Trucks move goods throughout the state of South Carolina. All vehicles must learn to share the road, especially on highways and rural roads. However, even with the best precautions, truck crashes can still occur. Unfortunately, many of these issues result from a reckless driver, a negligent trucking company, or another fault-based issue.
In these cases, you may be able to claim compensation for your injuries and other damages. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand your challenges and are here to help. Our experienced law firm is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
With assistance from our Charleston truck accident lawyer, we stand ready to support you through every step of the recovery process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take steps to rebuild your life after a truck accident.
How Truck Crashes Happen on the Road in Charleston County
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 117,000 large trucks were involved in crashes, leaving 155,000 individuals with injuries nationwide in 2021.
Whether it is a mechanical failure, weather conditions, or human error, truck crashes can happen for a variety of reasons. When the accident and your injuries result from another party’s negligence, you may recover any damages you sustained by filing a personal injury lawsuit. For example, our Charleston truck accident lawyers have assisted clients in securing compensation after suffering injuries or suffering a wrongful death due to:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours, and that can lead to fatigue. The FMCSA limits driving hours. However, violations still occur. Sometimes, drivers take to the road while sleep-deprived. Any lack of proper rest can impair their reaction time and judgment, leaving them prone to causing a trucking accident in Charleston.
Distracted Driving
Modern truck cabs can have many distractions. Texting, phone calls, and using other electronic devices can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even eating, adjusting controls, or using navigation systems can also cause distractions that lead to tractor-trailer accidents.
Impaired Driving
The FMCSA has strict regulations regarding substance abuse by drivers. Unfortunately, some truck drivers will continue to use drugs, alcohol, or other substances. Impaired driving is reckless, and it can result in catastrophic truck accidents in South Carolina.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truckers are required to meet tight deadlines in the trucking industry. With that in mind, many truck drivers will speed or engage in aggressive driving to adhere to these tight schedules. Unfortunately, these activities can lead to the trucker losing control of their vehicle and causing a preventable 18-wheeler crash here in the Low Country.
Inadequate Training
The FMCSA sets regulations for all drivers and companies, including standards for hiring and training. When inexperienced drivers get behind the wheel, they can struggle with handling large commercial vehicles, especially in challenging conditions. Also, improper training can result in tractor-trailer operators not adhering to necessary safety measures.
Mechanical Failures
Sometimes, the problem that results in a trucking collision is more mechanical in nature. Faulty or poorly maintained brakes are a common cause of truck accidents in Charleston, SC. Even worn or under-inflated tires can lead to blowouts. All of these issues can cause the driver to lose control, leading to a big rig crash on the road.
Poor Weather Conditions
Properly trained drivers are expected to handle the vehicle, no matter the conditions. When these tractor-trailer operators are inexperienced, it can cause a crash. For example, slippery roads can reduce traction, causing rollovers and rear-end collisions.
Truck crashes often result in serious consequences due to the size and weight of at least one of the vehicles involved. Drivers and companies are expected to maintain their vehicles and adhere to regulations. They can be held liable for injuries, losses, and other damages when they don’t under South Carolina law.
Which Parties May Be Responsible for Your Charleston Truck Accident Injuries?
Liability in truck accidents can involve multiple parties. Determining liability is often complex and requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, the actions of the driver, and the involvement of third parties. Depending on the circumstances of the case, one of the following parties may be liable for damages caused in a truck wreck:
A Truck Driver
If the trucker was speeding, distracted, tired, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or engaged in other negligent behavior, they could be held liable for the accident. Liability will also apply if they violate federal or state regulations, such as hours-of-service rules.
Trucking Company
Many times, the trucking company can also share responsibility for the accident. Employers can be held liable for an employee’s actions if the driver was operating within the scope of their employment.
Trucking companies must ensure that their employees meet the standards. They could be held responsible if they failed to properly vet, train, or supervise the trucker. Also, they could be liable for a Charleston tractor-trailer collision, for example, if it’s discovered that the truck was poorly maintained and that failure led to an accident.
Truck or Parts Manufacturer
If a defect in the truck or its components, such as the brakes or tires, caused the accident, the auto parts manufacturer could be liable under product liability laws. Liability may also extend to a manufacturer if a truck’s design is deemed inherently dangerous or defective.
Maintenance Providers
Maintenance is important for these vehicles, and if the mechanics or companies tasked with performing the work fail to identify critical issues or make inadequate repairs, they can also be named in a truck accident lawsuit in SC.
Government Entities
Even the government could be held accountable for these accidents. If potholes, faulty traffic signals, or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road could be liable for your truck-involved collision.
Determining liability is not always easy in these cases. If you or a loved one have been injured, you will want to contact a Charleston truck accident lawyer to learn more about your next legal steps. Getting clarity about the responsible parties can help with your personal injury claim.
What Potential Damages Are Recoverable Following a Truck Wreck in the Low County, SC
In a personal injury lawsuit in SC, you may seek compensation for economic or noneconomic damages.
With economic damages, you can be reimbursed for quantifiable financial losses resulting from the truck crash. These include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damages, and other out-of-pocket costs.
Noneconomic damages are a little different. These can compensate you for non-monetary losses. They tend to be more subjective and challenging to quantify. Many times, these include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
Punitive damages aren’t awarded in every case, but instead when the defendant’s conduct is found to be egregious, reckless, or intentional. These damages are generally awarded to emphasize the wrongdoing and punish the other party.
Several factors can influence the amount and types of damages awarded. Many times, severe injuries can result in higher compensation. Also, the extent to which the injury has affected your ability to enjoy life and perform daily activities will factor into how much your Charleston trucking accident case ultimately settles for.
In these lawsuits, you can recover both the financial and non-financial losses you have suffered in your crash with a truck in Charleston. Remember that the specific damages awarded will depend on the details of your case and the strength of the evidence presented.
A Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one is recovering from a truck accident, the last thing on your mind should be your injury claim. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we are here to assist with the process.
Our work to protect your legal rights and secure the justice you deserve begins soon after you hire a Charleston truck accident lawyer to work for you. Contact us for a free consultation so we can discuss your case with you.
