When Your Back Is Against The Wall

Mount Pleasant Truck Accident Lawyers

When the weight of an 80,000-pound commercial truck upends your life, you need an experienced legal team in your corner.

Mount Pleasant is known for its blend of Southern charm, booming development, and scenic routes like U.S. Highway 17 and the Ravenel Bridge. But these same roads—bustling with commuters, tourists, and commercial traffic—can become the site of catastrophic accidents when massive trucks are involved. Whether it’s a delivery truck speeding to meet a deadline or a semi-truck hauling freight through town, the sheer size and force of these vehicles make them among the most dangerous on the road.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Mount Pleasant, you already know how quickly life can change. Medical bills pile up. You may be unable to work. And while you’re trying to heal, the trucking company’s insurer is already gearing up to minimize your claim. At Lanier Law Group, we don’t let that happen. We step into the ring and fight for every dollar you deserve.

What Makes Truck Accidents So Complex?

Truck accidents aren’t just bigger versions of car crashes—they are far more complicated in almost every way. The vehicles themselves are heavier, the regulations are stricter, and the consequences are often more severe. For injured victims, that means the path to recovery isn’t just physical—it’s also legal and financial. These cases demand a level of legal attention and investigative work that goes well beyond a typical collision.

Multiple Layers of Liability

Unlike standard car accidents where only two drivers are usually involved, truck accidents can involve a web of responsible parties. From the truck driver to the employer, maintenance crews, loading companies, and even manufacturers of defective truck parts—each could hold a piece of the blame. Identifying every liable party is essential to maximizing compensation, but it takes in-depth investigation and experience.

Federal and State Regulations

Commercial trucks are subject to an extensive framework of laws from both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and South Carolina law. These regulations cover driver qualifications, hours of service, maintenance schedules, cargo limits, and more. A single violation of these rules can be a key piece of evidence in your case—but only if your legal team knows what to look for.

High-Stakes Insurance Policies

Because the damage in truck accidents is often severe, trucking companies typically carry large insurance policies. That sounds like good news, but it also means those insurers fight even harder to avoid paying out full claims. They often deploy rapid response teams immediately after a crash to protect their interests—sometimes while victims are still being treated in the ER. You need someone in your corner who can match their urgency.

Serious and Catastrophic Injuries

The size and weight of commercial trucks make severe injuries more likely. Victims often suffer from brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, crushed limbs, or permanent disability. These injuries not only require long-term medical treatment but may also drastically change how a person lives, works, and interacts with their loved ones. Calculating the true cost of these damages requires medical insight, financial analysis, and a legal team with experience handling complex claims.

Evidence That Disappears Fast

Truck accident evidence can vanish quickly. Electronic data can be deleted, trucks can be repaired or scrapped, and logbooks can go missing. That’s why time is critical. Preserving this evidence requires swift legal action, and any delay could cost you crucial leverage in your claim.

Because of all these factors, truck accident cases require a level of strategy, resources, and persistence that goes far beyond a typical injury case. At Lanier Law Group, we bring the firepower needed to handle even the most complex truck accident claims—and we don’t back down from a tough fight.

To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Mount Pleasant

After understanding the scale of danger involved, the next question becomes: what causes these accidents in the first place? By identifying the most frequent causes of truck crashes in Mount Pleasant, we can better determine who may be at fault and how to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often operate on tight deadlines, pushing the limits of federally mandated Hours-of-Service rules. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck crashes. A tired driver is slower to react, more likely to make mistakes, and may even fall asleep behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Distractions inside a truck cab can include GPS systems, phones, dispatch messages, and even eating while driving. Because trucks take longer to stop and maneuver, even a brief distraction can lead to devastating results.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

When cargo isn’t properly balanced or secured, it can shift during transit, making the truck unstable. Unbalanced loads can lead to rollovers, especially during turns or abrupt stops. Cargo spills can also cause multi-vehicle accidents.

Mechanical Failures

Trucking companies are required to maintain their fleets, but cost-cutting often leads to skipped inspections and overdue repairs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering issues, and defective lighting are common causes of preventable accidents.

