How Much Is My South Carolina Truck Accident Case Worth?
A truck accident can lead to devastating consequences for the victims involved. This is especially true if the victims were in a passenger vehicle. Trucks weigh between 20 to 30 times as much as passenger vehicles. If you suffered injuries in a South Carolina truck accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation in a truck accident claim.
If you are considering filing a South Carolina truck accident claim, you may be wondering, “How much is my truck accident case worth?” So, how much is a South Carolina truck accident case worth? Unfortunately, there is no way to tell the exact amount you can expect to recover in your South Carolina truck accident case. How much you will recover after filing your claim depends on the factors surrounding your case. And even the smallest details can affect how much you recover.
Below is a look at some of the factors that can affect the value of your South Carolina truck accident case;
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your truck accident injuries can significantly impact how much compensation you recover. The more serious your injuries, the more the amount of lost wages. The more serious the injuries, the higher the chances that you can no longer do some things you enjoyed doing before your injuries. The more severe your injuries, the higher your medical expenses, especially if you need future medical care. Additionally, the more serious your truck accident injuries, the more pain and suffering you are likely to experience, which could affect the final settlement.
The Available Insurance Policy Limit
If, for example, a trucking company is liable for your injuries, the amount of commercial auto liability insurance available may impact how much you recover. If the amount of commercial auto liability insurance is less than the amount awarded, you may not receive the full value of your claim.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in South Carolina personal injury cases. However, if you can show that the defendant’s conduct was willful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of your rights, you may recover punitive damages. For example, if the trucking company knowingly hired drivers with dangerous driving records, you may be eligible to recover punitive damages. Punitive damages can significantly increase the value of your truck accident claim.
Comparative Fault
Comparative negligence is a crucial part of your truck accident claim. If you are also to blame for your accident, the compensation you recover will most likely be less than if you had no fault. If you are also to blame for your truck accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 40% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 40%.
It is crucial to note that you cannot recover compensation in a personal injury claim if you are 51% or more to blame for your accident because of South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule.
Contact a Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer
If you are a victim of a South Carolina truck accident, our Charleston truck accident lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm is available to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
law.cornell.edu/wex/comparative_negligence
