Trucking companies should never put profits before people. Large trucks have the potential to be extraordinarily dangerous when proper safety precautions are not taken. Unfortunately, tractor-trailer accidents remain a serious problem in South Carolina. According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were more than 5,200 trucking accidents reported in the state in 2017 alone.

At Powers Law, LLC, our South Carolina trucking accident attorney is a skilled, experienced advocate for injured victims. Trucking companies and their insurers must be held accountable for the damage that they cause. We know how to do it. If you or your loved one was hurt in a truck accident, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and interests. Contact our Greenwood law office today to set up a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident

1. Call the Police: Any truck accident that results in injuries or significant property damage should be reported to the police. It is in your best interests to ensure that a state or local law enforcement officer is dispatched to help secure the accident scene and write an official crash report.
2. Secure Evidence: To the best of your ability, try to obtain as much evidence as possible at the scene of the collision. Among other things, this includes writing down details about the truck driver and the truck, taking photographs of the damage, and getting contact information from witnesses. The more information you have, the better off you will be.
3. Get a Professional Medical Evaluation: All truck accident injuries should be evaluated by a trained medical professional. Of course, emergency medical needs always come first. A person who was severely injured should accept an ambulance ride to the nearest emergency medical center. Beyond that, injuries that initially appeared to be “mild” or “moderate” still need to be checked by a doctor. You may be more injured than you know.
4. Be Wary of Insurance Adjusters: You may get a call from the trucking company’s insurer within hours or days of the crash. You are not obligated to make any statements. In fact, it is not in your best interests to answer questions or give a recorded statement to an opposing insurance company. Insurance adjusters are not on your side. They want to get you talking so that they can find something to use against you to deny your claim or reduce your settlement.
5. Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer: The single best step you can take to protect your rights is to set up a free case evaluation with an experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney. Let your attorney handle all correspondence with the insurance company.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for A Truck Accident in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Ann § 15-3-530), the time limit to file a trucking accident claim is three years from the date of the crash. There are very few exceptions to the statute of limitations deadline. Although this may seem like plenty of time, you should not wait to take action to protect your rights. Important evidence may be lost in the days and weeks after the crash. Truck accidents need to be investigated. Call a Greenwood, SC lawyer as soon as possible.