In Greenville, commercial trucks are common on major highways like I-85 and I-385. However, the heavy truck traffic on our roads also increases the risk of serious accidents.
When a truck crash occurs, the impact can be life-altering, leaving victims grappling with severe injuries, lost wages, and overwhelming medical expenses.
At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand the unique challenges those injured on our local roads face. Whether you need to hold an individual trucker, a major trucking company, or an auto manufacturer and one of their insurance companies liable, we stand by your side. Reach out to our Greenville truck accident lawyer to learn more about your options for filing a legal claim.
Reasons Why These Truck Crashes Occur
According to the latest 2021 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data, over 117,000 large trucks were involved in crashes that year. As a result, more than 155,000 individuals suffered injuries.
Truck accidents are often caused by a combination of factors related to the nature of trucking and drivers’ challenges. The driver and their company are responsible for ensuring that they and others stay safe on the road. Trucking collisions in Greenville can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Long hours: Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding legal limits despite regulations. Fatigue can impair reaction times, decision-making, and overall alertness, leading to truck accidents in upstate South Carolina. Even the pressure to meet tight delivery schedules can lead to truckers skipping rest breaks or driving longer without adequate sleep.
- Distracted driving: Truck operators can become distracted by phones, GPS devices, or onboard computers. Focusing on things other than driving, such as eating or adjusting controls, can also lead to Greenville tractor-trailer crashes.
- Speeding: Truckers may speed to meet deadlines or receive incentives for faster deliveries, which can reduce their ability to stop quickly or react to sudden changes in traffic. According to the National Safety Council, high-speed crashes kill an average of over 33 people a day. High speeds make it harder for large trucks to maneuver, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknife accidents.
- Improper maintenance: These trucks require regular maintenance to ensure safety. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are common causes of Greenville trucking accidents when maintenance is neglected.
- Inadequate training: Inexperienced truck drivers may not be fully equipped to handle the challenges of driving a large truck, leading to poor decision-making and accidents. Individuals who lack training in specific situations, such as driving in bad weather or handling difficult terrains, are more prone to causing truck-involved accidents in Greenville.
Have You Suffered These Injuries in a Trucking Accident in Greenville?
Unfortunately, collisions with big rigs often leave victims with substantial injuries. If you have suffered a significant injury, such as the following, you could be entitled to compensation:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Internal Injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma
Many times, the recovery process can be extensive. Without being able to work, many families struggle with financial support after these wrecks. If you have been affected by a crash with an 18-wheeler, you have options. Contact a Greenville truck accident lawyer to learn more.
Why Truck Wreck Injury Cases Are Complicated
After suffering an injury from a truck crash, you will not want to take on these cases by yourself. These claims can be complicated for several reasons, mainly due to:
Multiple Parties Involved
In very rare cases, the liability rests solely on the driver. These accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even vehicle manufacturers. Determining liability can be complicated. Most of the time, the process involves assessing the actions of all these parties. Since there are multiple parties, that means several insurers. Trying to settle a claim will require you to negotiate with all of these interested parties.
Federal and State Regulations
The FMCSA regulates all large commercial vehicles. Truckers and fleet companies are subject to various federal and state regulations, and these rules cover driver hours, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading.
Accidents involving trucks often require a thorough investigation to determine if regulatory non-compliance played a role in the incident. Sometimes, this may include analyzing driving logs, maintenance records, and the truck’s electronic control module (ECM).
Catastrophic Injuries
Often, these victims will suffer from severe injuries, including spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and extensive burns. Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care costs can be astronomical, raising the stakes in these cases.
As a result, the potential damages in Greenville County truck accident cases are substantial. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The high value of these claims can lead to contentious legal battles.
Aggressive Defense Tactics
Trucking companies and insurers often deploy their teams immediately after an accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a defense. If you are trying to handle the case by yourself, this can put you at a disadvantage.
The defense in Greenville truck accident cases often tries to minimize liability, such as disputing the extent of injuries and shifting blame to third parties or even you.
With all these factors at play, you cannot leave anything to chance. Contact The Solomon Law Group, LLC to see how we can assist with your personal injury case in Greenville.
Let Our Experienced Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer Assist You
Anyone affected by these truck crashes needs legal representation from a law firm that understands trucking accidents and South Carolina personal injury law. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we know that representation matters in these cases. Many times, accident victims have suffered substantial physical injuries and financial losses.
Let us help you get the compensation you deserve as you focus on your recovery. If you would like to learn more about how we can assist with your claim, make sure to reach out to our Greenville truck accident lawyer. When you contact us for a free consultation, we’ll help you fully understand your options so that you can start the recovery process.
