In 2021, there were 5,989 traffic accidents involving large trucks in South Carolina, 1,265 of which led to injuries and 87 to fatalities. Though fewer large commercial motor vehicles are on the roads than passenger vehicles, crashes between cars and trucks are more likely to result in injuries and deaths.
These collisions are also often complex, leaving car drivers to contend with an involved process that often results in insufficient compensation. If you’ve sustained injuries in a CMV crash, Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP’s truck accident lawyers in Camden, SC, are here to help.
Why Hire Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Camden, SC?
If you’ve been in a truck accident in South Carolina and live in the Camden area, hiring local attorneys to help you with your claim may improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries. At Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, we believe you deserve justice and will help you get it. Our lawyers understand the myriad state and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry and know how to uncover evidence of fault that might not be immediately apparent.
The trucking industry and insurance companies go to great lengths to protect their financial interests. They engage in tactics designed to place as much of the burden as possible on you. Experienced truck accident attorneys will protect your rights. They know how to communicate with insurers and defense lawyers and can negotiate a settlement that reflects your true losses.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina
According to South Carolina’s traffic statistics, motorist errors that lead to a trucking accident are often misjudging a truck’s speed, braking and maneuvering capabilities. Additionally, car drivers may be unaware of truck blind spots.
However, negligence on the part of the driver, trucking company or cargo loaders can also lead to crashes between large commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles. Trucker behaviors such as distracted, tired, drunk or aggressive driving can lead to collisions. Equipment failure — including tire and brake failures — commonly causes crashes, as does improperly loaded cargo.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Camden, SC
If you have an accident that involves a large truck, contact the police, regardless of how serious you think it is.
Obtaining a police report is often critical for these cases, even when filing an insurance claim. You should also get a medical evaluation, as some injuries might not be immediately apparent.
When exchanging information with the trucker, get the name of their insurance provider and employer and find out who owns the truck. You’ll also want to obtain the driving log, drug test results and black box data. Getting your hands on these can be challenging, but our truck accident lawyers in Camden, SC, can help.
Before you reveal any crash details to the insurance companies, contact an attorney who will assist you with gathering evidence and completing your claim documents. Additionally, our personal injury lawyers will be able to determine what type of compensation you might be eligible for and help you pursue a fair settlement.
Behaviors That Increase the Likelihood of Truck Accidents
Truckers are under significant pressure from their employers and the trucking company’s customers to deliver cargo while adhering to tight deadlines. Though federal and state regulations impose strict rules to improve safety, drivers may find ways to bend or ignore the laws to deliver their loads on time.
Additionally, federal law stipulates how long drivers can operate a truck in a day without a break and break time length. Truckers must log their time. However, they may not enter the correct information, making it look like they adhered to the rules when they did not.
The trucking company’s high expectations for fast delivery are often at the root of unsafe driver behavior. These businesses also frequently hire poorly trained drivers. They may take other shortcuts to save money, such as not keeping up with truck maintenance.
Fault in Truck Accidents in South Carolina
Proving fault in truck accidents can be a complicated process. Multiple parties are responsible for keeping trucks safe on the roads. Our truck accident lawyers in Camden, SC, will gather all relevant evidence to determine which parties may have been negligent in their responsibilities. More than one party can be at fault in a truck accident, and evaluating all the facts is the only way to determine who should be held accountable.
Liability for truck accidents
In South Carolina, liability in truck accidents depends on the degree of fault. The party or parties responsible for causing the accident must pay for the damages. Therefore, the trucker, trucking company, manufacturers or shipping company may be liable. Furthermore, even if you are partially at fault, you can pursue compensation for your losses.
Truck Accident Claim FAQs
What should I do at the scene of a truck accident?
The first thing you should do after a truck accident is to call 911 or local law enforcement. Collisions involving trucks often lead to complex claims, making a police report critical to proving liability. As with any accident, exchange information with the driver, making sure you get the trucking company’s name as well.
It’s also a good idea to obtain a medical evaluation, even if you think your injuries are minor. Contacting truck accident lawyers in Camden, SC, may improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
Why are truck accidents so serious?
Truck accidents can often be serious because of the size and weight difference between the two vehicles. What would be a minor collision between two passenger vehicles can result in severe injuries when the crash involves a large truck. A truck’s size and weight also require longer braking distances, making it more likely that the truck will hit a passenger vehicle with greater force because it hasn’t slowed enough even if the driver is braking.
Who is most at fault in crashes between cars and large trucks?
Traffic accident statistics reveal that car drivers contribute to more accidents than truckers. Truck drivers must adhere to more and stricter safety regulations than cars, which may contribute to fewer at-fault accidents for truckers. However, drivers share fault in many accidents. Obtaining a professional evaluation of truck accident evidence can provide a clearer picture of liability.
Who is more at risk during a large truck collision?
Passenger vehicle occupants are more likely than truck occupants to sustain serious and fatal injuries during a large truck collision. The truck’s weight and size offer more protection for the occupants of those vehicles. If you’ve suffered injuries during a crash, truck accident lawyers in Camden, SC, can help you understand your rights and options and assist you with your accident claim.
Where do most truck accidents occur?
In South Carolina, most truck accidents occur on interstates, with U.S. highways coming in second, followed by state highways. Generally, the rankings hold for crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities. The fewest number of accidents occur on county roads and ramps.
Hire Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP, as Your Truck Accident Lawyers in Camden, SC
If you were in a collision involving a large truck, the Camden truck accident lawyers at Savage, Royall & Sheheen, LLP are here to help you navigate your case and the process, whether filing an insurance or legal claim.
Our attorneys understand the state and federal laws regulating the trucking industry and know where to look to uncover all the evidence. Let us remove the stress and worry of dealing with a truck accident claim. Contact us today for a case review.