The bustling city of North Charleston is no stranger to heavy truck traffic. With major highways like I-26 and I-526 crisscrossing the area, semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are a constant and expected presence daily. Unfortunately, this also means truck accidents are a serious concern for North Charleston residents and visitors.
When an 18-wheeler collides with an automobile, the difference in size between the two can result in catastrophes. Victims may be left with severe life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about their future.
This is where the guidance of an experienced North Charleston truck accident lawyer might make a difference. It's important for drivers hurt in North Charleston truck accidents to understand the unique facets of these cases and the steps they can take to protect their rights. In this article, we'll explore the common types and causes of truck accidents, potential injuries, and the process of proving liability and seeking compensation. We'll also discuss how an experienced North Charleston truck accident lawyer like those at the Derrick Law Firm can provide valuable support throughout this challenging time.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in North Charleston
Truck accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of challenges and potential consequences. Some of the most common types of truck accidents in North Charleston include:
Jackknife Accidents
These occur when a truck's trailer swings out to the side, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. Jackknife accidents often take place when a truck driver brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to skid and fold in on itself.
Rollover Accidents
Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers. Factors like excessive speed, sharp turns, or unbalanced loads can cause these accidents.
Underride Accidents
An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck's trailer. These collisions are often fatal, as the top of the passenger vehicle can be sheared off.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require longer distances to stop safely than smaller vehicles do. If a truck driver fails to brake in time and within a safe distance, they may rear-end the vehicle in front of them, causing severe damage and injuries.
Blind Spot Accidents
Large trucks have substantial blind spots on all four sides. If truck drivers don’t check their blind spots before changing lanes or merging, they can easily collide with a vehicle they didn't see.
Common Causes of North Charleston Truck Accidents
While truck accidents can have many causes, some common contributing factors include:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading them to spend long hours behind the wheel. Fatigue can impair a driver's judgment, reaction time, and ability to operate their vehicle safely.
Distracted Driving
Like any other driver, truck drivers can be distracted by cellphones, GPS devices, or other activities that take their attention away from the road. Given the size and weight of their vehicles, even a small momentary distraction can have dire consequences.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
An unbalanced or unsecured load can shift during transport, making the truck unstable and increasing the risk of a rollover or other accident.
Inadequate Maintenance
Trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. If a trucking company fails to maintain its vehicles properly, issues like worn brakes or blown tires can contribute to accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Some truck drivers may engage in unsafe behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, or making improper lane changes, to meet deadlines or make up for lost time.
Proving Liability in a North Charleston Truck Accident Case
Determining liability in a truck accident case can be complicated, as multiple parties may share responsibility. These parties may include:
- The truck driver. If the driver's negligence (e.g., fatigue, distraction, or reckless driving) contributed to the accident, they may be liable.
- The trucking company. Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and constantly maintaining their vehicles. If they fail in these duties, they may be held accountable for resulting accidents.
- The cargo loader. If improperly loaded cargo caused the accident, the party responsible for loading the truck may be liable.
- The truck manufacturer. The manufacturer may be held responsible if a defective truck part contributed to the accident.
A North Charleston truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the truck accident to identify all liable parties and work to build a strong case on behalf of the injured party.
Common Injuries in North Charleston Truck Accidents
Due to the immense size and weight of commercial trucks, accidents involving these vehicles often result in severe injuries, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The forceful impact of a truck accident can cause the brain to move within the skull, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe TBIs.
- Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal cord can result in a victim’s partial or complete paralysis, affecting their mobility and quality of life.
- Broken bones. The intense forces involved in a truck accident can easily fracture or crush bones, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries. Blunt force trauma from a truck accident can cause internal bleeding or damage to vital organs like the lungs, liver, or spleen.
- Burn injuries. If a truck accident results in a fire or explosion, victims may suffer severe burn injuries that cause permanent scarring and disfigurement.
Compensation for North Charleston Truck Accident Victims
Truck accident victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses. This can include emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs.
- Lost wages. If the victim cannot work due to the injuries incurred in the accident, they may be able to recover lost income, including future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering includes anything like physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Property damage. The victim may be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing their vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Punitive damages. In cases involving particularly egregious misconduct, such as a trucking company knowingly allowing a driver to operate a vehicle with serious safety violations, the court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
How a North Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer May Help
Pursuing a truck accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with severe injuries and mounting expenses. A North Charleston truck accident lawyer typically provides services such as:
Investigating the Accident
An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the crash, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony to build a strong case.
Identifying Liable Parties
A lawyer will work to determine all parties who may be held responsible for the accident, increasing the victim's chances of obtaining fair compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Truck accident attorneys have experience dealing with insurance companies and can apply their knowledge when negotiating fair settlements.
Representing the Victim in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a North Charleston truck accident lawyer can represent the victim in court with the goal of presenting a compelling case to a judge and jury.
Providing Ongoing Support
Throughout the legal process, a dedicated attorney can offer guidance, answer any legal questions a victim may have, and provide the support they need during this challenging time.
If someone has been involved in a truck accident in South Carolina, consulting with an experienced North Charleston truck accident lawyer like those at the Derrick Law Firm may be beneficial. While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, the knowledge, over 30 years of experience, and commitment to justice of a truck accident attorney can be valuable resources when seeking fair compensation.
