Sustaining an injury from a road accident involving a truck can have the most adverse consequences. Because of their colossal size and weight, big rigs can lead to severe injuries and chronic medical complications while damaging property. In South Carolina, these mishaps are not only unfortunate, but life altering. In such scenarios, hiring a car accident lawyer charleston sc will greatly help the victim in maneuvering through intricate legal procedures, establishing liability, and recovering compensation for damages caused.
The Dangers of Truck Accidents
There are many notable differences between truck crashes and regular car accidents. To begin with, the consequences of an accident involving a truck are far worse than those involving a passenger car. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds while passenger cars are around 3,000 pounds. A crash between vehicles of such uneven proportions will almost always result in catastrophic injuries, if not untimely death.
Common injuries in truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain trauma
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash
Besides physical damage, victims also suffer for years emotionally and financially because of the expenses on healthcare, lost income, and rehab along with other things.
You don’t have to feel helpless after a truck accident. A South Carolina truck accident lawyer can help you analyze the situation and know what steps you can take next.
Understanding the Causes of Truck Accidents
There’s no limit to the scenarios or causes of truck accidents and diagnosing the root problem is necessary for liability. Some common causes of truck accidents in South Carolina are:
1. Driver Fatigue
Due to the nature of their work, truck drivers are unlikely to get enough sleep. Working for days at a time is quite common in this profession. Drowsy drivers are typically slower to respond, less alert, and have a higher chance of falling asleep while driving. All of these things can lead to serious accidents.
2. Distracted Driving
While on the road, truck drivers can be distracted just like any other motorist with their smartphones, GPS devices, or even food. Such distractions take one’s attention away from the road and increase chances of an accident.
3. Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failure
Trucks require parts functional checks at fixed intervals. Malfunctions such as brakes failing, lights not working, or tires bursting are some common easy to fix issues that can cause accidents. A reckless trucking firm that does not take proper care of its trucks becomes responsible for the accidents that happen due to these malfunctions.
4. Overloading and Unbalanced Loads
When trucks are packed beyond capacity, they tend to be more difficult to maneuver especially while making sharp turns or during emergency stops. An unstable cargo can also lead to loss of control over the truck and increase chance of oblique accidents even in low speeds.
5. Driving Under the Influence
Truck drivers are the least obeying of all laws in the country despite there being data supporting the idea that most of them do not soberly operate vehicles. This obviously makes it difficult for them to think straight and control the vehicle safely.
6. Weather Conditions
In the state of South Carolina, the weather can change at any given point and this can lead to riskful road situations. Often, driving while it is raining heavily, fog, or icy roads can impair the truck driver significantly, which can lead to loss of control.
7. Reckless Driving
Truck drivers who engage in dangerous driving practices such as overspeeding, tailgating, or lane weaving endanger all road users. These behaviors are commonplace among drivers attempting to meet unrealistic schedules or trying to avoid busy traffic.
During a car accident, understanding why it happened plays an important role in determining who is liable. This is where a Personal injury lawyers charleston sc helps. They will perform an in-depth examination to collect evidence, interview relevant parties, and collaborate with accident recreation professionals to prepare a convincing argument.
Why You Need a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you need a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. Here are several reasons why hiring a South Carolina truck accident lawyer is essential:
1. Knowledge of Complex Trucking Regulations
Policies on work duration, maintenance of the truck, and maximum load are only some of the mandatory trucking laws that state and federal authorities need compliance. An experienced attorney accepts and understands that these details exist and can turn them into the basis of culpability.
2. Investigative Resources
While trying to truck accident cases, a lawyer usually works with driver logs, GPS, black box and maintenance logs. A Personal injury lawyer myrtle beach has the right resources and investigative equipment to collect the evidence needed to determine the cause of the crash.
3. Negotiation Skills
Insurance providers frequently try to offer settlements that are lower than what they should be covering. Truck accident lawyers will handle the negotiations from your behalf which will guarantee that you get compensated fairly for medical costs, lost wages and even emotional trauma.
4. Trial Experience
Whatever the circumstances, if negotiations are unsuccessful your attorney will be ready to present your case in court. Truck accident lawyers are expert litigators, capable of putting forth a strong case before a judge and jury, and assuring that your interests are protected at all times.
5. Maximizing Compensation
Truck accidents are often a multi-party activity, and that the driver, trucking business, the maintenance service, and even the manufacturer of the truck parts can all be involved. A South Carolina attorney after a truck accident will take care that all the parties are charged and that you are compensated for all aspects like medical expenses, loss of earnings, mental and bodily anguish, and even future healthcare needs.
The Legal Process for Truck Accident Claims in South Carolina
After a truck accident, there are several steps involved in pursuing a claim:
- Initial Consultation – Engage the services of a South Carolina truck accident lawyer to analyze your claim and explain to you the possible legal avenues available to you.
- Investigation – The lawyer will obtain relevant information to support the case like accident reports, interviews with witnesses, and expert opinions.
- Filing a Claim – The attorney will submit the claim to the identified wrongdoers and the relevant insurance companies.
- Negotiation – The attorney will resolve the case with the insurance providers for an adequate settlement.
- Litigation – If your case has to be tried, the attorney will represent you in the court.
Conclusion
Accidents with trucks tend to have harrowing repercussions, often leading to disastrous injuries. In any of these forms of accident, it is critical to retain a South Carolina truck accident lawyer who understands the legal intricacies and can help you secure the compensation you need. Having the right legal resources enables you to work towards recovering from a terribly unfortunate incident.
Get in touch with John Price Law Firm for adept handling of truck accident cases. Their lawyers will assist you in obtaining justice and compensation.
