Being hit by a commercial truck is not like a collision with a car. The size, weight, and sheer momentum of these vehicles mean the impact is severe. These crashes leave victims with serious injuries, damaged vehicles, and a lot of uncertainty about what steps to take next.
What happens if you’re hit by a commercial truck? We will walk you through the process so that you can feel a bit more prepared.
The Immediate Impact
A truck collision is very violent. This is not a fender bender on the road. Even at low speeds, a truck can cause significant injuries. These can include broken bones and head trauma to internal injuries and spinal damage.
Along with the physical damage, the shock of the accident can be emotionally jarring. You could feel scared, disoriented, or anxious in the hours and days following the crash.
Police and Accident Investigation
Almost immediately, law enforcement gets involved. South Carolina Highway Patrol or local officers will document the scene, take statements, and collect evidence.
Since commercial trucks are involved, these reports tend to be more detailed than in a typical car accident. Officers will note road conditions, the truck’s condition, and the driver’s behavior.
In some cases, investigators will look at driver logs, along with the maintenance records and inspection reports.
These details are important since they can influence who is held responsible for the accident and how insurance claims or lawsuits may proceed.
Insurance and Liability
Commercial trucks are covered by corporate insurance policies. That means insurance adjusters and legal teams could be contacting you right away. They will evaluate the accident and review reports. All this is done to determine liability.
Remember that truck accidents involve multiple parties, so establishing responsibility can take time.
If you don’t have an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer, you could be dealing with back-and-forth negotiations. Insurers want you to close your claim, so they don’t have to pay for the full extent of your losses.
Medical and Financial Consequences
Truck accidents can lead to serious injuries that require more than a few doctor visits. Surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care may be needed. This can happen for months or years.
Along with medical costs, many victims may face lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other unexpected expenses.
Even after the initial treatment, some injuries have lasting effects. Many people experience chronic pain or face limitations that affect their daily lives.
These physical consequences also add to the emotional stress. Some people have increased levels of anxiety or a fear of driving.
Legal Proceedings and Claims
Due to the complexity of truck accidents, many cases require formal legal claims. Liability is key. Anything from the on-scene police report to medical records help make that determination. This is important because you want to make sure the right people are held accountable for the accident.
While some cases settle through negotiations, others may go to court. You could get a quick settlement. However, if there are multiple parties or insurance policies, the process might drag on for a few months.
The Timeline After a Truck Accident
From the moment of impact, the process unfolds in stages. This includes:
- Immediate medical care
- Police and insurance investigation
- Potential legal claims
- Recovery
Each stage can take time. Unfortunately, there is no set time for a resolution. The timeline varies based on the accident’s severity, the complexity of liability, and how quickly evidence can be collected.
While it can feel like a long road, knowing what happens after a truck accident can help you manage expectations and take things step by step.
Get Legal Help After a Truck Accident
What happens if you’re hit by a commercial truck? Sometimes, it can change your life in an instant. The injuries, financial burdens, and legal process make these accidents challenging.
While no two accidents are identical, when you know the aftermath, that can give you clarity and a sense of control.
At Truslow & Truslow PA, we are ready to help you after a truck accident in South Carolina. Many of these crashes are preventable, and we will hold those parties accountable for their negligent actions. Schedule a consultation today to take the next steps in your case.