In South Carolina, the at-fault truck driver and their trucking company are the ones who pay for medical bills after a truck accident for the injuries they cause. However, the insurance company for the truck driver or their trucking company may try to minimize your settlement if you don’t have experienced legal help on your side. Working with a Greenville truck accident lawyer from Smith Jordan PA can give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Is South Carolina an at-fault state for auto insurance?
Yes, SC requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance that pays for bodily injury and property damage. This policy covers your medical and other bills after a car crash with another motorist, but it also applies to truck drivers and trucking companies. Although individual drivers must carry at least $25,000 for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, trucking companies are required to carry $750,000-$5,000,000 in insurance coverage, depending on the type of freight being hauled. Many trucking companies carry even higher amounts of coverage than that due to the devastating nature of tractor-trailer accidents.
Who is liable in a truck accident in South Carolina?
In most truck accidents, the truck driver is to blame for negligent driving that caused the crash. However, your auto accident lawyer may discover additional parties were involved, such as:
- The trucking company that failed to perform background checks or train the driver
- The maintenance team that didn’t repair the truck or trailer
- Parts manufacturers who sold defective truck components
- Another driver who cut off the truck driver
Through careful assessment and investigation, your attorney can identify all liable parties and seek justice on your behalf.
How does my truck accident attorney show who the at-fault party is?
The key to an insurance settlement is demonstrating how the other party should be held accountable to cover your medical expenses and property damage. How is fault determined in Greenville? Your truck accident attorneys will review your case and collect all relevant evidence showing how the crash happened.
Your lawyers will use items such as:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony
- Data from the truck’s Event Data Recorder (EDR)
- Cell phone and GPS tracking devices
- Accident reconstruction reports
When they can show that the truck driver, trucking company, or other party is responsible for your losses, your lawyer can more forcefully negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance company. In the event your case goes to trial, your attorney can use this same evidence and more to seek compensation for further damages, such as emotional distress and permanent disability.
How do I obtain payment for medical care from a truck driver’s insurance company?
Once you speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer, you can begin pursuing the compensation you deserve from the appropriate party’s insurance coverage. It’s essential to keep detailed records and copies of all your medical reports and bills. You should also share this information with your lawyer so they can help you submit your insurance claim.
After you submit your claim, your lawyer can manage the conversations with insurance adjusters to ensure they have the material they need. They will also work to negotiate a satisfactory settlement so you aren’t left with unexpected bills.
Are there other options for paying medical bills while waiting on an insurance settlement?
Ensuring your medical bills are paid until you reach a settlement with a truck or car insurance company can be difficult. Fortunately, you can turn to your personal health insurance company for immediate medical treatment. You may also have purchased optional personal injury protection (PIP) coverage (called MedPay in SC) attached to your auto insurance policy.
To learn more about securing payment for your expenses after a car or truck accident, contact Smith Jordon PA or call (864) 343-2222 for a free consultation. Our auto accident and truck crash attorneys are waiting to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve.