Average Truck Accident Settlement in South Carolina [2024 Updated]

Getting in a truck accident in South Carolina can be devastating, as high-impact collisions can lead to serious life-threatening injuries or even death. Accident victims or their loved ones looking to recover compensation for their damages are likely wondering how much they are entitled to after their accident. By understanding the factors that contribute to an average truck accident settlement in the state, they can implement optimal legal strategies.

Understanding South Carolina Average Truck Accident Settlements

In the state, according to personal injury law, truck accident victims are entitled to get settlements that cover the damages suffered from the crash. Truck accident victims can receive compensation for a wide variety of damages, which can be categorized mainly as non-economic and economic damages. By working with an experienced lawyer, truck accident victims can optimize their settlements.

Economic damages include damages from a truck accident, which can be directly tied to a financial amount. Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost income, lost earning potential, and property damage. The amount of compensation that an individual can demand for economic damages is typically the total of all the economic damages lost. However, calculating future economic damages, such as future medical expenses, is more complex.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are intangible damages that cannot be directly tied to an amount; calculating them is more complicated and subjective. Non-economic damages include scarring and disfigurement, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. As there are different methods for calculating non-economic damages, it’s advisable that you work with an experienced truck accident lawyer to understand what amount you are entitled to.

Key Factors That Determine Truck Accident Settlement Amounts

There are certain factors that tend to influence the final settlement amount for truck accidents in the state. The seriousness and nature of truck accident injuries tend to be a heavily influencing factor in settlement amounts, with more serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries, yielding greater settlement amounts. Associated economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, also influence the final settlement amount.

The evidence showing that the relevant party or parties were liable for the accident can also play a large role in the settlement. Truck accident cases can be particularly complex, as there typically may be multiple parties involved, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the truck parts manufacturer or distributor. Other individuals who could be involved include the worker who loaded the truck.

Victims who have considerable non-economic damages, such as loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and pain and suffering, can typically expect to be awarded greater amounts of compensation from their settlements. Another crucial factor that can influence the settlement amount is the limit of available insurance coverage of the liable party or parties.

Ultimately, an overwhelming influence on a truck accident settlement amount is the legal representation involved in the case. By working with a skilled and experienced truck accident lawyer, you can gather the evidence needed to prove liability, such as from an electronic logging device. They can help you document damages and leverage key legal strategies to negotiate or litigate, pursuing an optimal truck accident settlement overall.

Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident

The statute of limitations is the amount of time that a truck accident victim has to pursue a personal injury lawsuit after the date they are injured. In South Carolina, this period is defined as three years. If a truck accident victim misses the statute of limitations, they can lose their right to pursue compensation. Therefore, it is critical for accident victims to work with a lawyer so that they can get the optimal compensation they are entitled to without missing deadlines.

FAQs

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlement amounts depend on different factors, such as the nature and extent of the resulting injuries, the resulting property damage, and the liability of everyone involved in the accident. While minor injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, typically yield lower settlements in the state, more severe injuries, such as fractures or spinal cord injuries, tend to result in higher settlements. A lawyer can help you understand your expected settlement.

Q: What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

A: In South Carolina, car accident settlements are generally less than truck accidents due to the less serious nature of the injuries on average. The settlement amount depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the amount of time missed from work, and whether there are long-lasting disabilities. By working with an experienced lawyer, you can get a more precise idea of the car accident settlement you are entitled to based on all your case details.

Q: How Long Do Most Accident Settlements Take in South Carolina?

A: In the state, the amount of time it takes to reach an accident settlement varies greatly depending on the exact details of a case. For example, cases that involve minor damages and injuries and have evidence showing clear liability may take only a few months to close. However, more complex cases, such as those involving life-threatening or severe injuries, may take years before they can conclude.

Q: How to Negotiate a Settlement to Get More Money from a Truck Accident

A: Negotiating with key stakeholders to optimize your truck accident settlement in the state can be done by taking several concrete steps, including gathering strong evidence that shows liability and the extent of your injuries and damages. Furthermore, calculating a financial amount that reflects the damages suffered can help you come to the negotiation table with a clear amount in mind. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help leverage key strategies to yield the compensation amount you are entitled to.

Get a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer Who Is Ready to Fight for You

Getting into a truck accident can be devastating, having far-reaching consequences that impact all facets of a person’s life, including their professional and personal life. At Axelrod & Associates, P.A., we are here to help you calculate the extent of all your damages so that you can be adequately compensated for everything you have lost. Contact us today to start working together so that we can design and implement an optimal legal strategy for your case.