Truck accident claims differ from car accident claims in almost every way—they’re more complex, involve more parties, and require deeper investigation. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident in or around Greenville, our Greenville truck accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, gather the right evidence, and pursue full compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
1. Truck accidents usually cause more serious injuries
The average passenger car weighs around 3,000 pounds. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When these two collide, the results are often catastrophic.
Truck accidents tend to involve:
- More serious injuries (including brain, spine, and internal injuries)
- Longer recovery periods
- Greater medical costs
- Higher likelihood of permanent disability or wrongful death
Because of this, truck accident victims often need more compensation than those injured in typical car accidents.
2. Multiple parties may be responsible
In a car crash, the claim usually involves two drivers and their insurance companies. Truck crashes, on the other hand, can involve several different parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A maintenance or repair contractor
- The company that loaded the cargo
- The truck manufacturer (if a defective part contributed to the crash)
Each of these parties may carry separate insurance policies. That means identifying fault and liability requires a more in-depth investigation—and legal experience with trucking industry regulations.
3. Trucking companies and insurers fight hard
Truck drivers and companies are heavily insured, but that doesn’t mean they’re quick to pay. These companies have legal teams and insurance adjusters who respond to crashes right away—sometimes within hours—looking for ways to protect themselves.
Common tactics include:
- Denying responsibility
- Pressuring victims to accept a low settlement
- Delaying the process
- Hiding or destroying evidence (like logbooks or dashcam footage)
That’s why it’s important to speak with a local Greenville personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident. At Smith Jordan Law, we move quickly to preserve evidence and level the playing field.
4. Commercial trucks are subject to federal and state regulations
Truck drivers and their employers must follow strict safety rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including:
- Hours-of-service rules to prevent driver fatigue
- Maintenance and inspection requirements
- Weight limits for cargo
- Licensing and training standards
In addition, South Carolina law applies to commercial vehicles operating in-state. For example, South Carolina Code of Laws § 56-5-4100 outlines requirements for securing loads to prevent cargo spills or shifts.
Violating these rules may help prove negligence in a truck accident case. Our legal team knows how to uncover violations that can strengthen your claim.
5. Different kinds of evidence are involved
Truck accident claims require specialized evidence that isn’t part of a typical car crash case. This may include:
- The driver’s logbook (showing hours driven and rest breaks)
- Truck maintenance records
- Black box (event data recorder) information
- Driver drug and alcohol test results
- Freight and cargo records
- Employer training and hiring records
At Smith Jordan Law, we work with accident reconstruction experts and investigators to gather this evidence quickly before it disappears.
6. Higher compensation may be available
Because truck accidents often cause more serious harm, the financial damages are usually greater. Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Property damage
- In some cases, punitive damages
We make sure to calculate the full impact of your injuries so you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
How Smith Jordan Law helps Greenville truck accident victims
Based right here in Greenville, Smith Jordan Law understands the local roads, traffic patterns, and legal systems. Whether the crash happened on I-85, Wade Hampton Boulevard, or a rural Upstate highway, we know how to investigate and build a strong claim.
We take pride in standing up to large trucking companies and making sure injured South Carolinians have someone in their corner. Contact us online or call (864) 343-2222 to schedule a free consultation today.