Semi-truck accidents often result in severe injuries, significant financial burdens, and long-term impacts, making them particularly devastating compared to other vehicle accidents. Despite rigorous training and examinations required for truck drivers to obtain their commercial driving licenses, such accidents can occur due to factors beyond their control.
These include unsafe business practices, fatigue from long hours, vehicle defects, and other contributing factors.
Our Simpsonville personal injury lawyers understand the long-lasting impact these accidents can have on your life. Our dedicated team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Connect with us through our live chat or call our firm to get started.
You Can Get Legal Help With Our Simpsonville Truck Accident Attorneys
The team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is well-versed in the car vehicle regulations governing South Carolina. Lead attorney Ali Awad will clarify that South Carolina operates under an at-fault insurance system.
Under this system, the party found responsible for causing the accident bears the financial burden of compensating any injured parties. Given this, securing a Simpsonville truck accident attorney with strong negotiation skills is important, as many personal injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching the courtroom.
Managing the at-fault laws in South Carolina can be challenging due to their complexity, including the state’s comparative fault rules. During the investigation by law enforcement and insurance company lawyers, fault is assessed and apportioned among the involved parties.
It is common for one driver to be primarily at fault, while the other may also share a portion of the blame. Investigators will determine and assign percentages of fault accordingly.
Having a skilled truck accident lawyer is essential to guide you through these determinations.
For example, if a driver is deemed fully responsible for an accident in South Carolina, their insurance must cover all incurred damages. Conversely, if you are found 20% at fault, you would be eligible to claim 80% of the total damages.
The complexities of these determinations can escalate quickly, depending on the specifics of the accident and subsequent findings by the police. The at-fault driver’s insurance company may attempt to shift some blame onto you to reduce their liability.
By choosing the right legal representation from the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm in Simpsonville, you can handle these challenges effectively and ensure your rights are protected.
Why Should You Hire Our Simpsonville Truck Accident Law Firm?
Truck accidents in South Carolina not only result in significant damage but are often preventable tragedies that leave victims with little control over the aftermath. This determines the critical need for legal representation that understands the intricacies of truck-related collisions and how to safeguard victims’ rights effectively.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, securing a seasoned truck accident attorney is important. Such legal experts are committed to advocating vigorously on your behalf to ensure you receive the rightful compensation for your suffering.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our dedicated team of truck accident lawyers has hands-on experience in solving complicated matters. We confront trucking companies, insurance firms, and other involved parties head-on, ensuring your claim is given the gravity it deserves.
Despite stringent safety regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck accidents remain prevalent nationwide, often with devastating consequences. These incidents can lead to exorbitant medical expenses and strain personal relationships.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we prioritize your recovery and quality of life, fighting tirelessly to secure substantial compensation that covers your medical costs and supports your overall well-being.
Why Is Truck Driving so Dangerous?
Truck driving is considered a high-risk occupation for several reasons. The substantial size and mass of trucks create extensive blind spots, making it challenging for drivers to see other vehicles.
Additionally, trucks have longer stopping distances and more cumbersome maneuverability compared to smaller vehicles. The loads they transport can vary greatly in weight and distribution, potentially destabilizing the vehicle under certain conditions.
Moreover, truck drivers often face grueling schedules, leading to fatigue, which can significantly impair their concentration and reaction times. Lastly, the variability in local traffic regulations, road conditions, and signage can add further challenges, especially for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Simpsonville
Truck accidents are a frequent occurrence on Simpsonville roads, and many of these incidents are preventable. Negligence often plays a significant role in these collisions.
By understanding the common causes of truck accidents, you can take steps to protect yourself and others while traveling throughout South Carolina.
Let’s Learn the Main Causes of Truck Accidents in Simpsonville:
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may become distracted by activities such as adjusting the GPS or radio, texting, eating, or focusing on external objects. The rise in cellphone usage while driving has made distracted driving a leading cause of truck accidents in California.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Speeding is a major factor in auto accidents across the country, including California, and is particularly dangerous for commercial trucks due to their size and weight.
- Drowsy Driving: Long hours and insufficient rest can lead truck drivers to operate their vehicles while fatigued. Drowsy driving impairs a driver’s ability to focus and can result in falling asleep at the wheel, leading to a loss of vehicle control and potential accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and illegal drugs severely impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities. Operating a vehicle under the influence is a major cause of truck accidents, posing significant risks to all road users.
- Reckless Driving: Aggressive or careless driving behaviors, such as speeding, ignoring traffic signals, and disregarding road laws, contribute to many truck accidents. Reckless driving endangers not only the truck driver but also everyone else on the road.
It is essential to remain vigilant and cautious while driving to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Avoid distractions, adhere to speed limits, ensure you are well-rested, never drive under the influence, and always follow traffic laws.
