South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers

Personal Injury Lawyers / Nation’s Top Rated Truck Accident Lawyers – Munley Law® / South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyers

Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel through South Carolina on major routes like I-26, I-85, I-95, and I-77, transporting goods to and from ports, cities, and rural communities. While trucking is vital to the state’s economy, it also poses serious risks on the road. Each year, there are thousands of accidents involving heavy trucks on South Carolina roads. When a crash involves an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer, the consequences can be devastating, resulting in catastrophic injuries, lifelong disabilities, or even death.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident in South Carolina, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurers. At Munley Law, truck accident litigation is not just part of what we do; it’s one of our core focuses. Our nationally recognized truck accident attorneys have decades of experience handling high-stakes truck accident cases across the country, and we know what it takes to win.

Whether your accident happened in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Florence, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.

Common Causes of South Carolina Truck Accidents

South Carolina’s location along the I-95 corridor and its busy ports like Charleston make it a hub for commercial truck traffic. Major interstates like I-26, I-77, I-85, and I-20 see thousands of trucks passing through cities such as Columbia, Greenville, Florence, and Spartanburg each day. While this is vital for commerce, it also increases the risk of serious truck accidents. Below are some of the most common causes of truck crashes across South Carolina.

Drowsy Driving

Truck drivers often travel long distances and face pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This can lead to fatigue, especially on long stretches of highway like I-26 between Charleston and Columbia or I-95 through Florence and the Lowcountry. Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, some drivers push beyond safe limits. Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment, making drowsy driving a leading cause of devastating truck accidents in South Carolina and nationwide.

An experienced truck accident lawyer at Munley Law can investigate the truck driver’s logs, electronic data recordings, and company records to ascertain whether hours of service violations may have played a role in the crash that caused your injuries.

Distracted Driving

Whether it’s checking a GPS while navigating downtown Columbia, adjusting the radio on a rural route, or using a cellphone on I-85 near Greenville, distracted driving continues to be a major problem among commercial drivers. A few seconds of inattention can lead to a catastrophic collision, particularly when operating a vehicle that weighs upwards of 40 tons.

Drunk or Impaired Driving

Although less common than other factors, truck drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even prescription medications pose a deadly risk. Impaired driving can occur anywhere, but it’s particularly dangerous on congested routes near urban centers like Charleston or Myrtle Beach, where quick decisions and alert driving are essential.

Speeding

Speeding is a leading factor in all kinds of auto accidents, but it’s especially dangerous when a large truck is involved. Trucks require longer stopping distances, and excessive speed makes it harder to control the vehicle — particularly on South Carolina’s winding upstate roads or during sudden congestion near cities like Rock Hill or Sumter. When trucks speed in poor weather or construction zones, the risks are even greater.

Unbalanced Loads

South Carolina sees a high volume of freight coming from the Port of Charleston and traveling inland via I-26 and I-77. When cargo is improperly loaded or not secured, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unstable and tip over. This is a frequent cause of rollover accidents and jackknifing, especially on curves and exit ramps.

Defective Vehicle Parts

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, or other mechanical failures are common causes of truck crashes across the state. In areas with heavy truck traffic like Florence, Anderson, or Lexington, a single vehicle failure can create multi-car pileups. Regular maintenance is legally required, but when it’s neglected, lives are put at risk.

At Munley Law, we investigate all possible causes of your truck accident, including driver behavior, vehicle maintenance records, and company policies. If you were injured in a truck crash anywhere in South Carolina, from Charleston to Greenville, we’re here to help you seek the full compensation you deserve.

Common South Carolina Truck Accident Injuries

A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, even a seemingly minor truck crash can result in devastating injuries for passenger vehicle occupants. Victims of truck crashes in South Carolina frequently suffer severe physical trauma, long-term disabilities, and extensive emotional and financial burdens. The role of a South Carolina truck accident lawyer is to assess the full monetary value of these burdens and obtain compensation for you from the trucking company and insurance companies. Below are some of the most common and serious injuries associated with truck accidents:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Because the brain is such a delicate and vital organ, even a moderate injury can have widespread and lasting effects on nearly every aspect of a person’s life. A traumatic brain injury can occur when a victim’s head strikes an object, or when the brain is violently jolted inside the skull due to the force of the crash. Head trauma can range from concussions to life-threatening brain hemorrhages and permanent cognitive damage.

