A Greenville Truck Accident Attorney Shares the Essential Information You Need After a Crash

Different Types of Truck Accidents

The different causes of truck accidents described above can result in different types of truck crashes. Our Greenville truck accident lawyers represent people hurt in:

Rear-End Collisions

A rear-end crash occurs when a truck fails to stop and crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it. Due to trucks' large size and heavy weight, rear-end collisions can cause severe injuries and fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck's trailer swings out and forms an angle with the tractor, resembling a folding knife. These accidents can happen if the trucker brakes suddenly, speeds, or if cargo shifts making the truck unbalanced.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers involve a truck tipping over onto its side or roof. These accidents can be caused by improper cargo loading, excessive speed on curves or ramps, or sudden evasive maneuvers. Any car, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian in the truck’s path is at risk of severe injury.

Underride Accidents

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with the rear or side of a truck and becomes trapped underneath the truck's trailer. These accidents can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the car's occupants being crushed or decapitated.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks require significant space to make turns, especially right turns. Wide turn accidents can occur when a truck driver misjudges the turning radius and collides with another vehicle.

Blind Spot Accidents

Due to their size and design, trucks have larger blind spots than passenger vehicles. Blind spot accidents can happen when truck drivers fail to check their blind spots properly before changing lanes or making turns and collide with vehicles in these areas.

Load Spill Accidents

Cargo or materials being transported by a truck that spill onto the road create hazardous conditions for other vehicles. Load spills can be caused by improper loading, unsecured cargo, or accidents that compromise the integrity of the truck’s trailer.

Truck Accident Injuries

Many factors determine how badly someone is hurt in a truck accident. The reason for the accident matters, the type of accident matters, the type of vehicles involved matters, and the health condition of each person involved in the crash matters. A doctor will diagnose your unique injuries, which may include one or more of the following:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

• Concussions. Concussions are caused by a sudden blow or jolt to the head and can lead to headaches, dizziness, confusion, and memory problems.
• Contusions. Contusions are bruises on the brain caused by the truck accident impact, which can lead to swelling and bleeding.
• Penetrating injuries. Penetrating injuries happen when an object pierces the skull and damages the brain tissue.

Spinal Cord Injuries

The impact of a spinal cord injury depends on the part of the spine that was hurt and whether it was a complete or incomplete injury. Some of the most severe consequences of a spinal cord injury include:

• Paraplegia. Paraplegia is loss of movement and sensation in the lower body and legs due to damage to the spinal cord in the thoracic region.
• Quadriplegia. Quadriplegia is the loss of movement and sensation in all four limbs and the trunk due to damage to the spinal cord in the cervical region.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Any bone can break during a truck crash. Leg, arm, and rib fractures are common and painful broken bone injuries. Compound fractures, where the bone pokes through the skin, can lead to additional complications like infections and nerve damage.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are not life-threatening but can be painful and interfere with your daily activities. Some of these injuries include:

• Whiplash.  A sudden back-and-forth motion of the neck causes strain or sprain to the muscles and ligaments.
• Sprains and strains. Sprains and strains happen when there is damage to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in various parts of the body.

Internal Injuries

You may not have immediate symptoms of internal injuries, but internal injuries can be life-threatening. They include:

• Organ damage. Bruised organs, ruptured organs, or damage to vital organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys may occur.
• Internal bleeding. Severe internal bleeding can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Burns

Truck accidents involving fuel spills or fires can result in severe burns, which can lead to long-term complications, dangerous infections, and disfigurement.

Amputations

In severe accidents, limbs may need to be amputated due to crushing injuries or insufficient blood flow.

Emotional Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are common psychological effects of traumatic truck accidents.

Truck Accident Compensation

If you prove that you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages for past, current, and future losses and expenses, including:

Medical Costs

• Emergency medical treatment
• Hospitalization and surgery costs
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Ongoing medical care and prescriptions
• Medical equipment and home modifications for disabilities

Lost Income

• Lost wages or self-employment income during recovery
• Lost benefits, bonuses, raises, and promotions
• Future loss of earning capacity due to disabilities

Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Property Damage

• Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Replacement of personal belongings damaged in the accident

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct by the truck driver or trucking company, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

What to Expect if You Hire a Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer

If you decide to hire a Greenville truck accident lawyer from Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, you can expect a professional and dedicated legal team to guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. Here's what you can typically expect:

Free Initial Consultation

Your lawyer will schedule an initial consultation to discuss the details of your case, gather relevant information, and evaluate the strength of your claim. This consultation is typically free of charge.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence such as:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Accident scene photographs and videos
• Truck maintenance and inspection records
• Driver logbooks and employment records
• Data from the truck's black box or electronic control module (ECM)

Based on the evidence gathered, your lawyer will work to establish liability and identify the responsible parties, which may include:

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies representing the truck driver, trucking company, or other responsible parties. We will fight to protect your rights and fair compensation.

Filing a Lawsuit 

If negotiations with the insurance companies fail to result in a settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit on your behalf. This involves drafting and filing legal documents, conducting discovery (exchange of evidence), and representing you in court proceedings.

Trial Preparation and Representation

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will prepare a strong legal strategy, gather expert witnesses (if necessary), and represent you in court. We will present evidence, question witnesses, and argue on your behalf to pursue maximum compensation.

Throughout the process, your lawyer will keep you informed about the progress of your case, explain legal procedures, and address any concerns or questions you may have. We will also handle all the paperwork, deadlines, and legal formalities, allowing you to focus on your recovery without worrying about making a mistake in your legal case.

How to Choose a Greenville Truck Accident Attorney

You have choices when it comes to hiring a Greenville truck accident lawyer. You also have a lot at stake and want to make sure that you hire the right lawyer for you. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a truck accident lawyer:

Experience 

While experience doesn’t guarantee a specific result in your case, you may want to hire an attorney with truck accident experience. Truck accident cases are different from car accidents and often involve complex legal and regulatory issues. You can look at our attorneys’ truck accident case results for more information about our experience.

Resources and Investigative Capabilities

Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and the use of expert witnesses. Choose a lawyer or firm with the resources and capabilities to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and consult with relevant experts, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals.

Communication and Accessibility

Look for an attorney who is responsive, communicative, and accessible. You want a lawyer who will keep you informed throughout the legal process, answer your questions promptly, and address your concerns.

Reputation and Reviews

Research the attorney's or firm's reputation in the legal community and among past clients. Read online reviews, check for any disciplinary actions or complaints, and ask for references from previous clients. M.F., one of our truck accident clients, said this about working with us, "The service is excellent and I would love to recommend everyone. All my calls are answered and that is a big plus. I have been treated with so much respect." You can read additional truck accident client reviews here.

Contingency Fee Structure

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. 

Comfort Level and Personal Fit

While qualifications and experience are essential, choosing an attorney with whom you feel comfortable working is also important. Trust your instincts and select a lawyer who makes you feel confident and at ease throughout the legal process.