By doing so, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents while navigating South Carolina’s roads.
Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident in Simpsonville
After a truck crash, it is important to prioritize reporting the incident and seeking immediate medical care. Here are the essential steps to take right after a truck accident:
- Ensure Safety First: If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and minimize the risk of further accidents. If moving the vehicle isn’t feasible, evacuate the vehicle and get to a safe location away from traffic.
- Seek Medical Assistance Immediately: The massive weight of semi-trucks can lead to severe injuries in the event of a collision. Prompt medical attention is crucial not only for your health but also as a record for any legal claims. Call 911 without delay to report the accident and request medical help.
- Document the Accident Scene: If your condition allows, take photographs and videos of the crash site, capturing the positions of vehicles, visible damages, and any relevant road conditions or signs that may have influenced the accident. These details are essential for the police report and any future legal actions.
- Collect Contact Information: Exchange details with the truck driver and any witnesses at the scene. Gather names, phone numbers, and insurance information, which will be valuable for your insurance claim and potential legal proceedings.
- Undergo a Thorough Medical Evaluation: Visit a healthcare provider for a full examination to identify and treat injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent, such as internal injuries or trauma. This step is also vital for documenting injuries related to the accident.
- Consult with a Qualified Attorney: Contact a truck accident lawyer in South Carolina who specializes in such cases. An experienced attorney can offer legal guidance, help you understand your rights, and assist in securing fair compensation for your damages and injuries. Our team of dedicated truck accident attorneys is prepared to support you through this challenging time.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents in South Carolina frequently result in a range of severe injuries, each with the potential to impact victims’ lives significantly:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A leading cause of TBI-related fatalities in the U.S., truck accidents can cause extensive head trauma, including penetrating injuries, internal bleeding, and neurological damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The spinal cord acts as a critical communication line between the brain and the body. Damage here can lead to permanent changes, such as loss of mobility, chronic pain, and other severe impairments affecting daily function.
- Burn Injuries: Truck collisions involving flammable or hazardous materials can result in severe burns, leading to loss of limbs, vision impairment, and disfiguring scars.
- Paralysis: Often resulting from spinal injuries, paralysis can dramatically alter a victim’s lifestyle, necessitating modifications to living spaces and ongoing medical care.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: These are among the more frequent consequences of truck crashes, requiring extensive medical treatment and possibly leading to long-term mobility issues.
- Internal Bleeding: This hidden danger can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed, marked by symptoms such as swelling, faintness, unusual bruising, and an accelerated heartbeat.
- Miscarriage: The severe impact of a truck accident can endanger pregnancies, posing risks of miscarriage and premature labor.
- Wrongful Death: In tragic cases, families may seek compensation for funeral expenses and lost income to support them through their grief following a fatal truck accident.
Victims may also endure other lasting effects, such as facial disfigurement, scarring, and PTSD, all of which warrant immediate medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment following a truck accident in South Carolina.
What Needs to Be Proven in Truck Accident Cases?
In truck accident litigation, the central issue often revolves around determining liability and proving damages. For those injured in Simpsonville truck accidents, particularly involving tractor-trailers, it is crucial to establish the fault of the truck drivers, trucking companies, or manufacturers to successfully claim compensation.
Key Elements to Prove in Truck Accident Lawsuits:
- Duty of Care: Legally, all road users have a responsibility to act in a manner that prevents harm to others. This is particularly critical for truck drivers due to the significant damage their vehicles can cause.
- Breach of Duty: Demonstrating a breach involves showing that the truck driver, the trucking company, or the manufacturer failed in their duty to operate safely. This could be due to ignoring traffic regulations or driving while impaired.
- Causation: Establishing that the negligence directly resulted in the accident is essential. It is not enough to show that the truck driver was negligent; the negligence must be linked directly to the incident.
- Damages: Lastly, there must be actual damages from the accident, such as medical expenses, loss of income, or pain and suffering. Without demonstrable losses, there might not be a valid claim.
Truck accident victims have to get legal counsel from lawyers experienced in handling the difficulties of these situations. We have a great deal of expertise managing truck accident claims in Simpsonville.
Our devoted group is committed to standing up for your rights and getting you the due money. Contact us to speak with our experienced Simpsonville truck accident lawyer about your case and learn more about your legal options.
What Are the Types of Truck Accidents in Simpsonville?
Truck traffic is common in South Carolina since it serves as the primary shipping route connecting the Southeast with the Northeast. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2023 that big trucks were involved in 8% of South Carolina’s fatal crashes.
Among the most typical categories of truck accidents in South Carolina are:
- Head-on Collisions: These occur when the front end of a truck collides with the front end of another vehicle, often resulting from distracted driving, fatigue, or veering across the centerline. They are among the most lethal due to the significant force involved.
