Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination in South Carolina. However, with its popularity comes heavy traffic, including the frequent presence of large commercial trucks on its roads. These trucks are essential for transporting goods and supporting the local economy. The combination of high traffic volume and large vehicles increases the likelihood of serious trucking accidents in Myrtle Beach.
If you have been affected by a truck crash, you may need to file a lawsuit to recover your losses and damages. A Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer can help you determine your next options for your case. Contact the legal team at The Solomon Law Group, LLC to learn more.
Common Types of Truck Crashes and Their Causes
Heavy traffic, tight schedules, and sometimes less-than-ideal road conditions can lead to various types of truck accidents. According to the latest 2023 data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were 160,000 truck crashes, causing almost 75,000 injuries and 5,000 fatalities.
While these accidents were caused by a variety of reasons, here are some factors for why these incidents occur and how they can impact your case.
Rear-End Collisions
In Myrtle Beach, heavy traffic during tourist seasons and frequent stop-and-go conditions on highways and city streets increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions. These truck accidents often occur in Myrtle Beach when a trucker cannot stop in time to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of them. Driver distraction, tailgating, or failure to account for the longer stopping distances required by large trucks are the top reasons for these collisions.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can happen when a driver brakes too suddenly, especially on slippery or wet roads, causing the trailer to lose traction and skid. Speeding, improper braking, and abrupt maneuvers are common causes. These drivers may be more prone to sudden braking in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or unexpected congestion.
Tire Blowouts
Tire blowouts can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. These incidents often affect tractor-trailers and result from underinflated tires, worn treads, or overloading. Poor maintenance practices and hot weather conditions can increase the risk of this happening.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents can be caused by sharp turns taken at too high a speed, uneven road surfaces, or overcorrection by the driver. The height and weight of trucks make them vulnerable to rollovers.
Truck rollover accidents can leave victims with substantial injuries, damages, and other losses. In many cases, the fault of the incident rests with the other driver. If you suffered serious injuries and believe the truck driver or other parties were responsible, contact The Solomon Law Group, LLC today.
Holding At-Fault Parties Accountable for Their Negligent Actions
Myrtle Beach truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries, substantial property damage, and even loss of life. Determining who is at fault is crucial. When seeking compensation, you need to determine who is responsible for the incident. Some of these liable parties for truck crashes may include:
Truck Drivers
These drivers are often the first individuals blamed for the incident. Their actions behind the wheel, including speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, improper lane changes, and failure to adhere to traffic laws, can lead to accidents.
Trucking Companies
All companies are legally responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, well-rested, and compliant with federal and state regulations. If a trucking company fails to conduct regular vehicle inspections, pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, or hires unqualified drivers, it can be liable for any accidents.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Defective truck parts, such as brakes, tires, or steering systems, are sometimes to blame for these crashes. If a malfunctioning or defective component causes a truck accident, the manufacturer of that part could be held liable.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to accidents like rollovers or jackknifing. If an accident is traced back to improper loading, the company or individuals responsible for loading the truck could be held accountable.
Maintenance Providers
All trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely on the road. If a truck’s brakes fail or a tire blows out due to poor maintenance, the company or individuals responsible for maintaining the vehicle could be at fault.
After an accident, you will want to hold those at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Determining who was liable is vital to the personal injury lawsuit process in Myrtle Beach. However, sometimes, the fault is not always apparent. For that reason, you may want to reach out to a Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer. They can help analyze the evidence and circumstances of the crash to help you find the responsible parties for your collision.
Can You Seek Compensation for Damages?
Victims of these Horry County trucking accidents have the right to seek compensation as they recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact. There are several types of compensation available, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of income and earning potential
- Pain and suffering
Unfortunately, many serious truck accidents in Myrtle Beach can result in a loss of life. Surviving family members have the right to seek damages for the wrongful death. They can recover expenses associated with the victim’s funeral and burial. Along with that, they may be able to get compensation for the loss of income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to their family.
If you have suffered any significant injuries due to a serious truck accident, you need legal help to pursue your claim. With assistance from a truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach, they can help calculate your damages and ensure you get your entitled compensation.
Why You Need an Experienced Myrtle Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
Due to the complexity of these cases, you may want to consider hiring legal help. Truck accidents involve multiple parties, nuanced federal and state regulations, and massive insurance challenges.
With assistance from a skilled attorney who regularly handles truck accident cases in Myrtle Beach, they can identify all liable parties, gather evidence to prove negligence and handle negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
These professionals understand trucking regulations, can manage the legal process, and can litigate if necessary. Hiring a knowledgeable truck injury lawyer maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In turn, you can avoid stress and allow yourself to focus on your recovery.
Our Truck Accident Attorney in Myrtle Beach Is Ready to Assist
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you will want legal representation from a firm specializing in this area of personal injury law. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, we understand the importance of skilled representation in these cases. Victims of truck accidents often face serious physical injuries and substantial financial burdens.
We are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. Contact our Myrtle Beach truck accident lawyer to learn more about how we can support your claim. You can explore your options by reaching out to us to schedule a free consultation and take the first steps toward healing from the incident.
