Truck accidents in South Carolina may lead to serious injuries and high financial losses for victims. 

Since these trucks are bigger and heavier than other vehicles, accidents normally cause serious or even fatal harm to people. 

Should you suffer an accident in a truck, understanding your legal rights becomes very important. 

Here, you’ll learn how to move forward with liability understanding, file a claim, and get the compensation owed to you.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Truck accidents often stem from a combination of human error, mechanical failure, and regulatory violations. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue

Long hours on the road can lead to drowsy driving.

• Speeding or reckless driving

Pressures to meet deadlines can result in dangerous driving behaviors.

• Distracted driving

Use of cell phones or other distractions behind the wheel.

• Improper maintenance

Brake failures or tire blowouts due to inadequate inspections.

• Unsecured or overloaded cargo

Can shift during transit, leading to loss of control.

• Impaired driving

Alcohol or drug use, including prescription or over-the-counter medications.

These accidents are more common on major highways like I-26 and I-85, which are heavily used by commercial vehicles.

South Carolina Laws That Affect Truck Accident Lawsuits

South Carolina has several laws that directly affect your ability to file and win a truck accident lawsuit. One of the most important is the comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover compensation if you are not more than 50% responsible. 

However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your own fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and the total damages are $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $80,000.

Another critical law is the statute of limitations. In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. 

If you wait too long and miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of how strong your evidence is. This time limit underscores the importance of acting quickly to preserve your right to compensation.

In addition to state laws, federal and state regulations also come into play. Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must follow safety rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

These regulations include limits on how long a driver can operate without rest, requirements for vehicle maintenance, proper recordkeeping, and load restrictions. 

Violations of these regulations can serve as strong evidence of negligence and help support your claim for damages. Understanding how these laws intersect is essential for building a successful truck accident case in South Carolina.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case?

Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a regular car crash. Several parties may be responsible:

• The truck driver

If the accident was caused by negligence, such as distracted or impaired driving.

• The trucking company

May be held accountable for negligent hiring, poor maintenance, or encouraging unsafe practices.

• Cargo loaders

If improperly secured cargo contributed to the crash.

• Truck or parts manufacturers

In cases involving defective vehicle components.

• Maintenance providers

If a recent inspection or repair was performed negligently.

South Carolina follows the principle of vicarious liability, meaning an employer may be held liable for the negligent actions of its employee, including truck drivers.

The Process of Filing a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident

Filing a truck accident lawsuit in South Carolina involves several steps:

• Case Evaluation and Investigation

Your truck accident attorney will gather evidence, obtain accident reports, review driver logs, and consult with experts.

• Filing the Complaint

A formal lawsuit is filed in civil court outlining your claims.

• Discovery Phase

Both parties exchange evidence and take depositions.

• Settlement Negotiations

Many truck accident cases settle before trial, but fair compensation often requires strong legal representation.

• Trial

If a settlement isn’t reached, your case goes to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome.

Possible future damages include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims due to several critical factors. First, there are often multiple parties involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo handlers, vehicle manufacturers, and even third-party maintenance providers. 

Each of these entities may have its own insurance companies and legal teams working to minimize liability. Additionally, the injuries in truck accidents tend to be more severe, which means the financial stakes are much higher. As a result, insurance companies are more aggressive in disputing claims or reducing payouts.

Truck accident litigation also involves specialized federal and state regulations that do not apply to standard passenger vehicles. Truck drivers must follow strict rules on driving hours, maintenance schedules, and weight limits, many of which are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). 

Proving violations of these regulations can require deep knowledge of transportation law. Finally, the investigations into truck accidents are far more technical. 

Evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box records, maintenance logs, and driver qualification files must be gathered and analyzed, often with the help of experts. 

These complexities make it essential to work with an attorney who has specific experience handling truck accident cases and can build a strong, evidence-based claim on your behalf.

How a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our experienced South Carolina truck accident lawyer can provide crucial assistance by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation and preserving evidence.

• Identifying all responsible parties.

• Handling communications with insurance companies.

• Building a strong case to support your claim.

• Taking your case to trial if necessary.

Our lawyers are familiar with South Carolina courts, and trucking regulations can significantly improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in South Carolina, don’t wait to get help. These cases are complex, and the trucking companies often act quickly to protect their interests. 
You deserve an advocate who will fight for you. Contact Max Hyde Law Firm at (864) 804-6330 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve.