A Guide to Semi-Truck Crashes and Recoveries in Conway, South Carolina

What Our Conway Truck Accident Lawyers Want You to Know Right After a Crash

After a serious truck accident in Conway, you may be left with severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future. When the unthinkable happens, you may need an experienced Conway truck accident lawyer who can fight for the compensation you deserve.

With over 30 years of experience, our Conway truck accident attorneys understand the intricacies of truck accident cases. We help protect the rights of our client's while pursuing fair compensation.

Common Types of Truck Accidents in Conway

Truck accidents can occur in many ways, often with catastrophic consequences for victims. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:

Jackknife accidents. When a truck driver brakes suddenly, the trailer can swing out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. This can cause the truck to skid across multiple lanes of traffic, endangering nearby motorists.

Rollover accidents. Due to their high center of gravity, large trucks are prone to rolling over when taking sharp turns or swerving to avoid obstacles. Truck rollovers can crush smaller passenger vehicles and cause devastating injuries.

Underride accidents. When a passenger vehicle rear-ends a large truck or slides underneath a trailer during a collision, the results are often fatal. Many trucks lack proper underride guards to prevent these deadly crashes.

Blind spot accidents. Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides. When truck drivers fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging, they can easily sideswipe a smaller vehicle.

Tire blowout accidents. Worn or defective tires can explode suddenly, causing the truck driver to lose control. The massive debris from a tire blowout can create hazards for vehicles following behind the truck.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Conway

While truck accidents can happen for numerous reasons, some causes are more common than others. These include:

Driver fatigue. Long hours on the road can lead to truck driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing a driver's reaction time, judgment, and ability to stay alert.

Distracted driving. Truck drivers distracted by cellphones, navigation systems, or other devices are more likely to cause accidents. Even a momentary distraction can have devastating consequences when operating a large commercial vehicle.

Speeding. Trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit, they may be unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.

Improper maintenance. Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their vehicles in safe operating conditions. Failure to conduct regular inspections, replace worn parts, or make necessary repairs can lead to accidents caused by mechanical failures.

Inadequate training. Truck drivers must receive proper training to operate their vehicles safely. When trucking companies cut corners on training or hire inexperienced drivers, they put other motorists at risk.

Impaired driving. While less common than other causes, some truck accidents are caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications that impair their driving ability.

Proving Liability in a Conway Truck Accident Case

To recover compensation after a truck accident, you must prove that another party's negligence caused the crash. This can be challenging, as multiple parties may share liability, including the:

Truck driver. Truck drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following all traffic laws. If a driver is tired, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be liable for any resulting accidents. Truck drivers who violate hours-of-service regulations, which limit the number of hours they can drive without rest, may also be held accountable for crashes caused by drowsy driving.
Trucking company. Trucking companies have a duty to hire qualified drivers, provide adequate training, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. If a company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines, or encourages the falsification of driving logs, it may be liable for accidents caused by its negligence.
Cargo loading company. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced and increasing the risk of a rollover or jackknife accident. If the cargo loading company fails to secure the load properly or overloads the trailer, it may be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
Truck or parts manufacturer. Defective trucks or components, such as faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems, can contribute to serious accidents. If a manufacturing or design defect causes a crash, the manufacturer may be liable for the victim's injuries.
Third-party maintenance companies. Some trucking companies outsource vehicle maintenance to third-party companies. If a maintenance company fails to properly inspect, repair, or maintain a truck, leading to an accident, it may be liable for negligence.

Most Common Injuries in Conway Truck Accidents

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks can lead to severe injuries when they are involved in accidents. Some of the most common injuries suffered by truck accident victims include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The violent impact of a truck accident can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, leading to concussions, skull fractures, and other serious head injuries. TBIs can have long-lasting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Victims may require lifelong medical care and assistance with daily activities.
Broken bones. The force of a truck accident can easily shatter bones, leading to complex fractures that require surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Some victims may suffer permanent mobility limitations.
Burn injuries. When a truck accident causes a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burn injuries that cause excruciating pain, scarring, and disfigurement. Treatment may involve multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and ongoing therapy.
Internal injuries. The blunt force trauma of a truck accident can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making prompt medical attention crucial.
Soft tissue injuries. Whiplash, sprains, and strains are common in truck accidents. While these injuries may not be as visible as broken bones or lacerations, they can still cause significant pain and limit a victim's ability to work or engage in daily activities.

If you have suffered any of these injuries in a Conway truck accident, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. When you are able we recommend you consult with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys who may be able can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Compensation for Conway Truck Accident Victims

A serious truck accident can leave you with significant losses. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Past and future medical expenses. Truck accident victims may require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy. You may be entitled to compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including anticipated future expenses.
Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity. Serious injuries can prevent you from returning to work for an extended period or permanently impact your ability to earn a living. You may be able to recover compensation for lost wages, bonuses, and benefits, as well as the loss of future earning potential.
Pain and suffering. Truck accidents can cause immense physical pain and emotional anguish. While it can be challenging to put a dollar value on these subjective losses, an experienced attorney can help you seek compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured.
Emotional distress. The psychological impact of a severe truck accident can be long-lasting. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other emotional difficulties. You may be entitled to compensation for the emotional distress caused by the accident.
Disability and disfigurement. Catastrophic truck accidents can result in permanent disabilities, scarring, or disfigurement. If your injuries have left you with a lasting impairment or altered appearance, you may be able to recover compensation for the impact on your quality of life.
Property damage. If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the truck accident, you might be entitled to compensation for repair or replacement costs.

While no amount of money can erase the trauma of a devastating truck accident, a fair settlement can provide vital resources to help you rebuild your life.

How Hiring a Conway Truck Accident Lawyer May Help You

If you hire a Conway truck accident attorney from Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, you'll partner with a dedicated legal team to guide you through the legal process. Here's an overview of what you can expect us to do if we are able to take your case:

Provide a free consultation**. We will arrange an initial meeting to discuss your case and legal options.
Thoroughly investigate your accident. If we are able to take your case, we will thoroughly investigate the accident to gather all relevant evidence.
Negotiate with insurance providers. Your lawyer will manage all correspondence and negotiations with insurance companies representing the truck operator, trucking firm, or other liable parties.
Start legal action. We will prepare and submit all legal documents, participate in legal discovery, and advocate for you in court proceedings.
Be ready for trial. If it is necessary that your case goes to trial, we will develop a legal strategy, work with expert witnesses if appropriate, and fight for you in court.

Throughout this journey, our firm utilizes systems and processes to help keep you informed of case developments, clarify legal procedures, and address any questions or concerns you may have.

We are Proud To Serve Personal Injury Clients Throughout South Carolina

With nine office locations in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, Florence, Mt. Pleasant, North Charleston, Charleston, and Greenville and over 30 years of experience with personal injury cases, Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers has the knowledge, skill and experience to protect you and your family.

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