GREENVILLE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER

When a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle is involved in a wreck, the results lead to personal injury that is often tragic. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and even the safest car, truck, or SUV doesn’t stand a chance when it gets hit by a tractor-trailer.

From requirements that drivers have commercial licenses to rules about the way the trucks are maintained and how long drivers can go without taking a break, truckers and other commercial drivers have to follow rules to protect themselves and the other drivers on the road.

If you or a loved one is involved in a wreck with a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, you need a Greenville truck accident lawyer who understands the rules for commercial drivers and knows what to look for when investigating your case. Call (864) 343-2222 for expert advice on your case today.

Why Smith Jordan Law for Your Truck Accident Case?

Trucking insurance companies often have robust teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters ready to challenge claims. These companies exist to make money, and they will do everything in their power to minimize the amount of compensation paid to you.

At Smith Jordan, we level the playing field. Our Greenville truck accident lawyers have the experience and resources to take on even the most powerful trucking insurance companies. Our goal is to maximize the compensation you receive to account for the full scope of your losses.

Greenville’s Most Common Types of Truck Accidents

Various factors can contribute to truck accidents, with the following being some of the most common types of accidents that can occur.

• Jackknife: Jackknife accidents happen when a truck’s trailer skids out of control and the trailer swings around at an angle to the cab.
• Rollover: Rollover truck accidents involve the trailer tipping over after taking a turn too quickly or running off of the road.
• Wide turns: Taking a turn too wide can cause the trailer to swing out and hit other vehicles or objects.
• Underrides: Underrides occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a tractor-trailer, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
• Lost loads: If cargo isn’t properly secured, it can come loose during transit and cause a crash.
• Rear-end: Truck drivers may fail to stop in time when traffic suddenly stops or slows, leading to a rear-end collision.
• Blind spot: Due to the size of commercial vehicles, truck drivers may not be able to see smaller vehicles in their blind spots until it’s too late.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Greenville, SC

After a truck accident, what you do in the hours and days that follow can have a major impact on your health and any potential claim. Once you’re home and out of immediate danger, focus on preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

• Document your injuries in detail – Write down pain levels, symptoms, and how your injuries are affecting your ability to work, sleep, or perform daily tasks. Some injuries worsen over time, so keep updating your notes.
• Save all photos and videos – Preserve any images of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, or your injuries. Do not delete anything, even if it seems minor.
• Organize all medical records – Keep hospital visits, follow-up appointments, prescriptions, and physical therapy records in one place to track the full extent of your treatment.
• Write down everything you remember – Record details about the crash while they are still fresh, including truck details, traffic conditions, and how the collision occurred.
• Be cautious with insurance companies – Trucking and insurance companies often act quickly to limit their liability. Avoid giving recorded statements without speaking to an attorney first.
• Preserve potential evidence – Information like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can be critical in truck accident cases and may be lost if not preserved early.
• Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible – An attorney can move quickly to secure evidence, investigate the trucking company, and protect you from tactics used to minimize your claim.

How We Prove Negligence in a Greenville Truck Accident

Proving negligence in a truck accident case requires a detailed investigation into both the driver’s actions and the trucking company’s practices. This often includes reviewing driver logs, electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, maintenance and inspection records, cargo loading documents, and hiring or training records. We also examine whether federal and state trucking regulations were followed, such as limits on driving hours, required rest periods, and proper vehicle upkeep.

In many cases, liability extends beyond just the truck driver and may include the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even cargo loaders if their actions contributed to the crash. By working with accident reconstruction experts and analyzing all available evidence, we can establish exactly how the collision occurred and identify every party responsible for the harm you suffered in Greenville or anywhere in the Upstate.

The South Carolina Statute of Limitations for Truck Accidents

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the crash. This means you must file a lawsuit within that time frame, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. There are some exceptions in limited situations—such as cases involving minors or delayed discovery of injuries—but these are narrowly applied. Because evidence can disappear quickly in truck accident cases, it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim and ensure all deadlines are met.

Potential Compensation Available After a Truck Accident

The primary objective of any Greenville truck accident claim is to recover compensation for the losses you have suffered due to the accident. These losses are formally known as damages and may include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages

These are losses that can be easily measured in dollars. Examples include:

• Past medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity

Non-economic damages

These are losses that are not as easily quantifiable. They compensate for the impact the injury has had on your quality of life, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Federal Trucking Regulations and Your Case

Truck accident cases in South Carolina are heavily influenced by federal trucking regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern how trucking companies and drivers must operate, including limits on driving hours, mandatory rest breaks, vehicle maintenance standards, cargo loading requirements, and driver qualification rules. When these regulations are violated, it can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a crash case.

In Greenville and throughout South Carolina, proving a trucking violation often requires a deep review of records such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, inspection reports, and driver qualification files. If a trucking company pushes drivers beyond legal hours, fails to maintain vehicles properly, or ignores safety protocols, those violations can significantly strengthen your claim and help establish liability for your injuries and losses.

Contact Smith Jordan Law Today About Your Truck Accident Case

If you believe that somebody else’s negligence could be to blame for your current suffering, take a stand. With a Greenville truck accident lawyer in your corner, you can achieve the justice and damages to which you’re entitled.

While a variety of qualities are desirable in a truck accident lawyer, knowledge of the area is one of the most frequently overlooked considerations—and it’s one of the most important. Your personal injury lawyer in Greenville, SC should have an intimate understanding of local rules and procedures. Small details can make a difference, so representation targeted to the local community is crucial.

Contact Smith Jordan Law at (864) 343-2222 or fill out our online form to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Greenville Truck Accidents

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

There is no upfront cost to hire us. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay attorney’s fees if we recover compensation for you.

Do truck accident cases usually go to trial or settle?

Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but they often involve extensive investigation and negotiation first. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take the case to court.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

You may still be able to recover compensation in South Carolina even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery could be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. An attorney can help assess how fault may be shared.

Why are truck accident claims more complicated than car accident claims?

Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, including the driver, trucking company, insurers, and maintenance providers, along with federal regulations and extensive commercial records. This makes the investigation and legal process more complex than a typical car crash.

What happens if the trucking company’s insurance contacts me?

You should be cautious—insurance adjusters may try to limit liability or get statements that can be used against you. It’s best to direct all communication to your attorney once you are represented.

What is a truck’s “black box,” and how is it used in a case?

A truck’s “black box,” or electronic data recorder, stores critical information like speed, braking, and driving behavior before and during a crash. This data can be crucial in proving how the accident happened and whether the truck driver was negligent.