Tractor trailer accidents often result in serious injuries and fatalities. This is because trucks are so large compared to small passenger vehicles. In South Carolina, 100 people die every year due to truck accidents. Almost all fatalities were of the person in the car, not the truck. There is nothing to shield the car passengers from the terrible impact caused by a tractor trailer.
Many truck accidents have negligence as the main cause. While some of this negligence can be attributed to car drivers, often it is the fault of the truck driver. If you or a member of your family have been injured in a truck accident, you are going to need a reliable truck accident lawyer. You will need to focus on recovering from your injuries. Let your lawyer focus on the legal side of things.
Truck Accident Lawyers in Lugoff, South Carolina Handle All Types of Cases
As mentioned above, most truck accidents are caused by negligence. Truck drivers are on the road all day and night. They work long hours and are hauling huge loads of products. Although they go through extensive training, truck drivers are human. They are operating very large and potentially dangerous machines. Chances of an accident occurring at some point are rather high.
Some of the common types of truck accidents in Lugoff, South Carolina include:
- Jackknife
- Rollovers
- Blown tires
- Dangerous turns
- Lost loads
- Speeding
We’re not saying that truck drivers get up in the morning and decide to cause an accident. It’s just that with the size of their vehicles and the nature of their job, truck drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident. Most of the types listed above are directly related to the type of truck they are driving.
When trucks are driving hundreds or thousands of miles, they encounter their share of mechanical issues. Some of these result in the types of accidents mentioned here. If a truck goes just a little too fast or cuts a corner a bit too tight, they can rollover or jackknife. We see videos of this on the news every day. If you are involved in this type of accident, you need to contact a Lugoff truck accident attorney.
Your Truck Accident Attorney in Lugoff, South Carolina Will Have to Prove Negligence
Just because you’re involved in a truck accident doesn’t automatically mean the truck driver is at fault. Your truck accident attorney is going to have to prove that the driver was at fault. This is why it’s important that you always call the police if you’re involved in an accident. They will provide a police report that describes the accident. They will also take pictures of the accident scene. Your lawyer can then hire experts to recreate the accident if need be.
Driver negligence is at the root of many truck accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver falling asleep at the wheel
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Improperly maintained vehicle
- Overtired driver
If you know a truck driver, he’ll tell you that they are encouraged to work long hours. There are now laws limiting how many hours a truck driver can work without a break. However, truck drivers are still pressured to get as many miles in per hour as possible. Moreover, they are doing this with huge loads trailing behind them. To meet their goals, they tend to drive too fast and work longer hours than they should.
Contact a Lugoff Truck Accident Attorney Today
If injured in a truck accident, you need to call a Lugoff truck accident attorney today. You are going to have to file a claim against the truck driver’s insurance company. You may have to file suit against the driver and his employer. This can get complicated. It’s important that you have an experienced attorney by your side throughout the entire process.
When you contact the lawyer’s office, schedule your initial consultation. The consultation is free and it gives you a chance to discuss your case with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Make sure you bring all documentation related to your accident including:
- Police report
- Truck driver’s insurance information
- Contact information for eyewitnesses
- Correspondence received related to the accident
- Medical records
- Pictures of the accident scene
- Documentation of lost wages
- Any medical bills received
Your Lugoff truck accident attorney can give you an idea of what your case may be worth. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing until you settle your case!
View these other frequently asked questions pages:
What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in South Carolina?
What Is Negligence in a South Carolina Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Is it Illegal to Talk on Your Cell Phone While Driving in South Carolina?