A truck accident can affect more than just the person who was injured in it. Rather, the aftermath can have a considerable impact on that person’s entire family. Loved ones may find themselves overwhelmed by the need to support the victim’s recovery while at the same time dealing with the consequences of lost income and growing medical bills.
However, victims may be entitled to compensation for the financial and personal harm they suffered in the crash. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help them through the legal process.
Physical Injuries After a Truck Wreck
Truck crashes often lead to serious injuries. A passenger car is no match for an 18-wheeler, which can leave occupants of the smaller vehicle at greater risk of severe injuries such as:
● Broken bones
● Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
● Spinal cord injuries
● Internal bleeding
● Burns and deep cuts
Truck accident injuries may require extensive medical care, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation. Some victims never fully recover, and their daily lives may change permanently.
Financial Impact of a Truck Accident
Unfortunately, the financial consequences to truck accidents are far-reaching, impacting the entire family.
Medical Bills
The expenses from a truck accident can add up quickly, making it hard for families to stay on top of their bills – even those with health insurance. Co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered treatments can place a huge financial burden on a household.
Lost Income
When an injured person cannot work, the loss of income makes an already difficult situation even harder. Paying rent or a mortgage, utility bills, and other regular expenses can be tough without a stable and consistent paycheck. It can even be difficult to put food on the table. Families may have to dip into savings, take out loans, or rely on credit cards just to get by, leading to even more financial stress.
Rehabilitation Costs
Caring for an injured loved one can also bring unexpected costs. A family member may have to take time off work to care for an injured loved one, resulting in lost wages. Truck accident victims may need home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps or widened doorways, which can be expensive. In some cases, families must hire in-home caregivers, adding another financial strain.
Funeral Costs
If the collision results in a fatality, funeral and burial expenses can be overwhelming. The loss of financial support from a loved one can also leave a family struggling to make ends meet.
Emotional Trauma After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents can have emotional as well as physical consequences. Many victims find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The simple act of getting into a car can feel terrifying after experiencing such a traumatic event. Some people replay the crash over and over in their minds, making it difficult to focus on daily life. Others may have nightmares, panic attacks, or an overwhelming sense of fear that keeps them from driving or even riding as a passenger.
Families also feel the weight of this emotional distress. It’s heartbreaking to see a loved one in pain, both physically and mentally, and not know how to help. The stress of watching them struggle through a long recovery can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and exhaustion. It’s easy for relationships to feel strained when emotions are running high. Balancing daily responsibilities while caring for an injured loved one can be overwhelming.
Going to therapy or counseling can make a big difference, but it comes with additional costs that many families simply can’t afford. Emotional healing is important. However, many people are forced to push through their pain without proper support because of financial limitations.
Compensation Available After a Truck Accident in South Carolina
If you were injured in a collision caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to seek truck accident compensation. This could include money for:
● Past and future medical expenses – Medical care costs after a truck wreck can be overwhelming, from emergency treatment and surgeries to rehabilitation and ongoing therapy.
● Lost wages and reduced earning potential – If you are forced out of work due to your injuries, either temporarily or permanently, the loss of income can be devastating. Compensation helps replace those lost wages and provides financial relief for the future, especially if you are unable to return to your previous job.
● Home modifications or mobility equipment – If your injuries affect your mobility, you may need modifications to your home, such as ramps or widened doorways. You can seek money to cover these expenses so you can regain independence.
● Pain and suffering – Your compensation should also take the personal rather than financial costs of the collision into account. This includes your physical pain, emotional distress, and lost quality of life.
The amount of compensation you can recover for your accident will depend on your injuries and various other factors. Our team can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and help you fight for the money you need to move forward.
Time Limit for Filing a South Carolina Truck Accident Claim
South Carolina has a legal time limit, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a truck accident claim. The state’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the collision. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. The sooner you take action, the better chance you have of building a strong case with fresh evidence and witness statements.
Insurance companies won’t make it easy to get the money you deserve. They might delay your claim, offer less than you need, or even try to avoid paying altogether. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills and lost income. That’s why having a skilled attorney on your side is so important. They can negotiate for a fair settlement while staying ahead of legal deadlines for filing litigation.
Get in Touch with Our Truck Accident Attorney for Help
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At David Blackwell Law, we have been fighting for the rights of injured South Carolinians since 2003 – and we have the results to show our strong dedication to helping our clients get justice. Our team is ready to listen to your story, explain your legal rights, and help you seek the best possible outcome.
As former client Marco Lusk said of us:
“To know them is to love them. From website to final documents, they were outstanding. I appreciated the way they assisted my family and cooperated with all parties involved.”
Don’t wait another moment to demand justice. Contact David Blackwell Law for your free consultation.