South Carolina truck accident lawyer Mark Bringardner of Bringardner Injury Law Firm has won more than $100 million in compensation for his clients. He represents victims of truck accidents across the entire state of South Carolina.
Bringardner Injury Law Firm is a truck accident firm that represents victims statewide. To see how our legal team may be able assist you or your family, call (843) 380-5429 or send us a message through our website.
Experienced South Carolina Lawyers for Truck Accident Claims
If you have been hurt in a truck accident, or if a loved one has been killed, you may qualify to receive financial compensation. However, trucking companies often have large legal teams, and their insurance companies want to minimize their payouts.
When you hire Bringardner Injury Law Firm, our lawyers for truck accidents are experienced and determined. We have been recognized by Best Lawyers® and Mark Bringardner has been rated and named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for many years. Bringardner Injury Law Firm is where South Carolina truck accident victims can turn for justice.
Wherever you are located in South Carolina, and even if you were injured while traveling through the state, we invite you to contact us. Discuss your situation with a lawyer, meet our team and see how we can help you. Contact us today.
Types of Truck Accident Cases
Speeding other traffic violations
Many truck collisions are the result of traffic violations, like speeding and distracted driving. Even a minor violation can have drastic consequences given the weight and size of big rigs on the road.
Lane change violations and rollovers
Trucks have large blind spots. They should change lanes only when they can do so safely. A side swipe accident may occur, or a driver may lose control of their vehicle while attempting to evade a truck that has improperly changed lanes.
Rear-end and underride
Rear-end and underride collisions can result in serious injuries and property damage.
Head-on and T-bone
Trucks often travel on two-lane highways. If they cross the centerline, a head-on collision may occur. T-bone accidents may be the result of an improper turn.
USDOT violations
Trucking companies must follow regulations that cover many aspects of their operations including equipment and safety features on their vehicles, mandatory rest periods and driver licensing requirements. Failing to follow regulations may be an underlying factor in an accident.
Negligent hiring, retention, and training
Trucking companies are responsible for the drivers they hire. They are also responsible for training and supervising them adequately. Legal discovery procedures can help you investigate and gather information about the company’s practices.
Drunk driving and driving under the influence
Drunk driving and driving under the influence are especially dangerous when it involves a commercial vehicle. Chemical testing and factual witnesses can provide vital evidence when a truck accident involves impaired driving.
18-wheelers, semi-trucks, industrial equipment
We handle cases involving many kinds of trucks including 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, industrial vehicles and delivery trucks.
Load and trailer obstructions
If the contents of the truck drop, blow off or escape, others on the road are in harm’s way. In addition, something being towed may create an obstruction in the roadway.
Manufacturing and design defects
If the design of a vehicle or a manufacturing defect played a role in the accident or injuries, the defect may be the basis for legal liability.
Wrongful death, catastrophic injury
When a truck accident results in wrongful death or catastrophic injury, legal procedures and advocacy are important to build a strong and thorough case.
Understanding South Carolina Truck Accident Laws
The commercial trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the United States Department of Transportation. In addition, legal principles of negligence and due care apply to truck drivers and trucking companies.
Negligence is based on four elements:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The defendant breached their duty by acting negligently (can be based on omission)
- As a result, the plaintiff suffered harm
- Damages resulted to the plaintiff
Bloom v Ravoira, 339 S.C. 417 (2000). All drivers must follow South Carolina Code of Laws Title 56 – Motor Vehicles, Chapter 5, Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways. These laws apply even when the trucking company is from out of state or the driver holds an out of state license.
Drivers have a duty to be careful and see what there is to be seen. Trucks are especially large, and drivers should be trained to operate them safely. The legal standard is what a reasonable and prudent truck driver should do. Violating a traffic law, like speeding, following too closely, or improper lane change are just some examples of conduct that may amount to negligence under the law.
Many claims are resolved through insurance policies. Interstate trucking companies must carry large amounts of liability insurance. At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, we are trial lawyers. Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers are experienced litigators, and we have consistently recovered large truck accident verdicts and settlements.
Ask us for a consultation to see how the law may apply to your situation and how our law firm may assist you.
Who may be responsible for a truck accident?
Parties that may be responsible for a truck accident include:
- The trucking company
- Truck driver
- Party responsible for cargo loading and security
- Vehicle maintenance company
- Contractors involved in shipping and brokering loads
Fault may be shared among multiple parties. Several liability applies in South Carolina, and a victim may name multiple defendants, if appropriate.
Why hire a South Carolina truck accident lawyer?
It’s difficult to pursue and win a significant truck accident claim without an experienced lawyer. When you have a lawyer, you have a trained professional who works on your behalf. Here are some reasons to hire a South Carolina truck accident lawyer:
Laws can be complicated
At the most basic level, South Carolina truck accident laws say that the person responsible for an accident should pay for it. But there are many laws that may apply to a claim like negligence per se, vicarious liability and trucking regulations at the state and federal level. We understand these laws. We can identify the ones that may affect the case, raising and addressing legal issues appropriately.
