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Accidents involving commercial trucks are different. Big trucks cause more damage, more injuries, and more deaths than any other kind of vehicle.
Almost 4,000 people died and 83,000 were injured in the 415,000 trucking accidents reported to police in 2015, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. And the problem seems to be getting worse – the number of fatalities involving large-truck crashes increased almost 10 percent in 2015 over the previous year.
Because these trucks can cause so much damage, the businesses that operate them carry larger insurance policies than a typical auto policy – it is often necessary to compensate for the catastrophic damage that a trucking accident can cause.
TRUCKING COMPANIES ARE LIABLE FOR THEIR DRIVERS’ NEGLIGENCE
If you are hurt in an accident with a commercial truck, your personal injury attorney will investigate the trucking company’s hiring practices, maintenance records, and equipment logs.
When the driver is performing their job duties – driving – their employer is responsible for mistakes the driver makes. Like an ordinary auto accident, the wreck could be caused by something as mundane as not looking before making a turn, driving too fast for conditions, or following too closely.
But, trucking companies are also governed by federal regulations, and a violation of federal regulations can also lead to a devastating wreck. For example:
- Negligent hiring in violation of federal standards;
- Negligent equipment maintenance like failing to replace balding tires or maintaining the brake system; and
- Allowing drivers to spend more hours behind the wheel than is allowed by federal law.
Find an Experienced SC Trucking Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
If you get hurt in an accident with a commercial truck, your attorney needs to begin their investigation immediately. While you are seeking medical care, hiring someone to fix your car, or buying a new car, the trucking company’s insurer will be collecting evidence and building their own case for why they should not have to pay.
Your SC PI attorney needs to also go to work immediately to begin collecting the company’s driver logs, trucking inspection reports, maintenance logs, and other pertinent evidence. They will review the truck driver’s qualifications, medical history, and driving record, as well as the company’s history when it comes to complying with federal regulations.
Your attorney may also bring in an accident reconstructionist or other experts to meticulously detail what happened and why. Expert witnesses may be recruited on your behalf, such as a cell phone expert to determine if the truck driver was distracted by a call or a text at the time of the accident.
Other experts may be needed depending on the facts of the case and the potential causes of action – getting the evidence early and getting your experts on board quickly means:
- You do not lose critical evidence that needs to be preserved;
- Your case will be prepared before settlement talks and depositions;
- Your case is more likely to settle without a trial; and
- Your recovery may be greater because you have the evidence that you need to prove causation and the full amount of your damages.
Don’t lose time, money, or even your case because you waited too long to call your personal injury attorney. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, call now and maximize your potential recovery.
GOT AXELROD?
When you are injured because of the negligence of a commercial vehicle driver or their employer, you need to get an experienced SC trucking accident attorney on your side quickly who can gather the evidence you need to prove your case and get you maximum compensation.
Call your SC personal injury attorney in Myrtle Beach at 843-916-9300 or fill out our contact form today to set up a free consultation.