One of the most challenging aspects of a TBI is that symptoms can be subtle or delayed. Victims may initially seem fine, only to develop serious problems days or weeks later. Recovery from a TBI is often lengthy, unpredictable, and expensive. Some people regain full function, while others are left with lasting impairments that prevent them from returning to work or performing daily tasks independently. TBIs can also take a toll on a victim’s mental health and personal relationships, creating a ripple effect across every area of life. Victims may experience memory loss, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, headaches, or even loss of motor skills. In the most severe cases, a TBI can require lifelong medical care or leave a person unable to live independently.

Because TBIs are so medically and legally complex, it’s critical to work with a truck accident attorney who understands the nature of these injuries and knows how to calculate the true, long-term cost of care, loss of income, and diminished quality of life. At Munley Law, we work with top medical experts to ensure our clients receive the support and compensation they need to navigate the road ahead.

Internal Organ Damage

The violent impact of a truck collision can cause serious internal injuries, including damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen. These injuries may not be immediately visible but can quickly become life-threatening without prompt medical attention. Internal bleeding is especially dangerous and often requires emergency surgery. Even with treatment, organ damage can result in long-term complications and significant recovery time.

Back Injuries and Spinal Cord Damage

Neck and back injuries are among the most common types of injuries truck accident victims experience. The force of a truck accident can cause major trauma to the spine, leading to herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or, in the most severe cases, spinal cord injuries that result in partial or complete paralysis. Even less severe back injuries can cause chronic pain, limit mobility, and interfere with a victim’s ability to work or perform daily tasks. Spine injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term medical care.

Broken Bones

Truck accidents frequently result in fractured or shattered bones, especially in high-impact crashes involving rollovers or underride collisions. Broken ribs, arms, legs, hips, or facial bones may require surgical repair, metal implants, and extensive rehabilitation. In some cases, bone injuries can lead to permanent deformity, loss of function, or even amputation if the damage is severe enough.

These injuries can affect every aspect of a truck accident victim’s life, from their ability to earn a living to their long-term physical and emotional wellbeing. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a South Carolina truck accident, the attorneys at Munley Law are here to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

Do I need a lawyer for my South Carolina truck accident case?

If you were in an accident that involved a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, dump truck, or big rig, you may be wondering why you need an attorney to represent you in the first place. Unfortunately, trucking and insurance companies make it very difficult for accident victims to recover for their injuries. They may deny responsibility and refuse to cover losses. An experienced truck accident lawyer understands this playbook and the winning strategies to recoup what you deserve under the law. Specifically, our truck accident attorneys can help by:

Identifying who may be held responsible for the truck accident and pursuing all possible sources of recovery

After discussing how your truck accident occurred and learning more about the factual background of your case, we will determine the best parties and claims to maximize your chances of winning. In addition to the truck driver or company at fault, there may be less obvious sources of compensation who may be held accountable as well.

Protecting you from financial risk

Bringing legal action against a major transportation company can be expensive. At our firm, we work on a contingent fee basis, which means we only get paid when we win your case. We put forth all of the resources necessary to build a winning case – hiring expert witnesses, conducting investigation and discovery, working with top-tier attorneys –  and if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Under this arrangement, we accept all of the risk so that you don’t have to venture any of your own money in order to get the justice you deserve.

Investigating your truck accident and gathering evidence to win your case

In order to recover for your injuries, you will need a lot of documents and proof. Obtaining medical records, police reports, truck driver logs, black box data, insurance documents, and other evidence is often impossible or incredibly time-consuming unless you know the proper procedures. We will also pay to hire industry experts, physicians, and scientists to consult as experts who will reconstruct the accident and your injuries testify before a jury at trial if needed.

Negotiating on your behalf

Our lawyers and paralegals will deal with the defendants and their insurance companies on your behalf so that you can focus on recovering from your accident. Our Truck Accident Team has 60 years of experience in tactically negotiating large settlements for our clients, including a recent settlement of $26 million for a victim of a tractor-trailer collision.

Representing you at trial

While most personal injury cases settle, we are always ready to bring your case to trial if necessary. Some personal injury lawyers have limited experience in front of a jury, but the courtroom is where our truck accident attorneys thrive. Our board-certified trial lawyers have decades of courtroom experience and know how to present a winning case to the jury.

In South Carolina, can I sue a major trucking company for my truck accident injuries?

