Greenville Fatal Truck Accident Attorney

When a truck collision in Greenville claims the life of someone you love, the overwhelming grief can make it difficult to know where to turn. At The Melonakos Law Firm, we understand the profound impact fatal truck accidents have on families. We want to help your family in this difficult time by handling all of the complex legal issues of a wrongful death claim while you focus on grieving your loss and rebuilding your family’s future.

Schedule a free consultation with a Greenville fatal truck accident attorney who will listen to your story with genuine care and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation for your losses and a measure of justice for the deceased.

We Are Here for You After a Fatal Truck Crash in Greenville

Our Greenville fatal truck accident lawyers have walked with numerous families through their darkest hours, offering not just legal representation but genuine support and understanding. The families we serve often become our strongest advocates, with testimonials reflecting our dedication to treating each family with the dignity and respect they deserve during their most difficult moments.

For example, one of our past clients wrote:

“I would like to take the time to express my gratitude to Atty JP for handling my case. JP and the team was ATTENTIVE to my needs and addressed any concerns that I had during the case. They showed empathy and compassion, two things that’s hard to find in a lawyer.”—Rachel

Our commitment to grieving families and injured people shows in the case results we have achieved. For example, we secured $1.2 million from a trucking company for a client who suffered severe injuries in a workplace truck accident. In another case, we obtained $1 million after a septic truck driver, who was under the influence, caused a violent crash when failing to yield while turning left.

Such outcomes represent more than numbers. They represent families who can now focus on healing without the burden of financial uncertainty.

Facts About Fatal Truck Accidents in Greenville, South Carolina

An 80,000-pound fully loaded semi-truck requires significantly more time and distance to stop than a typical car, and the force of impact in a truck crash can be catastrophic. According to recent data from the city of Greenville:

• In the past five years, 41 percent of all injury and fatal crashes in Greenville occurred on less than 5 percent of all miles of roadway.
• Laurens Road, from I-385 to Woodruff Road, leads the list as the most dangerous roadway, with 228 crashes and eight fatal injuries.
• The 1.8-mile stretch of North Pleasantburg Drive, from Lowndes Hill Road to Wade Hampton Boulevard, experienced 225 crashes and six fatalities.
• The 2.8-mile segment of Woodruff Road, from Laurens Road to I-385, recorded 192 crashes and eight fatalities.

The Interstate 85 corridor through Greenville sees particularly heavy commercial traffic, with thousands of trucks passing through daily. Local distribution centers and industrial facilities also contribute to significant truck traffic on roads like Highway 25.

South Carolina Wrongful Death Laws in Truck Accident Cases

South Carolina’s wrongful death statute provides a legal pathway for families to seek accountability when negligence causes a fatal truck accident in Greenville.

• Eligible beneficiaries – Under South Carolina Code § 15-51-10, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members.
• Statute of limitations – Families have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under South Carolina Code § 15-3-530.
• Burden of proof – The plaintiff must demonstrate that the truck driver or the trucking company’s negligence directly caused the fatal accident.
• Survival action – A separate claim allows the estate to recover damages the deceased person could have pursued if they had survived.

The interplay between state and federal regulations adds layers of complexity to fatal truck accident cases. Commercial drivers must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations regarding hours of service, vehicle inspections, and driver matters. Violations of these regulations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence in wrongful death claims.

Types of Compensable Damages in Fatal Truck Accident Cases

Our Greenville fatal truck accident law firm works exhaustively to identify all available sources of compensation and pursue maximum recovery for grieving families. Families may be entitled to compensation, including:

• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost wages and benefits the deceased would have earned
• Loss of household services and support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage to vehicles or personal belongings
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct

Trucking companies typically carry insurance policies with significant limits due to the severe and often catastrophic nature of these accidents. Our Greenville fatal truck crash lawyers know how to navigate potential coverage sources to maximize recovery for families.

The Complex Legal Process for Fatal Commercial Vehicle Claims

Fatal truck accident cases frequently involve significantly more complexity than typical car accident claims. The legal process requires careful attention to numerous factors:

• Immediate investigation – Evidence from truck accidents can disappear quickly, including driver logs, vehicle data recorders, and surveillance videos. Securing evidence before it is destroyed or altered requires swift action.
• Multiple defendants – Liability may extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, or vehicle manufacturers, for example.
• Federal regulation compliance – It is critical to examine whether the driver and company followed hours-of-service rules, drug testing requirements, and vehicle inspection protocols. Violations could establish negligence and strengthen your wrongful death claim.
• Insurance company tactics – Insurers frequently attempt to minimize payouts by offering quick settlement offers or shifting blame. Having experienced legal representation can protect grieving families from these strategies.
• Expert testimony – Accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economic experts often provide essential testimony. Their analysis can help establish causation and demonstrate the full extent of damages.

The discovery process in truck accident cases can uncover patterns of negligence, such as a company’s history of safety violations or a driver’s record of traffic infractions. Our Greenville fatal truck accident attorneys thoroughly investigate every aspect of fatal truck accident cases, leaving no stone unturned in pursuing justice for your family.

How The Melonakos Law Firm Can Help Your Family Seek Justice

At The Melonakos Law Firm, we shoulder the legal burden so you can prioritize supporting one another through the grieving process. Our Greenville truck accident lawyers can handle every aspect of your wrongful death case with professionalism and compassion, including:

• Conducting comprehensive investigations
• Preserving evidence
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Collaborating with accident reconstruction experts
• Gathering employment records
• Securing medical documentation
• Maintaining open communications

Our aggressive negotiation approach combines thorough preparation with strategic advocacy. We present insurance companies with compelling evidence of liability and comprehensive documentation of damages.

If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our extensive courtroom experience and dedication to achieving justice give families the strong representation they need against well-funded trucking companies and their insurers.

Mike Melonakos’ background in insurance defense gives him unique insights into how insurance companies evaluate and defend these fatal truck accident cases, making him a strong negotiator who understands both sides of the table. Let us help your family pursue the justice and compensation you deserve while you focus on healing and honoring your loved one’s memory.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a commercial truck accident, please reach out to schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer at The Melonakos Law Firm. With over a decade of experience, we have secured hundreds of favorable verdicts and settlements, totaling over $50 million for our clients. Let us put our experience to work for you.

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