If you were hit by a commercial truck, you are probably dealing with more than just a few bruises. Truck collisions tend to cause serious damage, and when the at-fault party is tied to a trucking company, the case could become more complex than a standard auto accident.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, our team is familiar with both federal trucking laws and guidelines specific to South Carolina. We know how to investigate these crashes, find signs of regulatory violations, and build a case that holds trucking companies accountable. An experienced truck accident attorney familiar with truck industry regulations in Walterboro could help determine whether the truck company met its legal obligations. If they did not, this breach in the standard of care could serve as the foundation of a personal injury claim.
What Rules Apply to Truck Drivers?
Truck drivers in this state have to follow both federal and state regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations outline many of the rules that apply to driver training, truck maintenance, maximum driving hours, and drug and alcohol testing. For example, a commercial driver is usually not allowed to drive for more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours of duty. Violating this rule could lead to driver fatigue, which is a common cause of major truck crashes.
Walterboro also enforces its own trucking laws through the state’s Department of Public Safety. Truck drivers operating within state lines must meet licensing requirements, carry appropriate insurance, and pass regular inspections. If a company ignores these rules, or sacrifices quality with hiring or maintenance, it could result in a serious collision that leaves you with physical, emotional, and financial burdens.
How Do These Regulations Affect Liability in a Truck Crash?
Truck accident claims are different from typical car accident cases because you may be going up against a trucking company, a contractor, a manufacturer, or even a government entity responsible for the road. If a trucking company pushed its driver to skip rest breaks, failed to maintain the vehicle, or did not secure the load properly, they could be held liable for your injuries.
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 15-3-530, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This might sound like a long time, but trucking companies often begin their investigations immediately, and they may not share key evidence unless they are legally required to.
A person injured in a truck wreck could work with an attorney to collect maintenance logs, electronic logging device records, driver qualifications, and more. These documents may reveal if the company failed to meet Walterboro trucking laws, which could increase your chances of recovering compensation.
What Compensation Could You Pursue After a Truck Crash?
After a serious truck collision, you may be dealing with broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other long-term health problems. These injuries often require ongoing care, which may be expensive. In addition to medical bills, you might also be facing time away from work or even permanent disability.
If you could prove that the at-fault party violated the trucking regulations observed in Walterboro or otherwise acted carelessly, you could seek compensation for:
- Emergency and long-term medical care
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Each case is unique, and the types of damages available to you may depend on the extent of your injuries, the nature of the crash, and the strength of the evidence. A lawyer could guide you through the process and help you decide on your next steps.
Talk to One of Our Attorneys Today To Learn More About Trucking Industry Laws in Walterboro
Commercial truck crashes can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially when it comes to understanding the truck industry regulations in Walterboro. However, you do not have to face this alone. With the right legal support, you could take control of the situation and start working toward the recovery you deserve.
The team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda is ready to investigate your case and hold trucking companies accountable for violating the law. If you were hurt in a truck crash, reach out today to explore your legal options.