Negligent Hiring or Training

Some trucking companies prioritize speed over safety, hiring inexperienced drivers or failing to provide adequate training. When a driver is unprepared for real-world challenges, the consequences can be deadly.

Injuries Often Seen in Truck Accident Cases

Once a crash has occurred, the impact on the human body can be devastating. Let’s take a closer look at the kinds of injuries we see most often in truck accident cases and how they can change a person’s life forever.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries can range from concussions to severe brain damage. Victims may struggle with memory loss, personality changes, difficulty concentrating, or loss of motor skills. In many cases, these effects are permanent and require ongoing therapy.

Spinal Cord Damage

Injuries to the spine can result in full or partial paralysis. Even without paralysis, victims may suffer from chronic pain, reduced mobility, or nerve damage. Home modifications, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment may all be necessary for recovery.

Crush Injuries and Amputations

The weight and force of a truck can crush limbs, leading to extensive tissue and bone damage. When limbs can’t be saved, surgical amputation becomes the only option. The physical and emotional effects are profound, often requiring prosthetics and mental health support.

Internal Organ Damage

Organ damage may not be visible immediately but can lead to life-threatening conditions. Internal bleeding, ruptured spleens, liver damage, or collapsed lungs require rapid intervention and often have lasting consequences.

Multiple Fractures

It’s not uncommon for victims to suffer multiple broken bones, particularly in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis. Healing can take months, and some individuals are left with permanent stiffness, pain, or limited range of motion.

Who May Be Liable After a Truck Accident?

With the injuries understood, the next logical step is to determine who may be legally responsible. Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, and uncovering the full chain of liability is key to building a strong legal strategy.

The Truck Driver

If the driver was texting, speeding, driving under the influence, or violating hours-of-service regulations, they may be directly at fault. But the driver’s liability doesn’t always stop with them.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held responsible under a legal concept known as “vicarious liability.” If the driver was acting within the scope of their employment, the company may be on the hook. Negligent hiring, poor training, or unsafe policies can all strengthen your case.

Cargo Loaders

Third-party logistics companies that load trucks improperly can also be held liable, especially if shifting cargo contributed to the crash.

Maintenance Contractors

If a service provider failed to inspect or repair a truck’s critical systems, they may share responsibility for an accident caused by mechanical failure.

Truck or Parts Manufacturers

Defective equipment, such as brake systems or tires, can trigger product liability claims. These cases require a deep investigation and expert testimony to prove fault.

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Once liability is established, the next critical step is securing the compensation you need to recover—physically, emotionally, and financially. South Carolina law allows truck accident victims to pursue a variety of damages, depending on the circumstances of the case. These damages fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive.

Economic Damages

These are the tangible, quantifiable losses that come directly out of your pocket or affect your ability to earn. Economic damages are often the easiest to calculate, but they must be thoroughly documented.

Medical Expenses: From ambulance rides and ER visits to surgeries, follow-up care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and assistive devices—medical bills can mount quickly. Long-term care, such as home health services or rehabilitative treatment, should also be factored into your claim.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your injuries keep you from working, you may be entitled to recover wages lost during your recovery. For those who suffer a permanent disability or job loss due to the crash, compensation should also account for diminished earning potential and future lost wages.
Property Damage: Truck accidents often destroy vehicles and other personal property. Economic damages should cover the cost to repair or replace your car, motorcycle, phone, or other belongings damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages

While not as easily measured, non-economic damages are just as important. These losses reflect the impact your injuries have had on your quality of life.

Pain and Suffering: Truck accidents often leave victims dealing with chronic pain and physical discomfort that can last for years. This form of compensation acknowledges the daily toll your injuries take.
Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish: Beyond the physical pain, the emotional trauma can be overwhelming. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances are all common after severe accidents and are compensable under South Carolina law.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you’re no longer able to participate in hobbies, sports, or day-to-day activities you once enjoyed, the law allows you to seek compensation for this loss.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Permanent scarring or loss of a limb can lead to profound psychological consequences. These lasting changes deserve recognition in the form of non-economic damages.
Loss of Consortium: Your spouse may also have a claim for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy caused by your injuries.

