What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in Charleston, South Carolina?

Ramie Shalabi | September 16, 2024 | truck accident

This article was originally published in September 2024 and was updated in April 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize safety and medical care immediately. Move away from traffic, call 911, and get evaluated, even if injuries seem minor, to protect your health and create documentation for your claim.
• Call the police and gather evidence early. Official reports, photos, witness info, and notes about truck details can play a major role in determining fault and strengthening your case.
• Be careful with what you say after the crash. Avoid admitting fault, oversharing with others, or posting on social media, as insurers and attorneys may use your words against you.
• Truck accidents are complex; get legal support. Multiple parties may be involved, so working with an experienced attorney helps protect your rights and pursue full compensation.

As you likely know, accidents involving cars, trucks, or SUVs often result in painful injuries and vehicle damage. A wreck becomes even more dangerous when a semi-truck is involved.

The size and weight difference between passenger vehicles (like what you usually drive) and 18-wheelers is astounding. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), semi-trucks are 20 to 30 times heavier than passenger automobiles.
Sadly, truck crashes are often fatal. If you’re unaware of what to do after a truck accident in Charleston, SC, it could help ensure your safety after such a devastating event. Find out what to do and why you should contact a truck accident attorney in Charleston, SC.

Get to Safety

The most important thing after a semi-truck accident in South Carolina is your safety. First, get yourself and any passengers away from any roads or traffic. If you’re unable to exit your car, get your phone and dial 911. Standing or sitting near the road puts you at risk of being hit by distracted drivers.

Stay Calm

During this time, being emotional is entirely understandable. Adrenaline is coursing through your veins, resulting in anger, sadness, and fear. But, as any truck accident attorney in Charleston would advise, don’t let your emotions get the best of you.

After a truck accident, getting mad at a truck driver is not what to do. It won’t lead to positive outcomes. Being angry can also lead to road rage, which may result in criminal charges. A trucker may lash out. If so, keep a safe distance from this person and don’t engage with them.

Seek Medical Care

Sometimes this step is beyond your control. Considering the size and weight of commercial vehicles, the impact of it hitting your car may render you unconscious. If it does, someone is likely to call for emergency help.

After a truck accident, it is necessary to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, walking away from an 18-wheeler collision unharmed is rare. Getting assistance from medical professionals can help with the immense pain you’re likely feeling.

Visiting a nearby hospital lets medical experts assess the extent of your injuries. They can also begin treatment. Additionally, this visit creates medical documentation of what happened to you. This information can prove especially useful for your claim, which a truck accident law firm in Charleston can help with.

Call the Police

After a collision, having an ambulance on the way is a top priority. It’s safe to assume that the dispatcher will also send law enforcement to you. However, there’s nothing wrong with making an additional call to the police department in the area where your South Carolina accident occurred.

Police officers understand what to do after a truck accident. That means more than investigating the scene. They can also begin blocking off the area where the accident happened and slowing down traffic, which could prevent additional crashes.

Law enforcement isn’t the only party to conduct investigations. Truck driver accident lawyers can also gather and review evidence for their clients.

Look for Any Witnesses

Witnesses are precious. See if anyone saw what happened after a semi-truck accident in South Carolina. But only if it is safe to do so. Don’t bother tracking these people down if your injuries prevent you from doing so.

If you’re in decent shape, consider asking witnesses to give a statement. Getting their names, phone numbers, and other contact information is also advisable. The police will also talk with witnesses.

Gather Evidence

Gathering evidence after a truck accident should also be a priority. Most smartphones are suitable for taking high-quality images.

Not knowing what to photograph makes sense because your emotions will likely run wild. Examples of what to photograph can include:

• Your damaged automobile
• The truck that hit you
• Where these vehicles are on the road
• Your injuries (and passengers’ injuries if applicable)

After a truck accident, the little details can matter more than you’d expect.

It’s not just about the crash itself. Things like company logos, trailer numbers, or how the truck was moving right before impact can be important later.

And honestly, it’s a lot to take in at once.

If you’re able, jot down what you remember while it’s still fresh. Even quick notes in your phone help. The longer you wait, the easier it is for things to blur together.

Truck accidents can be more complicated than regular car crashes. There’s often more than one party involved behind the scenes.

Having even a few extra details early can make it easier to figure out what actually happened.

Don’t Say Too Much After a Semi-Truck Accident in South Carolina

Letting your loved ones know about a recent collision is human nature. Beyond that, be careful who you speak with about post-accident details.

Speaking with the police is what to do after a truck accident. Not doing so makes you look suspicious. But keep things factual. Avoid saying anything that suggests you are at fault.

You may feel eager to vent your frustrations or share how fortunate you are after a truck accident. However, it’s advisable not to mention these details on social media.

So, what makes posting about your accident a bad idea? That’s because insurance professionals, lawyers, and possibly the truck driver who hit you could all be scoping out your social media accounts. It’s easy to unintentionally share text, images, or videos that undermine your accident claim.

A truck accident attorney in Charleston, SC, can help ensure you avoid sharing too much information.

Schedule a Post-Accident Vehicle Appraisal

Once you’ve taken care of your health after a truck accident, your next most significant concern is your vehicle. Having a professional inspect your automobile thoroughly details the extent of its damage. Depending on the collision’s severity, an appraiser may total your automobile—a totaled vehicle costs more than its current worth to repair.

An automobile appraisal is similar to health-related information about your vehicle. Hospital visits and doctors’ appointments detail the medical care you require. Having your truck appraised details its damage and the repairs it would need.

Contact a Charleston Truck Accident Attorney

One post can’t detail exactly what to do after a car accident. After your collision, you don’t want to be at the mercy of a company, its insurance provider, and the other party’s truck driver accident lawyers. You deserve representation.

Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC (DSB Law Firm), is a Charleston truck accident law firm backed by decades of experience. Our clients know we get results. Plus, DSB Law Firm works on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay us unless your case reaches a settlement or a favorable verdict.

As you’ve learned, there are many steps to following a truck accident. Having so much to do can be daunting as you recover from a severe collision. Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm can help. Get your free consultation today. Call us at (843) 388-3368.