Recent statistics show that in the United States, large trucks are involved in less than 4% of all motor vehicle accidents. What is interesting is that truck driver error is responsible for one-quarter of all truck accidents.
Sadly, if you or a loved one is involved in a truck accident in South Carolina or throughout the United States, you are three times more likely to be killed, and almost 80% of all people involved in a large truck accident will die.
The Tega Cay, South Carolina truck accident lawyers at Elrod Pope can assist you if you or a loved one has been involved in a South Carolina accident with an 18-wheeler or other large truck. We can work to assist you in receiving the monetary compensation you and your family deserve.
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No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
We will ensure you have a basic understanding of Tega Cay, South Carolina truck accidents so you understand the law and your rights. As you will see, a truck accident claim in South Carolina can be a complex legal matter.
If, after reading this article, you have additional questions as to whether you may have a claim after being in a truck accident in Tega Cay, South Carolina, then we welcome you to contact one of our truck accident attorneys at Elrod Pope.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tega Cay, South Carolina?
There are many factors that could cause you or a loved one to be involved in a truck accident in South Carolina, and discovering what caused your accident may be difficult.
It requires determination and hard work to discover who the true at-fault party or parties are.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Tega Cay, South Carolina, include, but aren’t limited to:
- Cargo Overloads: Truck companies can and do overload their trucks at times which makes it difficult for the driver to maneuver the large vehicle. Overloaded cargo also can make the truck unsafe, making it more prone to be involved in an accident.
- Defective Vehicle: Some of the trucks on the road may have defective, poorly manufactured parts, or are the parts are badly designed. In some cases, the truck may be old. This represents a significant danger to South Carolina drivers on the road.
- Distracted Drivers: Truck drivers can be distracted by many things including their cellphone, paperwork and/or GPS. Driving a large truck requires the driver’s full attention, and when the driver’s attention is diverted, it could lead to an accident.
- Drivers Under the Influence: There are times when truck drivers are tired and may take some type of stimulant or other drugs so they can stay awake. In other cases, the truck driver may have been drinking or using illegal drugs. Drivers who are suffering the effects of such actions could lead to a devastating truck accident.
- Tired Drivers: If a South Carolina trucking company is particularly busy, they may set unrealistic schedules for their truck drivers. This means is that some truck drivers must drive their trucks for periods of time that are not safe or go without sleep or rest. A tired driver will have reduced reaction times and can put you or a loved one in danger.
Who Has Liability in an Tega Cay, South Carolina Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can be quite complex because at times, they require a lot of investigative work to determine the cause of the accident.
All or any of the following parties could be at fault for your truck accident:
- Designer and Maintainers of a Defective Road: The road on which your South Carolina truck accident occurred on could be poorly maintained or have a design flaw resulting in a condition that is unsafe which resulted in your truck accident.
- Designer of the Tractor-Trailer: The design of the truck itself could be flawed or defective in some way that makes the truck unsafe to be operated.
- Freight Owner: If the trucking company and/or driver wasn’t given important information about the cargo, it may affect how the truck handles and cause an accident.
- Loading Company: The cargo must be loaded properly, balanced, and secured. If the cargo isn’t properly loaded, then the cargo could fall, shift, or tip-over the truck which could result in a serious truck accident.
- Manufacturers of the Truck Parts: There are times when truck parts are being manufactured that a defect can come up in the mechanical or electrical components. These defects can cause serious truck accidents.
- Shipping Companies: The company that is responsible for shipping the cargo could be found to be at fault for your Tega Cay, South Carolina truck accident.
- Truck Company: The company responsible for hiring, training, and supervising, truck drivers could be responsible for your truck accident. If the truck drivers were inadequately trained or a driver was told to operate beyond the hours of service this could be due to the negligent actions of the truck company.
- Truck Drivers: If the truck driver was distracted, careless, driving while intoxicated, and/or driving beyond the hours-of-service regulations, then the truck driver could be at fault for the accident.
- Truck Owners: The truck owners may have certain practices that could involve maintenance or driving issues. Both of which could be responsible for your South Carolina truck accident.
Comparative Negligence in Tega Cay, South Carolina
South Carolina has a comparative negligence law that allows you to receive monetary compensation for your truck accident as long as your contribution to the cause of the truck accident was less than 50%. Many times, cases are settled during the negotiation process and a lawsuit isn’t necessary.
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No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
Why Do I Need a Tega Cay, South Carolina Attorney for a Truck Accident?
As you may have realized, truck accident claims are extremely complicated, and you will need an experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable attorney in your corner to ensure you receive all the monetary compensation you and your loved ones deserve. Please, contact the truck accident attorneys at Elrod Pope today to find out how we can assist you in settling your case in a timely manner so you can focus on moving forward with your life.