Punitive Damages

Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim directly but to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless or intentional conduct. These are awarded in cases where the at-fault party’s behavior went far beyond negligence.

Examples might include a trucking company that knowingly sent a fatigued driver back on the road or a driver who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. South Carolina courts use punitive damages to send a message that this kind of misconduct will not be tolerated.

Although not available in every case, punitive damages can significantly increase the value of a claim and serve as a powerful tool for justice in egregious situations.

How We Build a Strong Case From Day One

Winning a truck accident case takes more than filing paperwork—it takes preparation, precision, and the kind of experience that only comes from handling these cases day in and day out. At Lanier Law Group, we take a proactive, detail-oriented approach to every truck accident claim from the very first moment you contact us. We treat each case as though it will go to trial, not because most do, but because preparing for a fight makes us stronger negotiators and better advocates.

Immediate Action to Preserve Evidence

Truck companies and their insurers don’t wait to defend themselves, and neither do we. The hours and days after a truck crash are critical. We act quickly to preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost or tampered with. This includes securing the scene, photographing vehicle damage, and obtaining surveillance footage when available. We also send preservation letters to prevent the destruction of black box data and company records.

Gathering Key Documents and Data

Every commercial truck is equipped with an electronic control module—often called a “black box”—that records vital information like speed, braking, and steering inputs. We retrieve and analyze this data, alongside driver logs, inspection reports, and service records. These documents tell the story of what happened before and during the crash, helping us uncover safety violations or maintenance failures that may have played a role.

Investigating All Liable Parties

Truck accident claims often involve multiple responsible parties. Was the truck overloaded? Did a maintenance company cut corners? Did the employer fail to screen or train the driver? Our legal team conducts a thorough investigation to identify everyone who may share in the liability. Holding all negligent actors accountable can significantly increase the value of your claim.

Working With Experts to Build Your Case

We collaborate with respected professionals who help us build a compelling case. This includes accident reconstruction experts, mechanical engineers, life care planners, and medical specialists. Their insight helps explain how the crash occurred, the extent of your injuries, and what your future needs will be.

Preparing for Negotiation—and Trial

Once we’ve built a comprehensive case file, we present it to the trucking company’s insurer with a clear demand for full compensation. If they don’t offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to take the fight to court. Our thorough preparation ensures that we’re never scrambling—we’re setting the pace.

At Lanier Law Group, our strategic approach is designed to give you every possible advantage. We believe in leaving nothing to chance and everything on the table when it comes to securing justice for our clients.

Injured in a Truck Accident in Mount Pleasant? Call Lanier Law Group Today

Now that you know what’s at stake, don’t wait to take action. Trucking companies have legal teams on standby, working from the moment a crash occurs to protect their bottom line. You deserve that same level of urgency and firepower on your side.

Every day you delay is a day valuable evidence could be lost, memories could fade, and your rights could be jeopardized. Whether you’re recovering at home or still in the hospital, the time to act is now.

At Lanier Law Group, we offer free consultations, and we’ll meet you wherever you are—whether that’s in our office, your home, or your hospital room. We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options clearly and compassionately.

Call us today at 919-682-2111 or contact us online to schedule your free case review. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing. We’re ready to step into the ring for you—and we don’t stop swinging until the bell rings.

Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

We Won't Back Down

Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most

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Mount Pleasant

We Fight for Our Clients

*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys

$4.8 Million

Settlement

A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.

$3.1 Million

Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury

The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.

$1.375 Million

Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence

Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.

$1.2 Million

Birth Injury/Developmental Delay

Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.

$500,000

Botched Gall Bladder Surgery

Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

$425,000

Surgical Error

A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.

We Never Back Down From a Fight

Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results

"20 out of 10 stars."

There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.

- Diane W.

"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"

I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!

- Phillip J.

"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"

Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.

- Mario H.

"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"

The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.

- Timothy M.

"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"

The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.

- Malinda P.

Respect. Integrity. Passion.

Our Commitment to Our Clients

We Come Prepared

After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.

We're In Your Corner

Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.

We're Here For You 24/7

Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.

We Never Back Down

Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.