Experienced Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers – Advocating for Maximum Compensation!"

We hold negligent trucking companies and drivers accountable for your injuries.

Truck accidents are among the most devastating motor vehicle crashes in South Carolina. Given the size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions often lead to catastrophic injuries, extensive medical bills, and prolonged recovery periods. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, CFJ Injury Lawyers is here to help. With over 40 years of experience, our team, led by Attorney Catherine F. Juhas and Attorney Eric Saleme, has successfully represented truck accident victims across the state. We understand the legal complexities of trucking accidents and are committed to securing justice for our clients.

At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we take pride in offering personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s needs. Unlike larger firms that may treat clients as just another case number, we provide one-on-one consultations, clear communication, and aggressive advocacy to ensure that every victim receives the compensation they deserve. Our extensive experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation law makes us well-equipped to handle even the most challenging truck accident cases.

Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Cases

Unlike typical car accidents, truck accident cases involve complex liability issues, extensive federal regulations, and powerful insurance companies that aggressively defend claims. These cases require an in-depth investigation to determine fault and maximize compensation. Some unique challenges include:

• Severe injuries and long-term costs – Common truck accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal organ damage. Victims may require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, or even home modifications to accommodate their disabilities.
• Multiple liable parties – Liability in truck accidents can extend beyond just the truck driver. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, or even manufacturers may share responsibility.
• Complex insurance policies – Commercial trucking policies often have much higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance, making them more aggressively defended.

With our firm’s decades of experience, we know how to navigate the insurance claims process and negotiate aggressively to ensure that our clients receive full and fair compensation.

Federal Trucking Regulations and Violations

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to prevent accidents and ensure roadway safety. However, violations are common and often contribute to accidents. Some of the most frequent regulatory violations include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Violations – Truck drivers are required to follow strict driving limits, but some exceed these hours, leading to driver fatigue.
• Overloaded or improperly secured cargo – Exceeding weight limits or failing to secure loads properly can result in rollovers or jackknife accidents.
• Neglected maintenance – Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are often the result of poor maintenance practices.

CFJ Injury Lawyers thoroughly investigates these violations by obtaining driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records to build a strong case for our clients.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a truck accident case is complex. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties could be responsible:

• Truck Driver – If the driver was fatigued, distracted, or under the influence, they can be held liable.
• Trucking Company – If the company forced the driver to exceed driving limits, failed to train employees, or neglected maintenance, they may be at fault.
• Cargo Loaders – If improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident, the loading company may share liability.
• Truck Manufacturer – If a defective part led to a crash, the truck or parts manufacturer may be liable.

As a firm deeply familiar with South Carolina trucking regulations and legal precedents, we conduct in-depth investigations and consult with industry experts to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

Why Black Box Data, Driver Logs, and Maintenance Records Matter

Trucking companies are required to maintain electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record crucial data such as speed, braking patterns, and hours of operation. These “black box” records, along with driver logs and maintenance reports, provide essential evidence in proving negligence. At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we take immediate legal action to preserve this evidence before it can be lost or destroyed.

How CFJ Injury Lawyers Handle Truck Accident Cases

At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we understand that navigating a truck accident claim can feel overwhelming. Our step-by-step approach ensures that our clients feel supported and informed throughout the process:

Step 1: Free Case Review

We offer a no-cost consultation where we evaluate the details of your accident and advise you on the next steps. Our team will listen to your concerns and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Step 2: Investigation & Evidence Collection

Our attorneys gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, truck maintenance records, and black box data to build a strong case. We also work with accident reconstruction experts to uncover the true cause of the accident.

Step 3: Determining Liability

Through meticulous research and legal expertise, we determine who is responsible and how best to pursue compensation on your behalf.

Step 4: Negotiation with Insurance Companies

We aggressively negotiate with trucking companies and insurers to secure maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team is skilled at handling insurance adjusters who attempt to minimize payouts.

Step 5: Litigation (If Necessary)

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial-tested attorneys have successfully litigated numerous truck accident cases, always advocating for our clients’ best interests.

South Carolina Truck Accident Statistics

• In 2022, over 5,000 truck-related crashes occurred in South Carolina, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities.
• The I-26 and I-95 corridors are among the most dangerous trucking routes in the state.
• Driver fatigue accounts for nearly 13% of all truck accidents nationwide, making it a leading cause of serious crashes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in South Carolina?

A: South Carolina has a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits. However, crucial evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

Q: What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

A: Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

A: Even if a truck driver is classified as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be held liable depending on the circumstances.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

A: At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

A: South Carolina follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Contact CFJ Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to get legal help. CFJ Injury Lawyers has the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.

To discuss the details of your accident, contact CFJ Injury Lawyers in North Charleston today. As always, our evaluation is free of charge.

Injured in a Truck Accident in South Carolina?

Review our comprehensive blog library below:

• Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents and Their Long-Term Effects
• What You Should Know About Truck Maintenance Records and Liability in South Carolina
• The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer Experienced in Truck Accident Cases
• How Driver Fatigue Contributes to Truck Accidents in South Carolina
• The Role of Black Box Data in Truck Accident Investigations
• What to Do If You’re Injured in a Truck Accident in Charleston, SC
• Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident Case in South Carolina?
• How Federal Trucking Regulations Impact Your Accident Claim in South Carolina
• The Top 5 Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina
• What Makes Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?