Common Injuries Sustained in Truck Accidents and Their Long-Term Effects

Truck accidents in South Carolina can have devastating consequences for victims and their families. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, collisions often result in life-altering injuries that require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term financial support. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there were over 5,000 truck accidents in the state in the last recorded year, with a significant percentage leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we understand the overwhelming challenges that truck accident victims face. With over 40 years of experience advocating for injured individuals, our firm is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for our clients. Catherine F. Juhas, a seasoned attorney licensed in South Carolina, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, along with Eric Saleme, an experienced personal injury lawyer fluent in Spanish, lead our team with a commitment to personalized, results-driven representation.

Severe Injuries from Truck Accidents and Their Impact

1. Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal cord injuries are among the most severe consequences of truck accidents. Victims often experience partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong medical treatment and adaptive equipment.

• Medical Impact:

Damage to the spinal cord can result in quadriplegia or paraplegia, leading to a loss of sensation and mobility.

• Financial Burden:

The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center estimates that the lifetime costs of a spinal cord injury can range from $1.2 million to over $5 million, depending on the severity.

• Emotional Toll:

Many SCI victims suffer from depression and anxiety due to the drastic lifestyle changes and loss of independence.

2. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries are another common outcome of truck crashes, often leading to long-term cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in personality.

• Medical Impact:

TBIs can cause permanent brain damage, affecting speech, coordination, and mental function.

• Financial Burden:

Treatment costs for severe TBIs can exceed $3 million over a victim’s lifetime.

• Emotional Toll:

Families often struggle with the behavioral changes of a loved one who has sustained a brain injury, requiring therapy and ongoing support.

3. Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck accident can cause blunt force trauma, leading to severe internal injuries such as liver lacerations, kidney damage, and punctured lungs.

• Medical Impact:

Internal injuries often require emergency surgery and long-term monitoring for complications.

• Financial Burden:

The cost of treating internal injuries varies but can be hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity.

• Emotional Toll:

Recovery can be prolonged and unpredictable, leading to significant stress on victims and their families.

How CFJ Injury Lawyers Can Help You Navigate the Truck Accident Process

Handling a truck accident case in South Carolina is not the same as dealing with a car accident claim. Trucking companies and their insurers have aggressive legal teams that work to minimize payouts to victims. CFJ Injury Lawyers has extensive experience investigating truck accidents, negotiating with insurers, and fighting for fair compensation in court when necessary. Our team will:

• Conduct a thorough investigation into the truck accident, gathering crucial evidence such as black box data, truck driver logs, and witness statements.
• Work with medical professionals to assess the full impact of your injuries and ensure that all future treatment costs are considered in your claim.
• Handle all negotiations with the trucking company and insurance providers to maximize your compensation.
• Provide clear communication throughout the entire process, keeping you informed and supported every step of the way.

We know that financial stress is one of the biggest concerns for accident victims, which is why we operate on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

FAQs: Truck Accident Injuries in South Carolina

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

A: In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to begin the investigation and preserve evidence.

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

A: Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress

Q: What if the truck driver was partially at fault?

A: South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the accident.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim?

A: Yes. Truck accident claims are complex and involve multiple parties, including trucking companies and insurance providers. An experienced attorney from CFJ Injury Lawyers can help navigate these complexities and ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

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

At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and we only get paid if we win your case.

Contact CFJ Injury Lawyers for Trusted Legal Representation

Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, but you don’t have to navigate the legal system alone. At CFJ Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for injured victims across North Charleston and the surrounding areas. With decades of combined experience, our legal team understands the medical, financial, and emotional toll of truck accident injuries.

We have successfully handled hundreds of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether you need help dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal action against a negligent truck driver, our firm has the resources, knowledge, and dedication to stand by your side.