Truck Accident Lawyers in Florence, SC

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident in Florence, SC, the road to recovery can feel irrepressible, but you do not have to face it alone. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, our truck accident lawyers in Florence fight for those injured by negligent drivers, reckless trucking companies, and careless third parties. We are ready to help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue full financial recovery. Contact us online or call us today for a free consultation. 

Why Truck Accidents Are So Serious

Truck accidents are a lot more serious than regular car wrecks. Big rigs can weigh up to 20 times more than a standard vehicle, so the damage is usually severe when they hit something. People often walk away from car accidents with minor injuries. Still, with trucks, the outcome is more likely to involve life-changing injuries, permanent disability, or even death.

Florence sees a steady flow of truck traffic because it sits at the crossroads of I-95 and I-20. That makes it a major route for freight haulers, especially around busy spots like Palmetto Street, South Irby Street, and the Pamplico Highway interchange. Those areas are known for heavy congestion, fast-moving traffic, and tricky visibility, which only adds to the danger. 

Leading Causes of Truck Crashes in Florence

Trucking collisions are rarely accidents in the truest sense. They usually result from preventable mistakes, such as:

• Driver fatigue: Many truckers exceed federally allowed hours. Drowsy drivers have slower reflexes and may fall asleep behind the wheel.
• Aggressive driving: Speeding, tailgating, or weaving through traffic can lead to loss of control.
• Mechanical failure: Worn brakes or engine issues are common causes when maintenance is neglected.
• Distracted driving: GPS, phone, or logging device can pull attention from the road.
• Poor driver training: Inexperienced or unqualified drivers can struggle with turns, lane changes, and reaction time.
• Improper cargo loading: Overloaded or unbalanced cargo can shift mid-transit, causing rollovers.

When large commercial vehicles are involved, these behaviors can cause life-changing consequences. 

Local Truck Accident Trends in Florence

According to data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Florence County consistently ranks among the top counties for vehicle collisions. With its central location and access to major trucking routes, commercial vehicle crashes make up a significant portion of serious accidents.

High-risk locations for truck collisions in Florence include:

• South Irby Street near Alligator Road
• Evans Street at Hoffmeyer Road
• US 52 and I-95 interchange

These areas see frequent merging, high-speed traffic, and heavy freight volume. Understanding these trends helps our team investigate location-specific risk factors in your case. 

Common Injuries in Truck Crashes

The size and weight of commercial trucks often cause far more serious injuries than a typical car wreck. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Amputations and crush injuries
• Severe burns
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Multiple fractures

Victims may require months or years of treatment, and some never fully recover. Our team helps you document all injury-related expenses and future care needs. 

Complex Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Unlike standard vehicle crashes, truck accidents involve multiple layers of liability. Determining who is legally responsible often requires an in-depth investigation. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck drivers: When they act negligently or break traffic laws.
• Trucking companies: For hiring unqualified drivers, skipping background checks, or encouraging rule violations.
• Freight brokers: If they hired an unsafe carrier.
• Cargo companies: When improper loading or failure to secure freight contributes to a crash.
• Repair shops or maintenance providers: If negligent work caused mechanical failure.
• Truck manufacturers or part suppliers: In cases involving defective parts.

Murphy Crantford Meehan builds strong claims by identifying each liable party and their share of responsibility. 

Federal Trucking Laws and Safety Standards

Federal safety laws govern the trucking industry through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover:

• Hours of service limits
• Vehicle maintenance requirements
• Substance testing protocols
• Commercial driver licensing standards
• Cargo weight restrictions and securement rules

Violations of these laws often serve as key evidence in proving negligence. For example, those details can strengthen your case if a driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or skipped routine inspections. 

What Damages Can You Recover?

South Carolina law allows injured victims to seek compensation for economic and non-economic losses. These include:

• Emergency room and hospital bills
• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
• Prescription medications and medical devices
• Property repairs or vehicle replacement
• Lost income during recovery
• Loss of future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement or disability

The more severe the injury, the higher the claim’s potential value. An experienced Florence truck accident lawyer can accurately assess your case and calculate your damages. 

