There are millions of trucks on the road. While there are many laws in place to try to keep trucks safe, truck safety is still a concern. Every year there are thousands of accidents that are caused by unsafe truck conditions. A recent accident happened when a truck lost a wheel that bounced around and hit a vehicle. The driver of the car was not seriously hurt, but could have been. The tire crushed the entire front of the roof and shattered the windshield. Accidents such as these can and should be prevented with proper safety measures. For example, had the truck been inspected before being driven the loose bolts on the tire would have been noticed and the problem would have been corrected before the vehicle got onto the road.

Safety Issues

There are many different problems that can occur with trucks, particularly with those that are driven for long distances. Tires are certainly an issue. When a tire blows it can tear away and the debris could hit into traffic causing an accident or injuries. Another problem happens when the truck loses part of its load. The cargo must be properly secured so that it does not come off, especially when the vehicle makes a turn or a quick stop. Rocks or pebbles can come off of the tires or the vehicle itself and hit into other cars on the road. Even small stones can act as bullets, causing major damage and injuries to the vehicle’s driver and passengers.

Highway Traffic Regulations

There are many traffic rules and regulations that apply to vehicles of all types that travel on roads in South Carolina. Vehicles must be deemed safe to drive and drivers must be properly licensed. Of course, the rules are often not followed and unsafe conditions can create a safety hazard for other drivers. When an accident is caused by the negligent actions of a truck driver the victim is entitled to collect damages and seek justice for the injuries. The victim will need to prove negligence and liability. These cases are resolved through the insurance company, which often works to resolve the matter as quickly as possible through a settlement.

Seeking Justice

There are several things that you can and should do after an accident with a truck to ensure that you receive the settlement you deserve. First and foremost, you must attend to any injuries that were caused by the accident. A police report must be made. Take photos of the damage to the vehicle and note the highway conditions at the time of the incident. In some cases, the truck continues on without stopping. Contact the police and give them a good description of the truck, which will usually be located. If there were any witnesses to the incident it is essential that their information is gathered at the scene. Your attorney will work to get the information necessary to resolve your case in a favorable way. If you were injured in an accident that was not your fault, contact the Columbia, SC auto accident legal team at Connell Law Firm to discuss your case.