- Rear-end Collisions: These happen when a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle. Due to trucks’ large mass and momentum, even at low speeds, the impact can cause severe injuries and damage.
- Jackknife Accidents: This type of accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings around to form an acute angle with its cab, resembling a folding knife. Often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads, jackknife accidents can block entire roadways and are highly dangerous.
- Rollover Accidents: These accidents involve the truck tipping over onto its side or roof. High speeds, abrupt maneuvers, or improperly secured loads can lead to rollovers, posing significant risks to nearby vehicles and pedestrians.
- Under-ride Accidents: These tragic incidents happen when smaller vehicles crash into a truck from behind or the side and slide underneath. The lower clearance of trucks can lead to catastrophic outcomes, often shearing off the top of the smaller vehicle.
- Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks making wide right turns can trap smaller vehicles between the truck and the curb, or hit vehicles in adjacent lanes. These accidents typically occur due to misjudgments in turning space or unawareness of other vehicles.
- T-bone Accidents: Occurring mostly at intersections, these accidents happen when the side of a truck is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. Lack of attention, failure to yield, and running red lights are common causes.
- Sideswipe Accidents: These occur when the sides of two parallel vehicles touch while moving in the same direction. When trucks drift out of their lanes due to driver distraction or side winds, sideswipe accidents can result, leading to loss of vehicle control.
What Kind of Compensation Is Available in Simpsonville for Truck Accidents?
The surge in truck-related fatalities is alarming, with a 17% increase noted from 2020 to 2023 across the U.S., culminating in 5,788 fatalities in traffic accidents involving large trucks in the latter year alone.
Truck collisions are notorious not only for their high fatality rates but also for the extensive financial burdens they impose, including hefty medical costs and significant property damage. The responsibility for truck safety and cargo handling often involves multiple parties, potentially stretching liability across various states.
For those affected in South Carolina, consulting with a seasoned truck accident attorney is crucial for securing comprehensive compensation. This can cover economic damages like healthcare expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Our experienced attorney will also strive for non-economic damages in your claim, addressing the emotional and physical distress suffered, as well as any impact on your life’s quality. Furthermore, in instances of particularly negligent behavior, punitive damages might be pursued to address the egregiousness of the conduct involved.
Compensation sought by your attorney in South Carolina might include:
Economic Damages
- Healthcare expenses, including hospital stays and medications
- Costs for medical aids and rehabilitation
- Expenses for ongoing care needs
- Lost wages due to work absences
- Reduced future earning potential
- Property repair and depreciation costs
- Expenses related to funerals and burials
Non-economic Damages
- Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Reimbursement for mental suffering
- Compensation for diminished life quality
- Costs associated with physical disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or marital strain
Is There a Limitation For Truck Accident Claims?
Under the Limitation Act 1980 (Section 11), individuals seeking to file a personal injury claim, including those resulting from truck accident accidents, are generally bound by a three-year limitation period. This period can begin on one of two potential dates:
- The date of the accident itself.
- The date on which the claimant becomes aware that their injuries are linked to the accident.
- Claimants are entitled to initiate their claim based on the later of these two dates.
There are, however, specific deviations from this rule. For instance, if the injured party is a minor or an individual with impaired mental capacity, different rules apply.
Additionally, provisions are made for circumstances where the potential claimant passes away within the three-year period, allowing for the continuation or initiation of claims under certain conditions.
Who Is At Fault for a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are often complex due to the multitude of factors that can contribute to them, leading to multiple potential responsible parties. The following entities might be considered liable in the event of a truck collision:
- Truck Driver: The driver could be at fault due to negligence, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or violating traffic laws.
- Trucking Company: The company might be liable for not adhering to regulations, failing to properly maintain vehicles, or inadequate training of their drivers.
- Cargo Loader: If improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident, the cargo loaders might be held responsible.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer: Manufacturers could be liable if a defective part or vehicle malfunction led to the crash.
Call Our Simpsonville Truck Accident Lawyers Today!
To successfully claim compensation, it is necessary to establish that the party at fault had a duty of care towards you, breached that duty, and that this breach directly caused the accident and your subsequent injuries. Evidence must be gathered and presented to support these claims.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries in a truck accident in Simpsonville involving a large truck or any other type of vehicle, seeking prompt legal counsel is important. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm specializes in representing people who have been harmed in various vehicular incidents, including complex rollover and jackknife truck accidents.
Facing the aftermath with trucking companies and insurance carriers can be stressful. Our knowledgeable team in South Carolina has experience and knowledge in local truck accident laws, ensuring that we meet the legal standards required for your case.
Call our truck accident lawyers at (864) 664-3865 or schedule your complimentary consultation. We’ll help you explore your legal opportunities.
