Sharing the highway with trucks is an intimidating necessity. These large tractor-trailers transport goods and are a vital cog in the economy. They can also create hazards for other drivers.
If you suffered injuries in a wreck with a big rig, you should seek legal advice from a knowledgeable accident attorney right away. Trucking companies often have teams of investigators and insurance adjusters working to limit their liability. A Walterboro truck accident lawyer could help you prove the other party was at fault and secure the compensation you need.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Crashes
If you were injured due to a tractor-trailer driver’s negligence, you should be entitled to monetary damages. However, you must first prove that the negligence caused your injury and the related losses. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable caution, resulting in harm to another person.
Truck driver error contributes to the majority of accidents in this area. Many collisions stem from issues such as:
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Inexperience
- Impaired driving
- Failure to check blind spots
Occasionally, the driver is not the only negligent party. If the truck was not loaded correctly, the company that loaded it could face liability. A repair shop that botched critical repairs or neglected to complete an inspection could be liable. Similarly, a manufacturer might be liable if mechanical failure caused by a defective part was an issue in the crash.
If poor road maintenance or unclear signage led to the wreck, the state or local government or road contractor responsible might be considered negligent. An experienced Walterboro attorney could help you determine the cause of your truck accident and identify the at-fault party.
Truck Wrecks Can Cause Severe Injury
In a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle, the weight disparity could cause significant damage to the smaller vehicle. Cars and SUVs are often totaled in truck accidents, and their occupants might suffer severe, sometimes fatal, injuries.
Some serious injuries that frequently occur in truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Compound fractures and amputations
- Burns
- Injuries to the neck and shoulder
- Damage to internal organs
If you suffered a severe, life-altering injury, it is critical to hold the responsible parties accountable. A skilled truck accident attorney in Walterboro can help you secure compensation that reflects the severity of your injuries.
Time Limit to File a Lawsuit in Walterboro
Pursuant to South Carolina Code §15-3-530, injured parties have three years from the date of the accident to bring a lawsuit seeking damages. However, it is wise to begin working with a seasoned truck wreck lawyer in the area right away.
The period immediately after a crash is the best time to collect evidence and investigate the circumstances that led to the wreck. Physical evidence will still be available, and the memories of the parties and the witnesses will be fresh. As time passes, physical evidence such as skid marks will fade or erode or otherwise be lost. Additionally, witnesses may disappear, die, or forget crucial details.
Trucking companies often have investigators and lawyers working on the case immediately. Waiting to seek legal representation can put you at a severe disadvantage.
Pursue Your Claim With a Skilled Walterboro Truck Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a truck wreck, you should devote your attention to regaining your health and moving forward with your life. By retaining legal counsel, you can avoid the stress of dealing with a trucking company or insurance adjusters who do not have your best interests at heart.
Our Walterboro truck accident lawyers have critical knowledge of the trucking industry and the negotiating skills you need to get compensation that covers your losses. Schedule an initial consultation today to get a committed advocate on your side.