Legal Process for Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Pursuing a truck crash claim in Florence typically involves the following steps:

• Consultation: Meet with a personal injury attorney to review your claim.
• Case investigation: Collect crash reports, black box data, and witness statements.
• Claim filing: Submit the demand to the relevant insurers.
• Settlement talks: Negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance provider.
• Litigation: If needed, file a lawsuit in Darlington County or Florence County court.
• Trial or resolution: Proceed to court or finalize a negotiated settlement.

Murphy Crantford Meehan handles all communications, deadlines, and filings throughout the process. 

How We Build a Strong Truck Accident Case

Gathering the proper evidence is critical in truck crash claims. At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we move quickly to secure:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Dashcam footage
• Truck inspection and maintenance logs
• Driver qualification and training records
• Toll records and fuel receipts
• Cargo manifests
• Photos from the scene
• Eyewitness statements
• Accident reconstruction analysis

We also collaborate with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to fully understand the impact of your injuries. 

How a Florence Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

The aftermath of a truck crash often brings financial strain, emotional trauma, and legal confusion. Our team works to reduce those burdens by:

• Investigating every party involved
• Preserving key pieces of evidence
• Calculating current and future damages
• Negotiating with powerful insurers
• Taking the case to trial if necessary

We understand the tactics trucking companies use to deny or reduce claims. Our attorneys level the playing field and protect your rights every step of the way. 

Why Choose Murphy, Crantford, Meehan

Murphy Crantford Meehan is a results-driven firm focusing on serious injury and wrongful death cases. Our attorneys bring years of trial and negotiation experience to every truck accident claim. With a Florence office, we’re well-positioned to serve clients throughout the Pee Dee region and understand the local dynamics that can impact your case.

We approach each case with urgency and care. Clients receive direct communication from their attorney, frequent updates, and a legal team that stays actively involved from start to finish. Our goal is to provide the focused representation each client needs during a difficult time. 

FAQs About Truck Accidents in Florence, SC

Truck accidents often confuse victims about who’s at fault and what to do next. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash in Florence, it helps to understand a few key points. 

Who else can be held liable besides the truck driver?

Liability in truck accidents often goes beyond the driver. Many drivers are independent contractors, and companies may lease trucks or outsource maintenance, shifting responsibility if something goes wrong. Third-party logistics providers can also be liable if their schedules pressure drivers to cut corners. Shippers may be at fault, too, especially if they overload cargo or fail to disclose hazardous materials. 

What evidence matters most after a truck accident?

Beyond basic evidence, truck accident cases often rely on expert analysis and specialized data. Accident reconstruction experts can recreate the crash using skid marks, vehicle damage, and road conditions. GPS logs, dispatch records, and cell phone data may show if the driver was speeding, off-route, or distracted. Forensic inspections can also reveal hidden mechanical issues like worn brakes or tire failures. These details help build a stronger case and often uncover safety violations that aren’t obvious immediately. 

Are commercial vehicle accidents treated differently under the law?

Yes. Truck accident claims often fall under both South Carolina and federal trucking laws. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations apply to commercial vehicles and add extra layers of complexity. These cases typically involve more severe injuries, larger insurance policies, and more involved investigations.

If you are unsure what to do after a crash with a commercial truck, our Florence truck accident attorneys can help you understand your rights and build a strong compensation claim. 

We Are Here When You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

At Murphy Crantford Meehan, we understand how a truck accident can upend your life instantly. Our team is here to guide you through the legal process with experience, urgency, and compassion. We are committed to holding negligent parties accountable and fighting for the financial recovery you need.

If you have been injured in a truck crash, do not wait. Schedule a free consultation with a Florence truck accident attorney today. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next steps toward justice and peace of mind. You do not have to face this alone.