Rear-End Truck Accidents

South Carolina truck accident lawyers who hold trucking companies accountable

Being rear-ended by a truck is a terrifying experience that can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and countless unanswered questions. Unlike standard rear-end collisions, truck accidents involving commercial trucks or tractor-trailers are far more severe due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. If you’ve been rear-ended by a truck, it’s crucial to understand your legal options and how to pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Johnson + Johnson, we know how devastating a rear-end truck accident can be. And we know you have a lot of questions. Who can be held accountable for what happened? How much can I expect in a semi-truck rear-ended accident settlement? Our experienced rear-end truck accident attorneys are here to guide you through the process every step of the way.

How do rear-end truck accidents happen?

A rear-end truck accident occurs when a commercial vehicle, like a semi-truck or tractor-trailer, crashes into the back of another vehicle. These accidents often happen because trucks require much longer stopping distances compared to smaller vehicles. When a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or driving too fast for conditions, the result can be a devastating collision.

The impact of a commercial truck rear-end accident is far more severe than a typical rear-end crash. Passenger vehicles are no match for the size and weight of a fully loaded truck, leading to catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities.

Common injuries in rear-end truck accidents

Rear-end truck accidents can cause serious injuries, and it’s crucial to seek immediate medical treatment for both your health and your legal case. Many injuries resulting from these collisions can have long-term effects, and prompt care ensures that you receive proper treatment while also protecting your ability to pursue a fair claim. Common injuries in rear-end truck accidents include:

Whiplash and neck injuries: A frequent result of rear-end collisions, whiplash occurs when the sudden motion of the head and neck causes soft tissue damage. This can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The force of a truck’s impact, even at lower speeds, significantly increases the risk of whiplash.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): The impact of a truck rear-ending your vehicle can cause your head to strike hard surfaces, such as the steering wheel or dashboard. This can result in concussions or more severe brain injuries, which may require long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
Spinal cord damage: A truck’s impact can compress or fracture vertebrae, leading to serious, long-lasting complications such as partial or complete paralysis. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent further damage.
Broken bones: Due to the significant force involved, fractures often occur in rear-end truck accidents. The arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are commonly affected, and recovery may involve surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal injuries: The force of the collision can cause damage to internal organs or lead to life-threatening internal bleeding, both of which require urgent care.

Seeking medical treatment immediately not only ensures you are properly cared for but also helps establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is vital when pursuing compensation. Working with an experienced rear-end truck accident lawyer can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, covering both your medical expenses and any long-term effects of your injuries.

Who is liable in a rear-end truck accident?

While liability may seem straightforward – after all, the rear driver is typically at fault – rear-end truck accidents are often much more complex. Liability can involve multiple parties, such as:

The truck driver: Distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely are common causes of these accidents.
The trucking company: If the company failed to properly train the driver, maintain the truck, or enforce safety regulations, they might share responsibility.
Maintenance providers: If faulty brakes or other mechanical issues contributed to the accident, the maintenance company could be liable.
Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s stopping ability.

Proving liability requires a detailed investigation, including reviewing driver logs, maintenance records, and black box data from the truck. A skilled attorney can uncover the facts, hold all responsible parties accountable, and ensure you aren’t unfairly blamed for the accident. Legal help is essential to navigate these complexities and protect your rights.

How much is a rear-end truck accident settlement worth?

The value of a settlement after being rear-ended by a commercial truck depends on several factors, such as:

The severity of your injuries: Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma often result in higher compensation.
Medical expenses: Current and future medical bills, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication, play a significant role in determining settlement value.
Lost wages and earning potential: Compensation accounts for time missed from work and any long-term impact on your ability to earn a living.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages, like physical pain and emotional distress, are also considered.

An experienced truck accident lawyer can calculate an estimated amount that accounts for every factor and fight for nothing less than what you deserve. Insurance companies may try to minimize your payout, but your lawyer will negotiate aggressively – or take your case to court if necessary – to secure the best possible outcome.

Let Johnson + Johnson help you move forward

We believe every client’s story deserves to be heard. When you’ve been rear-ended by a truck, you need a team that listens to your concerns, understands your challenges, and fights relentlessly to protect your rights. We’re here to guide you through the legal process and support you every step of the way.

Your recovery and future are our top priorities. Whether negotiating for a fair semi-truck rear-ended accident settlement or representing you in court, we’ll stand by your side to ensure your voice is heard and justice is served. Contact us today for a free consultation, we proudly serve clients throughout South Carolina.

“No better Attorneys out there!! Incredible customer service and total dedication to our case. They really care about doing everything for you and your case. 100% recommend!!!!” – William W. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