Camden, SC Truck Accident Lawyer

Camden, SC Truck Accident Attorney

When a commercial truck strikes a vehicle, the trauma from the experience may linger well past the initial impact. This is because commercial trucks are some of the heftiest vehicles on the road and can cause major damage if an accident occurs. If you sustain injuries or damage after being involved in a truck accident, you should consider hiring a Camden, SC truck accident lawyer immediately. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of reaching the settlement you deserve.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Truck drivers must receive special licenses called commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to work as a driver. These licenses require not only written examinations and road tests but also certain compliance standards set by the Department of Transportation. In general, the training and standards set to drive a truck are extensive, so when accidents happen, the truck driver may have been negligent. Here are just some causes of truck accidents:

• Distracted driving: If a truck driver engages in distracted driving, either because of smartphone communication or even daydreaming, accidents can happen. A truck driver can either strike another vehicle or force them off of the road.
• Driving while fatigued: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) ensures safety by setting work limits and sleep requirements for drivers. Because drivers spend a great deal of time on the road, it is important they also get enough rest and sleep between jobs for everyone’s safety. If a driver neglects to get adequate sleep and drives drowsy or falls asleep behind the wheel, deadly or harmful accidents can happen.
• Speeding: Speeding is dangerous for any vehicle, but when a massive commercial truck speeds down a highway or any road, the result can be severe. Trucks require much greater distances between other vehicles, so they have enough time to stop. If they are speeding, this distance shortens, and accidents can occur.
• Breaking traffic laws: Traffic laws are designed to keep drivers safe and protected. If a truck driver breaks a traffic law by making illegal U-turns, driving on the wrong side of the street, or refusing to use traffic signals or other laws, it is a form of negligence. If this negligence results in a traffic accident, the victim may be able to recover damages.
• Poor maintenance: Just like all vehicles, commercial trucks require regular maintenance. This maintenance ensures all parts are working to their fullest extent. If a truck driver skips a maintenance check and there is an equipment failure, this may cause a serious accident.
• Impairment: Driving under the influence, or DUI, is illegal in all 50 states. A person may get a DUI for driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medications if used improperly. If a commercial driver decides to get behind the wheel impaired, they can cause fatal or harmful accidents.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Truck Accident in Camden, SC?

After the initial shock of being involved in a truck accident wears off, you have several steps to take. Engaging in each of these steps will help you build a case and reach a settlement that may provide some relief after your accident. If you are involved in a truck accident, here is what you should do soon after:

• Check yourself and your passengers for safety and severe harm.
• Contact the police department and file an accident report. It is important not to make accusations of fault during this step.
• Seek immediate medical attention from an emergency medical technician.
• Collect contact information from eyewitnesses or others involved in the accident.
• Schedule a doctor’s appointment to assess your injuries thoroughly.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer who focuses on truck accidents. The sooner you can contact a lawyer, the better your chances of building a case.

How to Apply for Truck Accident Claims in Camden, SC

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Camden, SC, follow these steps to protect your rights and file a claim effectively:

1. Seek Medical Help & Report the Accident

First, call 911 to ensure emergency services document injuries and create an official police report. Under South Carolina law, all accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to law enforcement. Exchange insurance and contact details with the truck driver, but avoid admitting fault.

2. Gather Evidence

Collect photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Obtain witness contact information and request a copy of the police report from the Camden Police Department or Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office.

3. Notify Insurers

South Carolina is a “fault” state, meaning you’ll file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. Submit a written notice to the trucking company’s insurance provider, including evidence and medical records.

4.  File a Claim with the SC Department of Motor Vehicle

If the accident caused injury or significant damage, submit Form FR-10 to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days. This form is mandatory for legal claims.

5. Consult a Camden, SC Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident claims involve complex state and federal regulations. A truck accident lawyer can help negotiate with insurers, calculate damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering), and ensure compliance with South Carolina’s 3-year statute of limitations.

Where do most Truck Accidents occur in Camden, SC

Truck accidents in Camden, SC, often cluster around high-traffic corridors and intersections with heavy commercial vehicle activity. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) 2023 Crash Report, the following areas are hotspots:

• Interstate 20 (I-20) Exits 92–98

I-20, a major east-west freight route, sees frequent truck collisions near Camden due to high speeds, driver fatigue, and merging traffic. The SCDPS notes that this stretch accounted for 38% of Camden’s truck accidents.

• US Highway 521 (Broad Street)

US Highway 521 roadway connects Camden to Columbia and Charlotte, attracting large trucks. The intersection of Broad Street and DeKalb Street is flagged for rear-end collisions, often linked to sudden stops and distracted driving.

• Downtown Camden (Rutledge Street & Market Street)

Narrow lanes and pedestrian traffic create risks during delivery hours. The SC Department of Transportation (SCDOT) identifies limited visibility and parked vehicles as key factors in these crashes.

FAQs About Camden, SC Truck Accident Laws

Q: How Much Are Most Truck Accident Settlements?

A: Truck accident settlements vary by case and are largely dependent upon the lawyer’s skill, the discretion of the judge, successfully proving fault and negligence, the severity of the injuries suffered, and other factors. Your Camden, SC Truck Accident Lawyer can give you a better idea of their history of success and how much you may expect to receive according to your unique case.

Q: What Can I Sue for in a Truck Accident?

A: You can sue for several things in a truck accident, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and more. Truck accidents can be relatively harmless to life-threatening and severe. No matter the case, if you can prove negligence and suffer any damage, you may have a lawsuit. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer in Camden, SC can help you better ascertain the details of your case.

Q: How Soon After the Accident Should I Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me?

A: You should contact a lawyer soon after your accident. Your first step is to check on yourself and any passengers to determine if you should seek immediate medical treatment. After that, you should contact the police to file a report but refrain from discussing who is at fault; you may want to collect any evidence at the scene of the accident as you can, such as eyewitness accounts; and after seeking medical attention, you should contact your lawyer.

Q: How Do I Sue for a Truck Accident Without a Lawyer?

A: It is possible to sue for a truck accident without a lawyer, though it is highly recommended that you seek a lawyer’s counsel instead. This is because proving fault and negligence is difficult with truck accidents, and your lawyer is likely to be more experienced with laws surrounding truck accidents, the insurance claim process, and going to trial. Your Camden, SC Truck Accident Attorney can also be there to support you throughout the entire process, which is needed in such a vulnerable state.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

Being hit by a commercial truck can be traumatic, painful, and life-changing. Not only do you have to endure the pain from any physical injuries that may have been caused, but you may also have to deal with emotional pain, financial constraints, and even mental anguish. At Deas Law Firm, we can help you recover damages from all of these grievances whether your case reaches a courtroom or not. Do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. Our  Camden, SC Truck Accident Lawyer are here to help.

Contact Deas Law Firm Today

At Deas Law Firm, we work tirelessly for you to make sure you are fairly compensated on your personal injury case. From slip and fall cases or even catastrophic injury cases, Deas Law Firm is ready to fight for you and your rights. Call us today or fill out the online form to discuss your personal injury case.