How Driver Negligence Causes Serious Trucking Accidents in South Carolina
Many people assume that trucking accidents are among the deadliest motor vehicle incidents on the road, but the statistics reveal that they’re even more dangerous than you might expect. According to the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, there are around 1,156 total tractor truck crashes every year in the state, causing 76 fatalities and injuries to 1,570 victims. Even worse, collisions involving semis, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles are on the rise over the last few years. The number of fatal and injury-causing truck accidents has steadily increased since 2014.
Most of these incidents are preventable and only occur because of truck operator carelessness, which takes many forms. If you were hurt or lost a loved one, it’s essential to reach out to a South Carolina trucking accidents lawyer right away. You might also find it useful to review some information on the types of truck driver negligence that leads to serious truck collisions.
Common Types of Truck Driver Negligence: The concept of negligence refers to the duty to exercise reasonable care when driving, a duty that applies to all motorists on the road. If you can prove that a truck operator breached this legal duty and these careless actions were a direct cause of the crash, you can recover compensation for your losses. To illustrate how these cases work, some examples may be useful. A truck driver may be negligent by:
Speeding, failing to yield, improperly changing lanes, disobeying traffic signals, tailgating, and other acts that violate the South Carolina Driver’s Manual;
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
Texting, talking on the phone, surfing the internet, or other cell phone use;
Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, drinking, grooming, or using the radio;
Failing to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations on Hours of Service; and,
Many other forms of misconduct.
In addition, some accidents can be caused by the negligent acts of individuals and entities other than the truck driver. For instance, a trucking accident could be caused by improper loading, failure to maintain and inspect vehicle components, neglecting to make essential repairs, defective parts, and related carelessness. As such, additional potential parties in a truck crash claim may include:
The trucking company that was negligent in hiring and training the operator;
A company or partnership that owns the truck tractor;
Mechanics and repair technicians;
The manufacturer of the truck and its components; and,
A warehousing, shipping, or logistics company that handles loading and unloading cargo.
Compensation for Victims of Truck Crashes: Accidents involving semis, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks can be serious, particularly when the most violent impact will affect the occupants of the passenger vehicle. Your injuries may be severe or even catastrophic, leading to financial and emotional implications beyond the physical pain. Fortunately, you may be able to recover compensation for these losses, including:
Medical costs for treatment;
Your lost wages and future earning capacity;
Pain and suffering;
Emotional distress; and,
Implications for your personal relationships with your spouse, children, and other loved ones.
Trust a South Carolina Trucking Accidents Attorney to Protect Your Interests
While this information regarding your legal remedies may be useful, there are many additional complications and subtleties about the laws regarding truck collisions. You put your rights at risk if you attempt to go it alone in seeking compensation, especially since trucking companies have large legal departments with even larger budgets to defend against your claim.
To learn how we can assist with getting the monetary damages you deserve, please contact Powers Law, LLC in Greenwood, SC. We will arrange a free consultation with our lawyer who can explain your options.