Bamberg, SC Underride Truck Accident Lawyer

Underride Truck Accident Lawyer in Bamberg, SC

An underride truck accident can have catastrophic consequences for everyone involved. These crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a tractor-trailer upon impact. Because the smaller vehicle can get trapped or stuck underneath the truck, the potential for severe injuries and death is high.

Federal laws require rear underride guards on certain types of commercial motor vehicles, but they are not universally mandated for all trucks. Side underride guards for trucks are not yet required at all. Even with these safety features, underride collisions can still occur and often result in serious injuries.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a wreck that another party caused in Bamberg, a skilled underride truck accident lawyer from Wilson Law Group, LLC can review your case and discuss your legal options in a free consultation.

Call or contact us today to get started.

Why Hire One of Our Bamberg Underride Truck Accident Attorneys?

With over 40 years of combined legal experience, the legal team at Wilson Law Group, LLC understands the complexities underlying truck accident cases and strives to recover meaningful results that fully account for the impact of each client’s injuries on their life.

Our law firm is proud of the results we have achieved for South Carolina truck accident victims, including:

  • $800,000+ verdict: Fatal chain-reaction crash caused by wheel failure on a log truck
  • $650,000 settlement: Client suffered a foot injury requiring surgery after a truck made an improper turn in front of their vehicle
  • $500,000 settlement: Client injured when a truck driver improperly swung wide to make a right turn and turned in front of their vehicle.

While no attorney can guarantee a particular outcome, our results reflect our commitment to advocating for the best possible outcome for every client.

What to Do After an Underride Truck Accident in Bamberg, SC

A truck crash can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. Seek medical attention immediately. After you get the medical treatment you need, take these steps to help protect your truck accident claim:

  • Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Bamberg for guidance on your legal rights.
  • Don’t provide a recorded statement to the insurance company until you have spoken with a lawyer.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend every follow-up appointment.
  • Keep copies of all your medical records, receipts, bills, pay stubs, and other accident-related documents.
  • Stay off social media and ask friends and family to avoid posting about you or your truck accident injuries.

How an Underride Truck Accident Lawyer in Bamberg Can Help

Our Bamberg truck accident lawyers can handle all the details of your truck accident case while you focus on healing. When you hire us for your underride truck accident claim, we can:

  • Conduct a thorough investigation into the accident.
  • Identify the at-fault party(s) and their insurance companies.
  • Gather and preserve critical evidence, including witness statements.
  • Assess the total value of your claim.
  • Prepare and submit demand letters to the appropriate insurers.
  • Handle all communications with the insurance carriers.
  • File a truck accident lawsuit when necessary to protect your rights.
  • Negotiate for a full and fair settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
  • Present a compelling case at trial if no settlement can be reached.

Beyond the legal details, our firm is committed to helping clients through the everyday challenges of life after a truck accident. We can connect you with medical specialists, arrange transportation to doctor’s appointments, and provide compassionate support when you need it most.

Evidence Needed to Prove an Underride Truck Accident Claim

A persuasive case for compensation after an underride truck accident requires strong evidence. Common types of evidence in these truck accident claims include:

  • Police report
  • Maintenance records from the trucking company
  • Truck driver logs
  • Data from the truck’s electronic control module (black box)
  • Digital evidence from traffic cameras, dash cams, CCTV, or witness phone cameras
  • Medical records
  • Accident reconstruction reports
  • Truck driver hiring records
  • Cell phone data

Time Limits to File an Underride Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina

Under South Carolina law, you generally have three years from the date of an underride truck accident to file a personal injury claim against a negligent party. If you file after the deadline, the court can dismiss your case without hearing it, no matter how strong it may be.

Missing the deadline can also affect negotiations with the insurance company. Without the threat of a lawsuit, the insurer may not be motivated to offer fair compensation.

Types of Compensation for Truck Accident Victims

Compensation for underride accidents should address the full impact of the crash on your life. In South Carolina, you could recover compensation for losses like:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Punitive damages (in certain cases)

Types of Underride Accidents

Underride accidents come in two types:

Side Underride Accidents

Side underride accidents happen when a vehicle runs into the side of a tractor-trailer, sliding either partially or completely under the trailer. These wrecks can happen when a trucker moves into the passenger vehicle’s lane without checking their blind spots, makes a U-turn, or drives through an intersection against the light.

Rear Underride Accidents

These accidents can happen when cars slide under the rear of an 18-wheeler. This can happen if the truck doesn’t have the required hazard lights, reflectors, or reflective tape, or if the trucker stops suddenly or moves too slowly on the highway. The risk is especially high when trucks lack rear underride guards or when the guards are defective or improperly installed.

Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents in Bamberg

Commercial truck accidents can be caused by a wide range of actions or malfunctions, including:

  • Distracted driving
  • Truck driver impairment
  • Driver fatigue
  • Driver inexperience
  • Poor truck maintenance
  • Negligent hiring
  • Faulty or missing rear impact guards that are required by law
  • Defective side impact guards

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Bamberg Underride Truck Accident Lawyer Now

If you or a family member sustained injuries in an underride wreck caused by someone else, you deserve justice and accountability. At Wilson Law Group, LLC, we provide fierce legal representation to accident victims in Bamberg and across South Carolina. We aim to recover maximum compensation for every client and are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality legal services.

 But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a past client had to say about working with our firm.

 “Wilson Law Group, LLC has been top notch since my first visit over 12 years ago. They’re accessible, always well prepared, and give excellent advice. I recommend to all of our friends and family.” – Kelly Marie Connell Brown

 We’re standing by to help. Contact Wilson Law Group, LLC today to schedule your free initial consultation.