Every day we see big, tractor trailer trucks on the road carrying cargo to our favorite stores. These trucks have a stigma of driving too fast, driving without much sleep, and being dangerous on the roadways. Many times, the drivers are rushing to make deadlines and some disregard their speed or other safety hazards in an effort to get the delivery done on time.
While not every commercial truck driver is reckless, when an accident occurs between a tractor trailer truck and a normal sized vehicle, the potential for injury is much greater.
What are the main causes of truck accidents?
Just like any accident on the highway, there are an abundance of reasons why accidents happen. Some of the reasons that semi trucks get into accidents include:
- speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- distracted driving
- drowsy driving
- vehicle maintenance issues
- an improperly trained driver
If a truck driver is negligent and hits another vehicle, the company becomes liable for the victim's damages. Depending on the facts of the case, more than one entity could be responsible for paying the victim's medical bills and other damages.
What can I be compensated for if I am in a truck accident?
If you are a victim in a semi truck accident case, you may file a claim to recover your damages as well as possible punitive damages.
Some examples of what you may be compensated for include the following:
-property damage to your vehicle
-medical care and treatment, prescriptions related to the accident, medical supplies
-lost wages from missing work
-post traumatic stress disorder if diagnosed
-punitive damages if the driver was drinking and driving, improperly trained, vehicle was not properly maintained and caused the accident, etc…
The biggest reason you may need a truck accident attorney is to protect your rights and guarantee you get the benefits you need from the at-fault insurance company.
At Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we will immediately request to preserve evidence and investigate the accident to determine all the parties involved in the claim. Truck accidents are different than a "normal" accident with another car because more than one party may be liable for your damages. Also, by preserving evidence as quickly as possible, we are able to get the most accurate information and evidence on the case like video footage and witness statements.
Hiring an attorney early in the process also allows us to hire those needed to evaluate the details of the case, which may include your injuries and any disabilities caused, the competence of the driver of the at-fault tractor trailer truck, and if the truck was not maintained properly, etc…
Have You Been Injured In A South Carolina Area Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in South Carolina, you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Charleston, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.2359 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our Conway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. Pleasant, North Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.
