According to recent statistics, in the United States, less than 4% of all motor vehicle accidents involve large trucks. However, one-quarter of all truck accidents are due to driver error.
Unfortunately, if you or a loved one is involved in a trucking accident in South Carolina, or anywhere in the United States, you are three times more likely to be killed, and about 80% of all people who are in a trucking accident will die.
The Lake Wylie, South Carolina truck accident lawyers at Elrod Pope can assist you if you or a loved one has been involved in an 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.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
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 trucking accidents so you understand your rights and the law. As you will see, a truck accident claim 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 Lake Wylie, South Carolina, then we welcome you to contact one of our trucking accident attorneys at Elrod Pope.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Lake Wylie, South Carolina?
There are many different situations that may cause you or your loved one to be involved in a large trucking accident. However, discovering the exact cause of your accident could be difficult because it requires a lot of hard work and determination to find out who the true at-fault party or parties are.
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents in Lake Wylie, South Carolina, include, but aren’t limited to:
- Cargo Overloads: Truck companies, at times, will overload their trucks. This can make it difficult for the driver to maneuver such a large vehicle. Overloaded cargo also can make the truck unsafe and can cause the truck to be more prone to having 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.
- 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 at all times, and when the truck driver’s attention is diverted, it could lead to an accident.
- Drivers Under the Influence: Unfortunately, sometimes truck drivers are tired and may take some type of stimulant or other drugs so they can remain awake. In other cases, the truck driver may have been using illegal drugs or drinking. Truck drivers who are suffering the effects of such actions could lead to a trucking accident.
- Tired Drivers: South Carolina trucking companies can be particularly busy. As a result, they may set unrealistic schedules for their truck drivers. This means is that some truck drivers have to drive their trucks for periods of time that may not be safe or go without rest or sleep. A fatigued driver will have reduced reaction times and can put you or a loved one in danger.
Who Has Liability in a Lake Wylie, South Carolina Truck Accident?
Discovering who has liability in a trucking accident can be quite complex. It can take a lot of investigative work to determine the exact cause of your accident.
Any or all of the following parties could be at fault in a car accident:
- Maintainers and Designers of a Defective Road: The road where your South Carolina trucking accident occurred on may be poorly maintained or have a design flaws resulting in conditions that are unsafe.
- Designer of the Tractor-Trailer: The design of the truck could be flawed or defective in a way that makes the truck unsafe to be operated.
- Freight Owner: If the driver and/or trucking company weren’t given important information about the cargo the truck is carrying, it may affect how the truck handles and cause an accident.
- Loading Company: All cargo must be loaded in a proper manner, 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: When truck parts are being manufactured a defect can arise in the mechanical or electrical components. These defects can cause serious trucking accidents.
- Shipping Companies: The company that is responsible for shipping the cargo may be found at fault in a trucking accident.
- Trucking Company: The company responsible for hiring, training, and supervising truck drivers could be held responsible for a trucking accident. If a truck drivers was not properly trained or 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 the maintenance or driving issues both of which could be responsible in a truck accident.
Comparative Negligence in Lake Wylie, South Carolina
South Carolina is a comparative negligence state. This means that the law allows you to receive monetary compensation for your trucking 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.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation
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 Lake Wylie, South Carolina Attorney for a Truck Accident?
Trucking 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.
