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South Carolina Personal Injury Law Blog

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What Should I Do Immediately After a Logging Truck Accident?

With the logging industry being integral to South Carolina’s economy, logging truck accidents are becoming more prevalent each year. Given that a logging truck can weigh up to 88,000 pounds, the speed of a collision can result in devastating consequences.

If you have been involved in an accident with a logging truck, you may be facing lost income and copious medical expenses. At Oxner & Stacy Law Firm, LLC, we have assisted numerous truck injury victims in negotiating with insurance companies. When you work with our Georgetown truck accident attorneys, you give yourself the best chance of recovering maximum compensation on your claim. 

Move to Safety

After your accident, if your vehicle can still be driven, be sure to move it to safety, typically to the shoulder. If you are unable to turn your vehicle on, put it in neutral and push it off the roadway.

Seek Medical Attention

If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. The paramedics who arrive on the scene can administer oxygen, control bleeding, and stabilize fractures. If you can render medical assistance under South Carolina’s “Good Samaritan Law,” you can do so without facing liability. Be aware that without medical training, rendering assistance in some cases can do more harm than good.

Call the Police

Under South Carolina law, if there are any injuries or fatalities or if property damage exceeds $1,000, you must contact law enforcement following your logging truck accident. The police officer who arrives on the scene will take down a report detailing the time/date/location, names of the parties involved, and who the officer believes caused the crash. The police report is valuable evidence to support your truck accident case.

Exchange Information

Do not leave the accident scene before providing your insurance information, vehicle registration, and driver’s license to the other parties involved in the crash. To avoid making an error, take pictures of important documentation to ensure the information is accurate.

Document the Scene of the Accident

The aftermath of a truck accident often involves vehicle wreckage and debris. Be sure to take pictures of any broken taillights and shredded tires and even identify landmarks. The more information you can provide, the better, allowing an accident reconstructionist to recreate the scene.

Get the Names of any Eyewitnesses

An eyewitness can provide an impartial perspective on your logging truck accident, shedding light on what occurred through a neutral lens. If anyone witnessed your accident, you should write down their name and phone number in case you need the individual to testify.

Benefits of Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer

The claims process is complex, requiring that certain documentation be submitted in a specific time frame. Besides establishing liability, you will want to demonstrate any accident-related losses. This may include economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are any losses that directly take money out of your pocketbook, which may include:

In contrast, noneconomic damages are nonpecuniary losses that impact your quality of life. These may include:

Our firm typically uses the multiplier method to calculate noneconomic damages. This method involves rating the severity of your injuries on a scale from 1.5 to 5 (least to most severe). Then, we multiply this number by your total economic damages to reach a final amount for your noneconomic damages. At Oxner & Stacy Law Firm, LLC, we aim to safeguard our clients’ rights. When you hire our Georgetown truck accident attorneys, you can be assured that the relief you seek is just.

Reach Out to a Georgetown Truck Accident Lawyer Today

Each year, thousands of logging truck accidents occur, forever changing the course of people’s lives. If you or a loved one have been injured in a logging truck accident, our Georgetown truck accident lawyers are here to assist you with your claim. With over 30 years of experience helping injury victims recover fair compensation, we are ready to advocate with the insurance company on your behalf. To schedule your consultation, contact us online or give us a call.