Looking For a Truck Accident Lawyer?
At David W. Martin Law Group, our Charleston truck accident attorneys understand the devastating impact large commercial vehicle crashes can have on victims and their families. As South Carolina’s busiest port city with an intricate web of highways, Charleston sees a constant flow of semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and freight carriers—especially along I-26, I-526, and U.S. 17.
With a growing population, heavy port traffic, and expanding industries, Charleston is no stranger to commercial vehicle accidents. These collisions are often far more severe than typical car crashes and require a law firm to understand the complexities of truck accident liability, federal safety regulations, and high-stakes insurance negotiations. That’s why we are here.
Charleston’s Role in South Carolina’s Commercial Transport Network
Charleston’s economy is powered by its ports, military presence, and large-scale employers like Boeing and the Medical University of South Carolina. With more goods being transported daily, commercial truck traffic has surged across the region, from Downtown Charleston to surrounding areas like West Ashley, Johns Island, and Daniel Island.
Highways like I-26 and the Mark Clark Expressway (I-526) are vital links for shipping and logistics. Unfortunately, these roads are frequent sites of serious truck collisions involving 18-wheelers, box trucks, and other heavy vehicles.
Why Truck Accidents in Charleston Are Especially Dangerous
Truck crashes are uniquely hazardous due to these vehicles’ sheer size and weight. When they collide with smaller passenger cars, the results can be catastrophic, leading to long-term or permanent injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
Common causes of Charleston truck accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road increase the risk of exhaustion, especially when truckers violate federal Hours-of-Service rules.
- Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo: When freight is not correctly balanced, it can cause rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving: Some truck drivers engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel despite strict regulations.
- Poor Maintenance: Faulty brakes, bald tires, and other equipment failures can turn a truck into a deadly weapon.
Determining Liability in Charleston Truck Accident Claims
Unlike standard car crashes, truck accidents often involve multiple potentially liable parties.
These can include:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- A third-party maintenance provider.
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle part.
- A shipping company is responsible for improper cargo loading.
Our Charleston truck accident attorneys conduct detailed investigations, preserve critical evidence, like black box data, and work with industry experts to build the strongest case possible.
Why Do I Need an Attorney After a Truck Accident Claim in Charleston, South Carolina?
Truck accident claims are far more complex than typical car accident cases – especially in a high-traffic, economically active city like Charleston. After a crash involving a commercial truck, you’re not just dealing with one driver – you are often up against a trucking company, its insurance carrier, and a team of corporate attorneys whose goal is to minimize your claim.
Hiring a skilled Charleston truck accident attorney gives you a powerful advocate who can:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine who’s at fault, including the driver, trucking company, or others involved.
- Preserve crucial evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records—before it’s lost or destroyed.
- Navigate complex regulations, including federal trucking laws for interstate commercial drivers and carriers.
- Handle aggressive insurers who may pressure you into accepting a low settlement that doesn’t reflect the full extent of your injuries or losses.
- Pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
- Take your case to trial if necessary, and fight for your rights in court.
With Charleston’s busy port activity, growing industries, and congested roadways, truck accidents are unfortunately common – and they often lead to devastating injuries. Having a local attorney who knows Charleston’s roads, laws, and legal system can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident and Injury Claim in Charleston, South Carolina
In Charleston—and throughout South Carolina—you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline is set by the state’s statute of limitations under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).
If you miss this three-year window, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages – even if the trucking company was clearly at fault.
However, it’s important not to wait. Trucking companies and insurers often build a defense immediately after an accident. Critical evidence – such as driver logs, black box data, and vehicle maintenance records – can be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly.
By contacting a Charleston truck accident attorney as soon as possible, you give yourself the best chance to:
- Preserve vital evidence.
- Secure eyewitness statements while memories are fresh.
- Build a strong claim before time runs out.
If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in or around Charleston, don’t wait—speak with a local attorney who can protect your rights from day one.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Charleston, SC
If you’re injured in a truck crash in Charleston or the surrounding areas, taking the proper steps early on is crucial:
- Call the Authorities: Ensure a police report is filed—this will be essential in your claim.
- Document the Scene: Take photos and collect witness information.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Don’t delay treatment.
- Avoid Speaking to Insurance Adjusters: Let your attorney handle communications.
- Contact a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer: Trucking companies move quickly to limit their liability. You need a legal team acting just as fast on your behalf.
Serving Victims Throughout Charleston and Beyond
Whether your accident happened on the Ravenel Bridge, I-526, or a rural road in Berkeley County, our firm brings local insight and legal firepower to your case. We understand Charleston’s unique transportation landscape and know how to hold negligent parties accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Charleston, South Carolina, don’t wait to seek legal help. At David W. Martin Law Group, we fight for the maximum compensation you deserve—because your recovery is our top priority.
Call 803-710-7404 today for a free, confidential consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Related Links:
- Have You Been Injured in a Truck Accident Caused by Driver Fatigue in South Carolina?
- How to File a South Carolina Injury Claim with USAA Online
- Can Family Members File a Personal Injury Claim on Behalf of a Loved One in South Carolina?
- Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Attorney for Your South Carolina Wrongful Death Case
