Aiken Truck Accident Attorney

Helping Semi-Truck Accident Victims Secure Compensation

Truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions on South Carolina roads. Because of their massive size and weight, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries and life-changing consequences when they collide with smaller vehicles. If you or a loved one were injured in a trucking crash, you need an experienced Aiken truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights.

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges victims face after a truck accident. Our firm works tirelessly to hold negligent trucking companies, drivers, and other responsible parties accountable, helping victims pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call (803) 599-2207 today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help restore your peace of mind.

Common Types of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common types include:

• Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
• Rear-End Collisions: Trucks take much longer to stop than cars, making rear-end accidents especially dangerous.
• Underride Accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a big rig, often resulting in fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: High centers of gravity make trucks prone to tipping over, especially on sharp turns or when improperly loaded.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Trucks have large blind spots that can conceal entire vehicles, leading to dangerous lane-change crashes.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks swinging wide to make turns can trap or crush nearby vehicles.

Each of these types of accidents can result in catastrophic injuries, and proving liability requires a detailed investigation by a skilled truck accident lawyer.

Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents

Truck accidents are rarely “simple.” They often involve multiple contributing factors and sometimes several responsible parties. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truckers often drive long hours despite federal hours-of-service regulations, leading to slower reaction times and poor judgment.
• Distracted Driving: Cell phones, GPS devices, or even eating behind the wheel can divert a truck driver’s attention.
• Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Pushing delivery schedules can cause truck drivers to speed, tailgate, or make unsafe lane changes.
• Mechanical Failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts, or other equipment malfunctions caused by poor maintenance.
• Improper Loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can cause rollovers or jackknife crashes.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drugs, alcohol, or even prescription medications can impair a truck driver’s abilities.

By identifying the cause, Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC can determine who is liable and build a strong case for compensation.

Injuries Caused in 18-Wheeler Accidents

Because of the size and force of commercial trucks, victims often suffer severe and life-altering injuries, such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions, skull fractures, and long-term cognitive impairment.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, paralysis, or chronic pain.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Often requiring surgery and months of rehabilitation.
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding, sometimes fatal if untreated.
• Burns and Lacerations: From fires, explosions, or impact.
• Wrongful Death: Tragically, many truck accidents are fatal due to the sheer force of impact.

Who is Liable?

Truck accident claims can be complex because multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:

• The Truck Driver: If negligence such as fatigue, distraction, or intoxication caused the crash.
• The Trucking Company: For poor hiring practices, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations.
• Cargo Loaders: If improperly secured cargo contributed to the accident.
• Truck Manufacturers: For defective parts or equipment.
• Third-Party Maintenance Companies: If negligent repairs or inspections led to mechanical failure.

Our team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC thoroughly investigates every accident, gathering evidence such as black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records to establish liability.

Truck Accident FAQs

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

In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, acting quickly is crucial to preserve evidence.

What compensation can I recover after a truck accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Do I need a lawyer to handle a truck accident claim?

Yes. Trucking companies and their insurers have powerful legal teams working to minimize payouts. An experienced Aiken truck accident lawyer can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.

What if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?

If you lost a family member, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?

At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact an Aiken Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Aiken, SC, don’t face the trucking companies and their insurers alone. The team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is here to provide the legal guidance and aggressive advocacy you need.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Aiken truck accident attorney and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.