The consequences of accidents caused by drunk truck drivers can often include life-altering injuries, the inability to return to work, and a constantly mounting stack of medical bills. While it is true that there is no way to undo the harm that you have suffered, it is possible to get financial compensation from the at-fault drunk truck driver and any other parties that are liable for the situation.
Our drunk driving semi-truck accident lawyer at Jebaily Law Firm in Myrtle Beach is ready to assist you in seeking the full compensation that you deserve for the pain, emotional stress, and financial hardship that you have gone through as the result of a commercial vehicle operator’s reckless and irresponsible behavior. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to help you claim the maximum amount of compensation for your losses.
A Look at Some Key DUI Truck Accident Statistics
There are several key drunk driving truck accident statistics that South Carolina drivers should be aware of. The state’s Department of Public Safety notes that close to 2,500 commercial truck accidents occurred in the span of one recent year. The result of the accidents includes 133 serious injuries and 109 fatalities. There were also more than 1,800 additional injuries reported by those involved in these accidents.
Within the scope of these incidents, commercial truck drivers contributed to around 32% of crashes that involved significant injuries to those involved. This topic is further illuminated by a report from the FMCSA which state that in a recent year, 5.2% of commercial truck drivers who were involved in a fatal accident were given a citation for being impaired behind the wheel.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Hit By a Drunk Driver?
If you are involved in an automotive accident with a commercial truck driver who is suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, it is vital for you to take the following steps to protect your rights:
- Immediately Contact Law Enforcement – You should never let the other driver in an automotive accident convince you to avoid contacting the local police here in Myrtle Beach. If you do not get a police report regarding the accident, it will simply be your word against that of the truck driver.
- Document the Accident Scene With Photos and Videos – It will be to your benefit to have documentation of the scene after your accident in the form of photos and videos. This should include things such as debris on the road, traffic signals/controls, vehicle damage, and skid marks that were created.
- Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible – If you have been hurt in an automobile accident, seeking out medical attention is vitally important. Your doctor can effectively diagnose your injuries and prescribe a course of treatment.
- Maintain Accurate Financial Records – You should always carefully track all of your expenses/financial losses after being involved in an accident that was caused by the actions of a drunk commercial truck driver. This should include things such as medical bills, income records that demonstrate your lost wages and vehicle repair costs.
It is also important for you to quickly speak with our drunk driving semi-truck accident lawyer here in Myrtle Beach to discuss your legal options. You should always communicate with an attorney before speaking with the drunk commercial truck driver’s insurance company.
What Are My Rights If I Get Injured in a DUI Accident in the State of South Carolina?
If you are injured in a drunk driving truck accident by a commercial operator who was under the influence of alcohol, you could be eligible to file an injury claim that is aimed at ensuring that the driver takes financial responsibility for the losses that you have endured. A personal injury suit is a civil action which is conducted separately from any criminal charges that the intoxicated commercial driver may be facing.
You could still have the right to pursue a civil suit for financial compensation even if the commercial driver does not get convicted of a DUI in South Carolina. When it comes to criminal cases, it is necessary for the state to prove the guilt of the defendant beyond any reasonable doubt. In civil claims, the plaintiff must demonstrate that it was more likely than not likely that the commercial truck driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time that the accident occurred. In other words, the threshold to meet the burden of proof is lower in civil cases.
Who Is Liable After a Drunk Driving Vehicle Accident?
Regarding accidents caused by drunk truck drivers, it is always important to hold the intoxicated commercial driver liable for their actions. At the same time, other parties may also have a legal liability if their actions contributed to the accident in some way. This can include establishments that sell alcohol such as liquor stores, bars, and restaurants. They could potentially be held responsible for contributing to an accident if they sold alcohol to an intoxicated customer who was subsequently convicted of a DUI in South Carolina.
How Can a Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Compared to similar situations, accidents caused by drunk truck drivers often lead to injuries that are more severe. This then results in more expensive medical bills. They also often involve more liable parties than other types of automotive accidents. These factors can end up equating to a more complicated legal case.
Because of the importance of getting the compensation that you deserve, it is vital for you to work with our experienced Myrtle Beach drunk driving semi-truck accident lawyer here at Jebaily Law Firm. We can help you to investigate the accident so the liable parties can be identified. We will also document the way you have been harmed by the accident, properly file insurance claims and lawsuits on your behalf, handle settlement negotiations with the involved insurance companies, and prepare your case for trial if the insurance company does not agree to an acceptable settlement amount.
