Truck wrecks are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries than the average car crash. Trucks have certain features that make them more dangerous, such as the size and force of the vehicle.
You can pursue a personal injury lawsuit for negligence if you were injured in a truck collision. You should first speak with a lawyer to discuss potential Walterboro truck accident settlements. Call Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today to meet with a dedicated tractor-trailer wreck attorney.
Why Truck Accidents are Exceptionally Dangerous
Some aspects of trucks make them more likely to cause serious collisions. For example, trucks usually have a higher center of gravity than cars, making them more likely to cause a rollover accident.
Many trucks also carry hazardous substances or materials, which can magnify the damage from a wreck. For example, if the truck hauled a flammable substance, the accident could result in an explosion.
Additionally, outside factors such as overweight or incorrectly loaded cargo or bad weather conditions can increase the chance of a trucking wreck. Truck accidents are not limited to SUVs and pickup trucks; many involve commercial vehicles.
Some examples of commercial trucks in Walterboro involved in accident settlements include the following:
- Eighteen-wheelers
- Package delivery trucks
- Heavy haulers
- Tow trucks
- Box trucks
- Dump trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Construction vehicles, like cement-mixing trucks
- Tanker trucks
- Service repair trucks
Driver errors often cause truck crashes. Dangerous maneuvers, such as changing lanes without checking blind spots or driving while impaired, can significantly increase the risk of a collision.
Advantages of Settling Truck Accident Claims
When an injured party pursues a personal injury lawsuit arising from a Walterboro truck accident, the case can often result in a settlement. However, individuals should consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement to ensure they are receiving fair compensation. Settling a claim from a truck crash provides certain advantages, such as:
- Guaranteeing a certain amount of compensation
- Providing a faster resolution, compared to a drawn-out legal process
- Saving the injured party money on court costs and related fees
- Avoiding the emotional and mental toll of a trial
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Allowing the injured party to control the outcome of the case
Consulting with a lawyer is essential to ensure the plaintiff avoids the potential pitfalls of settling a case early. For example, the plaintiff may receive more compensation if the case goes to trial.
By settling the case, the injured party is releasing any future legal claims stemming from the accident. This means that inadequate compensation can become an issue if someone has suffered serious injuries that can lead to health problems and physical therapy down the line. A lawyer could help calculate money damages, assess whether the settlement is fair, and negotiate on your behalf.
Courts Must Approve Certain Settlements
While parties can generally agree to settle a case before a lawsuit is filed, a Walterboro judge must approve certain truck accident settlements.
For example, a court must approve a settlement if the plaintiff is a minor or has a legal disability, pursuant to South Carolina Code Annotated § 62-5-433. Certain small settlements may not be subject to court approval.
Court approval is also required for wrongful death settlements, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 15-51-42. A judge will ensure that the settlement is fair for all potential beneficiaries of the wrongful death claim. Consulting with an attorney is critical to ensure the settlement amount is fair and adequate to ensure that court approval is granted.
Talk to a Lawyer About Walterboro Truck Accident Settlements
Dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic truck crash is stressful. If you are contemplating settling a lawsuit for a wreck, contact our firm as soon as possible.
Our seasoned personal injury attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda could deal with insurance companies and negotiate with the opposing at-fault party on your behalf. This way, we could ensure your truck accident settlement in Walterboro offers fair compensation. Call now for more information.
