fault party acted willfully, recklessly, or with gross negligence. South Carolina generally caps these damages at either $500,000 or three times the amount of economic damages, whichever is more.  Under certain conditions, there is no cap on punitive damages, for example, where the truck driver was operating the truck while intoxicated or where the wreck results in a felony conviction. 

Deadline to File an Injury Claim

The statute of limitations sets a deadline for an injured person to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could mean waiving the right to recover compensation.

Pursuant to South Carolina Code of Laws § 15-3-530,  the statute of limitations for a personal injury case is three years from the date of the accident. However, there are some exceptions. For example, where a government entity is involved, the statute of limitation is two years.  There are different procedures and statutes of limitations if a federal agency or entity is involved. If the injured party is a minor, certain tolling provisions may apply.

A truck crash lawyer in Myrtle Beach could help determine the statute of limitations for any given case. These legal professionals understand the law and its exceptions and could assist in making a timely filing.

Reach out to a Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Attorney Today

Seeking financial compensation after a tractor-trailer crash can be crucial to getting justice. While monetary damages cannot relieve the emotional distress caused by these collisions, they can be critical to securing your financial future.

A Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer could provide essential legal services during this challenging time. Call a dedicated attorney at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda now for assistance with your injury case.

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