Yes, in South Carolina, you can sue a major trucking company for your truck accident injuries if the company’s negligence contributed to the crash. In many cases, the trucking company may be held directly or vicariously liable for the actions of its truck drivers and for broader safety violations under both state and federal law. You may be able to sue the trucking company if:

• The driver was an employee and was acting within the scope of their job duties when the crash occurred. Under South Carolina law, employers are generally responsible for the negligent acts of their employees.
• The company failed to properly train or supervise the driver.
• The company pressured the driver to violate federal safety regulations — such as hours-of-service limits — to meet unreasonable delivery deadlines.
• The trucking company knowingly hired a driver with a poor safety record, a history of DUIs, or other disqualifying issues.
• The company neglected vehicle maintenance, leading to equipment failure like a tire blowout or brake failure.
• The company or its contractors improperly loaded cargo, resulting in a rollover, jackknife, or cargo spill.

Going after the trucking company, not just the truck driver, can significantly increase the chances of a meaningful financial recovery. Trucking companies typically carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers, and they are more likely to have the financial resources to pay for medical bills, lost income, long-term care, and other damages.

However, trucking companies (especially national carriers) often have powerful legal teams and aggressive insurance adjusters who will try to minimize or deny your claim. That’s why it’s essential to work with a South Carolina truck accident lawyer who has experience handling cases against large trucking companies.

Who can be held legally responsible in a truck accident claim?

In a South Carolina truck accident claim, multiple parties may be held legally responsible, depending on the facts of the crash. Unlike a typical car accident, truck accidents often involve layers of liability, including the driver, their employer, contractors, maintenance crews, and even manufacturers. Identifying all responsible parties is critical to maximizing your compensation. Here’s who may be held legally liable in a South Carolina truck accident case:

The Truck Driver

If the driver was negligent by speeding, driving distracted, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving under the influence, they can be held personally responsible. In most cases, if the driver was working within the scope of their job, their employer can also be held liable for the driver’s actions.

The Trucking Company

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, a trucking company can be held liable for the actions of its drivers. But the company may also be directly negligent if it:

• Failed to properly vet, train, or supervise drivers
• Encouraged unsafe driving practices to meet delivery quotas
• Failed to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
• Neglected regular vehicle maintenance and inspections

Cargo Loaders or Shippers

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or falling debris. If a third-party company was responsible for loading the truck and did so negligently, they may be held accountable for any resulting accidents.

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

Sometimes, a crash is caused not by driver error but by a defective truck part, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering components. If mechanical failure caused or contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that defective part may bear responsibility under product liability laws.

Maintenance Contractors

Many trucking companies outsource vehicle inspections and repairs to third-party contractors. If the accident was caused by poor or negligent maintenance, the service provider responsible could be held liable.

Government Entities or Road Contractors

If hazardous road conditions like poor signage, unmarked construction zones, or lack of guardrails contributed to the crash, a government agency or road contractor might share liability. These cases have special procedures and shorter deadlines for filing, so legal action must be taken quickly.

Compensation for South Carolina truck accident victims

Truck accident victims don’t just face painful physical injuries; they also must face the financial consequences of a serious truck crash, including medical bills, time missed from work, and more. If you suffered injuries because of a negligent truck driver, you shouldn’t have to bear these burdens on your own. You deserve fair compensation for your losses, but obtaining the funds you deserve is not as easy as it may seem. That’s where an experienced truck accident attorney can make a world of difference. Compensation in a South Carolina truck accident claim may include:

• Medical expenses
• Emergency treatment
• Future medical treatment
• Physical therapy
• Mental health counseling
• Lost wages
• Lost earning power
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

If the truck accident claimed the life of a loved one, the deceased person’s estate may file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving family members for burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of financial support, and more.

South Carolina does not place a limit (also called a “damage cap”) on economic damages, but there is a limit for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A skilled truck accident lawyer will work with medical and economic experts to calculate the full value of your claim and fight for every dollar you are owed.

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

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. If a loved one died in a truck accident, you have 3 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Failing to file your lawsuit before the deadline expires can result in your case being dismissed, no matter how strong the evidence is. Also, important evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and surveillance footage can be lost or destroyed over time. The sooner you speak with a truck accident lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.

Get a free case review from the nation’s leading truck accident lawyers

At Munley Law, truck accident litigation is a core area of our practice. Our truck accident attorneys are nationally recognized leaders in trucking law, with decades of experience representing victims of commercial truck crashes across the country. Marion Munley and Daniel Munley have both held leadership positions in the American Association for Justice (AAJ) Trucking Litigation Group, an exclusive network of the top truck accident lawyers in the nation. We regularly work with accident reconstruction experts, analyze black box data, and hold trucking companies accountable for violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Our deep understanding of the trucking industry, combined with our record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, makes Munley Law one of the most trusted firms in the country for complex truck accident claims.

Call today for a free consultation with a South Carolina truck accident lawyer. We work on a contingency basis, which means we do not get paid unless we win your case.