Truck accidents in Florence, South Carolina, like elsewhere, can lead to severe injuries, fatalities, and complicated legal battles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 160,000 truck crashes in the United States in 2023, including almost 75,000 injuries and 5,000 deaths.
Because of the size and weight disparity between tractor-trailers and passenger vehicles, when a crash involves a large commercial truck, the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, understanding your legal rights is crucial.
Trucking crash cases are notoriously challenging to prove. A skilled Florence truck accident lawyer can be invaluable to you in these instances. Get in touch with us for a free consultation if you’ve suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one to discuss your case and your legal options today.
The Complexity of Trucking Crash Cases
Truck accidents are typically more complex than Florence car wrecks due, in part, to the fact that they can involve multiple liable parties, complicated state and federal regulations and that the resulting injuries can be more severe.
In regard to liability, unlike a standard car wreck, where fault is usually more straightforward, multiple parties can be held accountable for trucking crashes, including:
- The trucking company
- The trucker
- The vehicle or auto parts manufacturer
- The company responsible for maintaining the truck
Since each of these parties may share some degree of liability, determining who is at fault for the collision can be challenging.
Federal trucking regulations add another layer of complexity. Trucking companies and their drivers are required to follow strict rules set by the FMCSA.
These regulations govern everything from the number of hours a driver can be on the road (known as Hours of Service regulations) to the maintenance standards for the trucks. Violations of these and other regulations can be a critical factor in proving negligence, but uncovering them requires an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the trucking industry and its legal framework.
Additionally, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be liable if a mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will thoroughly investigate all potential sources of liability. This process may involve reviewing employment records, maintenance logs, and even the business practices of the trucking company to determine if any policies contributed to the accident.
By identifying all liable parties, your Florence truck accident attorney can help ensure that you receive the full compensation that you deserve.
The Importance of Taking Immediate Legal Action After a Tractor-Trailer Crash in the Pee Dee Region
When it comes to protecting your rights after a truck accident, time is of the essence.
Trucking companies and their insurers often use rapid response teams to protect their interests. Those teams begin working immediately after a truck crash has been reported. Their focus is on minimizing the company’s liability.
As a truck accident victim, you need to know that this means that evidence can disappear or be manipulated if not preserved quickly. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may become to gather this crucial evidence and secure witness testimony.
Hiring a Florence truck accident lawyer as soon as possible is a crucial step in ensuring that your rights are protected. An experienced attorney will know how to conduct a thorough investigation, preserve crucial evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. This can include obtaining truck driver logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s “black box”, all of which can provide critical facts about what caused the accident.
Also, the South Carolina statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. Having an attorney representing you gives you a better chance of meeting any statutory deadlines such as this.
Additionally, trucking companies and their insurers may use delay tactics to weaken your case. By hiring a truck accident attorney in Florence promptly, you can ensure that your case is handled efficiently and that you have the best possible chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
The Role of Insurance in SC 18-Wheeler Wreck Cases
Again, insurance plays a significant role in truck accident cases, but navigating the complexities of insurance policies can be complicated.
Commercial trucking companies usually carry large fleet-wide insurance policies, but this does not mean that you, as a victim, will automatically get fair compensation. Insurance companies are businesses, and each of them has as a goal to minimize their payouts to protect their bottom lines.
A skilled truck accident lawyer in Florence, SC knows how to negotiate with insurance companies and won’t be intimidated by their tactics.
Your truck crash injury attorney will fight to ensure that you receive compensation that covers all of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. In some cases, it may be necessary to take the case to trial to secure a fair settlement.
They’ll also be prepared to advocate for you in court if necessary.
The Impact of Florence Truck Accidents on Victims
Big rig collisions often result in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. Approximately 82% of deaths in fatal truck crashes are pedestrians or passengers of other vehicles, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation 2022 Traffic Safety Facts.
The economic and noneconomic losses from these injuries can be overwhelming. Victims may face months or even years of rehabilitation, and some may never fully recover. In addition to the immediate medical expenses, victims may also need ongoing care, adaptive equipment, and modifications to their homes.
The emotional impact of a truck accident cannot be understated either. Truck accident victims may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety following their crashes. These emotional impacts are just as real as physical injuries and need to be compensated.
Your lawyer must understand the full scope of your damages and fight to ensure that you get a level of compensation that reflects the true impact of your trucking accident in Florence on your life.
The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Tractor-Trailer Crash Cases
In truck accident cases, expert witnesses can play a critical role in establishing where liability lies and the extent of damages you’ve already sustained and the ones you are likely to have in the future. These experts might include accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists who can testify about the long-term financial impact of your injuries.
A lawyer with experience in handling truck accident cases in our area will know how to leverage expert testimony to strengthen your position. For example, an accident reconstruction expert can offer a detailed analysis of how your truck wreck occurred, which can be pivotal in proving that the trucker or another party was at fault.
Likewise, medical experts can testify as to the severity of your injuries and the projected cost of your future medical care.
How To Choose the Right Florence Truck Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right attorney to represent you in a truck accident case is one of the most important decisions you will make. You’ll need a lawyer who has experience handling these types of cases, who understands the complexities of these cases, and has a track record of success.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting a Florence SC truck accident lawyer:
- Experience: Look for a lawyer who specializes in truck accident cases and has a deep understanding of the trucking industry and relevant laws.
- Reputation: Research the lawyer’s or firm’s reputation within the legal community and among former clients. Take reviews of the firm into account, as well as any disciplinary actions.
- Communication: Choose a truck accident lawyer who is responsive and communicates clearly. You should feel confident that your attorney is keeping you informed and answering your questions.
- Track Record: Ask about the lawyer’s track record in handling truck accident cases in Florence, SC. Have they secured significant settlements or verdicts for their clients?
By taking the time to research and choose the best lawyer for your case, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome for you and your family.
Truck accidents are serious events that require experienced legal representation.
The complexities of these cases, combined with the severity of the injuries that can often result, make it crucial to have a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side.
Understanding the legal process, the importance of taking immediate action and how to choose the right lawyer can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact us today at The Solomon Law Group, LLC for a free consultation. We’ll connect you with a competent Florence truck accident lawyer in our office so you can discuss your case and learn more about your rights and options.
