Hurt in a truck accident in South Carolina? You are not alone. According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were more than 3,000 semi-truck accidents statewide in 2022 alone. After a crash with a large commercial truck, you have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including lost income. Here, our Charleston truck accident attorney explains the key things to know about seeking compensation for lost income after a crash in South Carolina.
South Carolina is a Fault-Based Truck Accident State
To start, it is important to understand that South Carolina is a fault-based truck accident state. To hold a trucker or truck company liable for your crash, you must be prepared to prove fault. That is a key step to getting compensation for your damages, including your lost wages. Every crash should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced truck accident lawyer. Once fault is established, you have the right to pursue compensation through their insurance provider.
You Can Seek Compensation for all Economic Losses, including Lost Wages
You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages through a truck accident injury claim in South Carolina. Lost wages are no exception to the rule. You missed work due to hospitalization, follow-up treatments, or physical limitations; those lost wages can be included in your claim. Beyond that, if your injuries prevent you from returning to the same job or earning the same income, you may also be eligible for compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
How Lost Income is Calculated in South Carolina
Calculating lost income related to a semi-truck accident in South Carolina is not always straightforward. A proactive approach is a must. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- Lost Wages: Lost wages represent the income you would have earned had the accident not occurred. To calculate lost wages in South Carolina, documentation is key. You should gather pay stubs, tax returns, employment records, and a doctor’s note confirming the period you were unable to work. Your South Carolina truck accident attorney can help coordinate with your employer to obtain a wage verification letter. To be clear, even if you’re a gig worker, freelancer, or self-employed, you can still claim lost income.
- Diminished Earnings: In more severe cases, truck accident injuries may leave a long-term or permanent impact on your ability to work. This could involve switching to a lower-paying job or being unable to return to work at all. South Carolina law allows victims to recover for diminished earning capacity, which involves projecting the income you would have earned over time if the accident had not occurred. Expert testimony is key for these claims.
Set Up a Free Case Review With Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Query Sauter & Associates, LLC, our Charleston truck accident attorney is standing by, ready to help. If you have any questions about seeking compensation for lost income after a truck accident, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Charleston, we represent truck accident victims throughout all of South Carolina.