A white semi-truck driving on an open highway at dusk with mountains in the background.

Hurt in a Truck Accident in Charleston? We’re Here For You.

Feeling overwhelmed after a crash with a semi-truck or 18-wheeler? You don’t have to go through this alone. The seasoned attorneys at Stewart Bell, PLLC, know how to take on powerful trucking companies and win. Get your free consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Charleston today.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form

Your Truck Accident Lawyer in Charleston, WV

Getting hit by a big truck like an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle can turn your life upside down in seconds. Medical bills pile up. You may not be able to work. You’re in pain and unsure of what to do next. That’s where we come in.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, our legal team has decades of experience fighting for injured victims in Charleston and across West Virginia. We understand the trucking industry and the laws that apply, and we know how to take on large trucking companies and their insurers. You don’t have to go through this difficult time alone. Let a truck accident lawyer in Charleston, West Virginia, help you seek the compensation you may be entitled to and the justice you deserve.

Get Your Free Case Review

Help Is at Your Fingertips

Getting help with your case is as easy as a call or a click. We take it from there!

We Fight for Justice

You’ve suffered enough, and we work hard to bring you the full settlement you’re owed.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs or hidden fees — you don’t pay unless we win for you!

How Stewart Bell, PLLC Can Help You After a Charleston Truck Accident

Truck accident cases aren’t just bigger, they’re a whole different ball game. When a semi-truck or 18-wheeler crashes into a smaller vehicle, the resulting damage and injuries are typically more serious, and the legal process is a lot more complicated than your average car accident.

Here’s how truck crashes are different and why you need our skilled truck accident law firm in Charleston on your side:

  • Trucking companies don’t play fair. They have teams of lawyers and insurance adjusters whose job is to protect the company, not you.
  • Multiple parties may be at fault. It’s not always just the driver who is liable. The trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance crews, or even manufacturers might be responsible.
  • Federal and state laws apply. Truckers must follow strict rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), including limits on drive time, weight loads, and truck maintenance. A good lawyer knows how to spot violations that prove negligence.
  • You could face life-changing injuries. Truck accident injuries are often severe and long-lasting, which means you need full and fair compensation, not a quick lowball offer.

What Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?

When you hire Stewart Bell, you’re getting a team that fights for your future. We help truck accident victims by:

  • Investigating the crash thoroughly and gathering all available evidence.
  • Dealing with the trucking company and their insurance adjusters so you don’t have to.
  • Identifying all responsible parties and pursuing all possible claims.
  • Calculating the true value of your case.
  • Protecting you from being unfairly blamed or pressured into a low settlement.
  • Negotiating or litigating to help get you the maximum compensation possible.

Don’t take on a trucking company alone. Let an attorney handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. The sooner you reach out, the stronger your case will be.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

We represent clients hurt in all types of truck crashes in Charleston and surrounding areas, including:

  • 18-wheeler and semi-truck accidents
  • Delivery truck and commercial vehicle accidents
  • Coal truck crashes
  • Logging truck accidents
  • Oil & gas truck collisions

Whether you were hit on I-64, in downtown Charleston, or on a rural road in Kanawha County, our attorneys are here for you.

Reviews

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Truck Accident in Charleston?

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, your losses can go far beyond medical bills. Here’s a breakdown of the damages you may be able to claim in your Charleston truck accident case:

These cover the actual costs that come out of your pocket or affect your ability to earn money in the future:

  • Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgery, rehab, medication, and any future medical care you may need.
  • Lost wages: Income lost from missing work due to your injuries.
  • Loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to your previous job or earn what you did before the crash.
  • Property damage: Including the repair or replacement of your vehicle.

These damages focus on what the accident has taken from your life:

  • Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional trauma you’ve experienced.
  • Emotional distress: Including anxiety, depression, PTSD, or loss of sleep.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can no longer do the things you once enjoyed.
  • Loss of consortium: The impact the accident has had on your relationship with a spouse or family member.
  • Disfigurement or permanent disability: If the accident caused lasting physical changes or limitations.

If the truck driver or company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are rarely awarded and are meant to punish the wrongdoer.

 

Our Charleston truck accident attorneys take the time to understand how the crash has affected your life, so we can fight for the maximum compensation possible. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or life-altering trauma, we’re here to stand up for you. Learn what damages you may be eligible to recover during a free case review.

Get Your Free Case Review

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Semi-Truck Accident?

In West Virginia, more than one party can be responsible for a trucking accident, such as:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo loading team
  • The company that maintained the truck

What If You Were Partially at Fault?

