South Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys

South Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys

South Carolina’s economy depends on the movement of goods. Many of those goods are dependent on the use of semi-trucks for purposes of transportation. As trucks and 18-wheelers populate South Carolina’s roads, it is important to recognize the risk of accidents involving trucks.

South Carolina Specific Trucking Laws

Across the United States, trucking is regulated by the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) publishes and helps enforce the national laws governing trucking. In addition to the FMCSA, states are allowed to create additional requirements governing the intrastate transportation of goods. In South Carolina, the legislature works with the Department of Motor Vehicles and Department of Public Safety to help regulate and enforce its various trucking laws. As a result, truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow strict state and federal guidelines. Failure to abide by those rules can result in federal and/or state penalties.

Types of Truck Accidents

The increased presence of trucks on South Carolina’s highways has resulted in an increase of traffic fatalities. In fact, recent statistics compiled by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety point to an increase in truck-related traffic fatalities.

Drivers should be aware of the ways in which trucks can cause accidents. Some of the common types of accidents involving trucks include:

• Rollover: A truck driver who loses control of his or her truck runs the risk of the truck rolling over. Here, the sheer size and weight of the truck can result in the trailer being turned and rolled onto its side and crashing into any vehicles in its way.
• Blind spot: As with all vehicles, trucks have their blind spots. Although truck drivers are often vigilant and aware of other vehicles, the truck’s blind spots may hide another vehicle that the driver does not see prior to switching lanes.
• Head-on Collisions: If a driver is not focused, he or she may drift into another lane or may not see oncoming traffic altogether. These accidents, especially at high speeds, can have dire consequences.
• Blown Tires: Although any vehicle’s tires can blow out, the debris from an exploding truck tire can result in damage to surrounding vehicles; the debris may strike a nearby vehicle or cause an accident whenever another driver tries to avoid the debris.

Causes of Truck Accidents

Many truck accident would not happen if drivers used the necessary standard of care when operating their truck. When crashes do occur, it is often the result of the truck driver’s negligence. Truck accidents are commonly caused by the following:

• Use of alcohol or drugs
• Fatigued driving
• Not inspecting the truck pre-trip
• Violating speed limits or traffic laws
• Aggressive driving
• Texting or distracted driving

Truck Accident Checklist

If you are involved in a trucking-related accident, you should be sure to do the following things:

• Obtain immediate medical attention if needed for any injuries
• Call the police or highway patrol.
• Collect evidence including contact and insurance information as well as photographs.
• Obtain a copy of the official accident report.
• Never admit fault.
• Retain an experienced Truck Accident Attorney.

Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident attorneys play a pivotal role in the favorable resolution of truck accident cases. Armed with the experience and knowledge that is resultant of a truck accident-focused practice, truck accident attorneys provide a better alternative for truck accident cases than does a general automobile accident attorney. Truck accident attorneys understand the legal complexities associated with each truck accident case and are better suited to develop and implement a legal strategy to help you recover those damages to which you are entitled.