Legal procedure can be important
The legal process allows us to pursue evidence through discovery and file legal motions. A mistake in legal procedure can unravel your case. Your lawyer ensures that requirements are followed. They create a strategy to optimize your case while seeking to make the legal process efficient for you.
We understand how to present a case
Presenting a case at trial, or even winning a settlement, requires following the rules of evidence. There are steps that must be followed for evidence to be considered in a settlement or admitted at a hearing or trial. In addition, evidence must be presented in a way that is compelling.
We talk to the insurance company
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers that defend against cases and try to minimize their legal liability. Without a lawyer, you must talk to their representatives yourself. You may not understand the implications of what they are offering or know what to say. We take care of dealing with the insurance company, so you have a trained advocate speaking for you.
It may avoid problems you would have to fix later
Having a lawyer may help you identify and address important issues as they arise. It can prevent errors that may be difficult or impossible to undo. Our lawyers take care of important steps throughout the case.
We’re trained negotiators
Skillful negotiation is an important part of any truck accident case. The insurance company wants to pay as little as possible. Negotiations must be informed and strategic. Our team is experienced in tough negotiations. We give you the information you need to evaluate whether to accept an offer or proceed to trial.
Why Choose Our Firm?
At Bringardner Injury Law Firm, we achieve results because of our hard work, experience, grit, and determination. We also take cases to trial if the insurance company is unwilling to take responsibility. Many lawyers do not. Ensuring that our clients are fully compensated for what they have endured begins with diligently investing and building your case. We devote the necessary time and resources to every case we handle.
When you hire Bringardner Injury Law Firm, you can expect:
- Lawyers who are experienced in South Carolina trucking law and the rights of accident victims
- A legal team with a resume that includes record setting verdicts
- Advocates who take the burden off you and your family in handling the legal matter
- Updates throughout the process, and we never rush through your questions
- Trial lawyers who resolve cases through verdicts and settlements
- Capable representation throughout South Carolina
- Free consultations for all new clients
- Contingency fees, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case
Mark Bringardner has been included in “Best Lawyers” and has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40 lawyers in South Carolina. Our law firm handles all types of truck accident claims, capably addressing a wide variety of issues and advocating for our clients at all stages of a case.
Taking cases throughout South Carolina
Our South Carolina truck accident lawyers handle cases statewide. You may live in the state or be visiting from another location. We are a statewide practice with the resources to assist clients throughout South Carolina.
Work with a lawyer who takes cases to trial
Lawyer Mark Bringardner is skilled at taking cases to trial, and winning. Having a lawyer that’s willing to take cases to trial is critical to receiving all of what you deserve in compensation for a truck accident.
Insurance companies assess risk. If they know a lawyer will ultimately advise their client to accept a settlement, they may not offer very much. However, when they know a lawyer is willing to take a case to trial, if necessary, it figures into their calculation of what to offer in a settlement. We evaluate each settlement offer individually.
Bringardner Injury Law Firm will go as far as it takes to get results for clients. We are happy to take your case to trial. Since the insurance companies know this, they don’t want to run the risk that the jury will make them pay.
Whether it’s best to have a trial or accept a settlement, we work for the best interests of our clients.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in South Carolina
If you have been in a truck accident, seek medical attention right away. Physical injuries from truck accidents can be serious and even life-threatening. Seek medical attention to evaluate your injuries and receive treatment. Getting immediate medical care documents that your injuries are from the collision.
As you receive bills for care and personal expenses, keep records and receipts. Identify ways that your life has been impacted. Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What does a truck accident lawyer do?
When we represent a client in a trucking accident claim, we build the case. We conduct our own independent investigation. We often work with accident reconstruction experts to understand how and why the accident occurred. Through legal discovery, we investigate the hiring, training and employee management practices of the trucking company. We consider the laws and regulations and whether violations occurred.
By building a strong claim through diligence and hard work, we put the client in a position to fully recover for their damages to the fullest extent under the circumstances. Then, we pursue fair compensation through settlement negotiations or taking the case to trial. Throughout the case, our team communicates with the client, answering questions and personalizing our representation to their needs and interests.
Free Consultations – Talk to a Lawyer
We offer free consultations to victims and families who have been affected by trucking accidents. We’re available 24/7, and we are here whenever you need us. At your consultation, we can talk about your situation, discuss your options and answer your questions.
No fee unless you recover
We don’t charge a fee unless you receive compensation. That’s our commitment to you and your recovery.
How to contact us
Call us or submit our free case evaluation form.
When you choose us, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. Contact us now.