West Virginia uses a modified comparative fault rule. That means if you were less than 50% responsible, you can still recover compensation, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Key Evidence Used to Prove Fault in Truck Wreck Cases

To build a strong case, our attorneys gather valuable evidence to show what happened and who is responsible. This may include:

  • Driver logbooks to check for violations of trucking regulations.
  • Black box (event data recorder) information which tracks speed and braking.
  • Dashcam or surveillance footage from the truck or nearby businesses.
  • Maintenance and inspection records to spot mechanical issues or ignored safety checks.
  • Eyewitness statements from people who saw the crash.
  • Truck driver’s employment and training records, including driving history and qualifications.
  • Photos from the crash scene showing vehicle damage, road conditions, or cargo spills.
  • Police reports providing an official account of what occurred.

Our team at Stewart Bell, PLLC acts quickly to collect and preserve this evidence before it disappears, giving your case the best possible chance for success. Don’t let an insurance company blame you unfairly. Talk to us first.

How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In West Virginia, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file an injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation.

Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies may use delays against you. Don’t wait until the clock runs out. Get in touch with a Charleston semi-truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Get Your Free Case Review

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident in Charleston

If you’ve been hit by a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or commercial vehicle, knowing what to do next can make a big difference in your recovery, both physically and financially. Here are the steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights:

  1. Call 911 and get medical help immediately. Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, internal injuries can take hours or days to show symptoms. A medical record also helps document your injuries for your claim.
  2. Get a police report and take pictures of the scene. The police report is an official record of the crash, and photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries can serve as powerful evidence later.
  3. Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurer. Their goal is to protect their bottom line, not help you. They may try to twist your words or get you to accept a lowball settlement. Politely decline and let your attorney handle it.
  4. Contact a Charleston truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the sooner someone can start protecting your rights, preserving key evidence, and fighting for full compensation.

Avoid These Costly Mistakes:

  • Admitting fault, even if you think you may be partially responsible.
  • Posting about the accident on social media, which insurance companies can use against you.
  • Accepting an early settlement offer that’s often far less than what your case is really worth.

Our Charleston Truck Accident Attorneys

Charleston Personal Injury Lawyer Jeff David Stewart

Attorney Jeff David Stewart

View Bio
Katherine H. Arritt

Attorney Katherine H. Arritt

View Bio
Personal Injury Lawyer Andrew Paternostro

Attorney Andrew L. Paternostro

View Bio

Common Causes of Truck Collisions in Charleston

Big truck accidents often happen due to:

  • Driver fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel).
  • Distracted driving (like texting).
  • Speeding or reckless driving.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • Poor truck maintenance or faulty brakes.
  • Overloaded or unbalanced cargo.

Serious Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

When a heavy truck hits a passenger car, the results can be devastating. Victims may suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
  • Spinal cord injuries or paralysis.
  • Broken bones and internal injuries.
  • Severe burns and lacerations.
  • Wrongful death of a loved one.

Our truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for all your injuries and losses, both now and in the future.

Charleston, WV, Truck Accident FAQs

Truck accident settlements in Charleston can vary widely based on the severity of your injuries, the amount of insurance coverage available, and who’s at fault. While some cases may settle for tens of thousands, more serious crashes involving 18-wheelers or commercial trucks often result in 6- or even 7-figure settlements. The best way to find out what your case might be worth is to speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer in Charleston who can evaluate the details of your case.

Truck accident cases start with an investigation into the crash, followed by filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurer. If a fair settlement isn’t offered, your attorney may file a lawsuit and begin preparing for trial. This involves gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with the defense, and potentially presenting your case in court.

No, you should avoid talking to the trucking company or their insurance adjuster without speaking to a lawyer first. They may try to get you to say something that hurts your case or pressure you into accepting less than you may deserve. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch.

Not without legal advice. Insurance companies often offer low settlements early in the process to save themselves money. Once you accept, you usually can’t go back for more, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can review the offer and help you determine if it’s fair.

You should hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. The earlier your attorney gets involved, the sooner they can secure evidence, speak to witnesses, and protect your rights. Waiting too long could hurt your claim or make it harder to prove liability.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, you don’t pay us anything upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. This allows you to get top-tier legal help with no financial risk.

Get Help from a Truck Accident Lawyer in Charleston Today—No Upfront Cost

If you were injured in a truck accident, the last thing you should have to deal with is a trucking company or its aggressive insurance team while you are trying to recover. During this stressful time, you deserve justice, answers, and fair compensation for what you’ve lost. You also deserve a legal team that knows what it takes to hold big trucking companies accountable.

At Stewart Bell, PLLC, we will investigate your case thoroughly, fight for you fiercely, and stand by your side every step of the way. Contact us now to schedule your free case review with a trusted truck accident lawyer in Charleston. No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.

Request a Free Consultation

For more than 30 years, the lawyers of Stewart Bell, PLLC have helped the people and businesses of West Virginia protect their interests and rights. We understand the issues that injured people and their families face after an accident and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount of compensation for every case we handle.

We have recovered MILLIONS of dollars for clients injured because of nursing home abuse, motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form