Charleston Truck Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyer

At Hammack Law Firm, a Charleston drunk driving accidents victim lawyer is here to help if an intoxicated truck driver caused your collision and injuries. We firmly believe you should not have to pay for your medical care, lost wages, and other expenses out of pocket when a drunk driver was responsible.

Our team of attorneys provides complimentary consultations and case evaluations to truck accident victims in Charleston County and other communities in South Carolina. We will help you take a stand and hold the driver and their employer accountable for their illegal and reckless actions.

How Much is a Charleston Drunk Driving Truck Collision Case Worth?

At Hammack Law Firm, our team fights for justice for our clients. This means seeking fair compensation in the form of a settlement or court award. However, each case is different. The value of your case will likely be very different from other drunk driving or truck collisions.

The nature and severity of your injuries will play a significant role. You can see this by reviewing some of our recent truck accident case results:

• $1,600,000 settlement for a couple with lasting injuries after a head-on collision with a truck
• $400,000 settlement for a driver who suffered multiple fractures to their foot and ankle in a collision with a tractor-trailer
• $135,000 settlement for a client with neck and shoulder soft tissue injuries (whiplash) after a truck struck them from behind

As a part of handling your case, our team will identify your expenses and losses to estimate a fair value for your claim. This could include:

• Current and future medical treatment and care
• Ongoing care and support costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Vehicle repair
• Miscellaneous related expenses
• Pain and suffering damages

Under South Carolina Code § 15-51-10, family members whose loved ones passed away from their injuries can pursue damages via a wrongful death action.

We will explain how South Carolina law governs wrongful death actions. The state designates who can benefit from this legal action and who is eligible to bring it forward on behalf of surviving family members.

Hammack Law Firm Will Help You Hold the Liable Parties Accountable

At Hammack Law Firm, we are not afraid to take a stance against trucking companies and the trucking industry. We push for additional safety measures that protect other motorists and make South Carolina safer for everyone.

We believe accident victims need justice when a professional driver drinks and gets behind the wheel. There is no excuse for this behavior. We build strong cases and prepare each one for trial. While most settle outside of court, we will take your case to trial if necessary.

We generally file claims against the driver and their employer based on the respondeat superior doctrine and case law supporting vicarious liability in these claims, including Adams v. S.C. Power Co. (1942). A trucking company can be liable for the actions of their drivers if they were performing their job duties, such as driving their truck, when the accident occurred.

Standing Up to the Insurance Companies and Demanding Compensation

Our team puts in the work necessary to build a strong argument for justice and financial recovery for every client. We always seek monetary damages and hold those who caused our client’s injuries accountable. This is usually possible through:

• Filing an insurance claim and negotiating a just settlement; or
• Suing the trucking company and driver and asking the court to award damages

Our team handles every step of this process, letting you focus on healing. We understand this is likely one of the most traumatic and stressful times you have faced. We are here for you and want to ensure you have an attorney and advocate on your side throughout the legal process.

How Can I Prove a Charleston Drunk Driving Truck Accident Case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) holds tractor-trailer drivers to a higher standard than most other motorists. While the legal limit is generally 0.08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC), commercial truck drivers are held to a limit of just 0.04 percent.

If a driver has a CDL permit and is behind the wheel of a big rig, they may face arrest, civil penalties, and sanctions for driving under the influence under these federal regulations.

When the truck driver causes an accident, Hammack Law Firm can take steps to help victims like you seek the justice they need. This includes:

• Assessing the strength of the case for free
• Answering your questions and explaining your rights
• Identifying the liable parties
• Managing all case-related communications
• Collecting evidence to support your claim
• Negotiating with the insurer
• Pursuing a lawsuit if needed

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were almost 4,000 truck accidents in the state in 2019, causing 2,921 injuries or deaths. If you suffered injuries in one of them, Hammack Law Firm is here for you.

Deadlines for Taking Legal Action in a Charleston Truck Accident Case

Like other states, South Carolina has a statute of limitations that creates a deadline for suing a truck driver and their employer for injuries or wrongful death. Under S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530, you likely only have up to three years to begin your lawsuit.

Some circumstances could reduce this time even further. In addition, there are many steps we will need to take to prepare the case for legal action. We encourage truck accident victims to get started as soon as their injuries allow.

Hammack Law Firm Fights to Protect the Rights of Truck Accident Victims in S.C.

At Hammack Law Firm, our truck accident team knows how dangerous it is when an intoxicated driver gets behind the wheel of a big rig. There is no excuse for this. We will help you seek justice and compensation via an insurance claim or lawsuit.

Call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 to get started right away with a free consultation with our team.