Truck accidents often result in serious injuries and substantial costs. Since commercial trucks are bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles, they tend to cause much more damage in the event of a collision. This makes it especially important for truck accident victims and their families to ensure that they seek the full compensation they deserve.
Seeking just compensation starts with understanding what to do after a truck accident in South Carolina. Even if the truck driver or trucking company is clearly responsible, you can lose your ability to recover your losses if you aren’t careful. As a result, it is important to take action promptly—and it is equally important to ensure you avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your financial recovery.
Injured in a Truck Accident?
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Get Help NowWhat to Do After a Semi Truck Accident
With this in mind, what are the steps you need to take following a collision involving a commercial truck in South Carolina? Here is a quick overview of what to do after a semi truck accident:
Step #1: Get Any and All Treatment You Need
Getting any and all treatment you need should be your first priority. This is true whether you suffered serious injuries in a truck accident or you are coping with a loved one’s untimely passing. Serious and fatal truck accidents can impact your life in ways you couldn’t have previously imagined. Help is available, and getting the help you need will be important for protecting both your health and your ability to recover just compensation.
Step #2: Protect Any Documentation You Have in Your Possession
If you have any documentation of the truck accident in your possession, you should be sure to keep it safe. This includes any photos or videos from the crash site, as well as your copy of the police report (if you received one). If you have any information about the truck or were able to obtain contact information from any witnesses, you should be sure to keep this information safe as well.
Step #3: Take Detailed Notes About the Truck Accident
Regardless of how much documentation you have in your possession (if any), you should also take detailed notes about the truck accident. Write down everything you remember—and we mean everything.
At this point, all of the details could potentially be relevant to your efforts to seek a truck accident settlement. The weather, road, and traffic conditions are all worth recording, as are any other details you can remember about the events before, during, or after the crash. The more notes you can take to share with your lawyer, the better.
Step #4: Get in the Habit of Keeping Accident-Related Documentation
Along with keeping your documentation of the accident (if any) and taking detailed notes, you will also want to get in the habit of keeping additional accident-related documentation as you receive it. This may include records such as:
- Letters from the insurance companies
- Medical records
- Employment records showing time missed from work
- Bills, invoices, and receipts for all accident-related expenses
You will want to keep both paper and electronic copies of accident-related documentation. If you receive any text messages or voicemails related to the accident, be sure to keep these on your phone as well.
Step #5: Talk to a Lawyer About Your Legal Rights
When it comes to what to do after a truck accident, one of the most important things you can do is talk to a lawyer about your legal rights. You need help, and you need to be able to rely on the advice and representation of an experienced professional who has your best interests in mind. You can hire a lawyer at no out-of-pocket cost, and your lawyer will be able to help ensure that you do not unnecessarily or unknowingly settle for less than you deserve.
Truck Accident Compensation: Determining How Much to Seek for Your Losses
Speaking of settlement, how much are you entitled to recover after a truck accident in South Carolina? The short answer is, “It depends.” Every case is unique, and the amount of truck accident compensation you are entitled to receive depends on your individual circumstances. When you hire an experienced lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will carefully calculate just compensation for your financial and non-financial losses—both present and future—so that you can make informed decisions about when (and if) to settle.
Discuss Your Legal Rights with Truck Accident Lawyer Luke Paulick
Do you need to know more about what to do after a truck accident in South Carolina? If so, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To discuss your legal rights with truck accident lawyer Luke Paulick as soon as possible, call 843-379-3285 or request a free consultation online today.