A logging truck traveling across the Catawba River was hit head on by a car on a South Carolina Highway. This trucking accident not only killed the driver of the car, but landed the truck driver in the hospital and about 100 gallons of diesel fuel in the Catawba river. The party responsible for the accident had to hire someone to clean up the diesel in the Catawba River and the gasoline that was in the creek. Due to the massive size and what they contain, trucks can be very dangerous especially to smaller vehicles. However, there are precautions that can be taken to prevent trucking accidents.
South Carolina Manages Danger
Although many trucking accidents are often fatal, accidents can be avoided by ensuring that commercial truck drivers are trained well. The South Carolina Department of Motor vehicles requires that truck drivers take a general knowledge test in addition to any tests relating to the truck they will be driving before they are issued a commercial driver’s license. For example if a truck driver were to drive a truck with hazardous materials, there is a test that he or she would have to take on these materials prior to being given a license. In addition, truck drivers in South Carolina are required to ensure that their cargo is balanced and the truck is not overloaded. The drivers must check the cargo after driving the first 50 miles. In addition the drivers must continue to check throughout the trip either every three hours or every 150 miles. These precautionary steps help to prevent further gasoline flowing into rivers.
What to Do In the Event of a Trucking Accident
If you are involved in an accident with a truck, there are certain things that you should do if you are able. The first step is to call for an ambulance and the police. The ambulance will help those who have been injured while the police will be able to handle the surrounding traffic and prepare a police report. You want to make sure that while waiting for the police and when the police come, you do not take the blame for anything. In addition, if you have to go to the hospital, it is essential that you obtain your medical reports.
These steps should help you be prepared when you hire an attorney. These steps will allow the attorney to pick up and complete the process of obtaining the damages that you deserve. If you hire an attorney within a few hours of the accident, they are able to get someone to the crash scene to inspect.
Have You Been in a Trucking Accident?
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of a trucking accident in South Carolina, you may be entitled to medical expenses and other damages. At the Solomon Law Group, we will work to fight for what you deserve. We are available to speak with you regarding your potential claim. Contact us by calling 803-219-8870, so we can set up your consultation today.
