If you've been involved in a truck accident in Charleston, Goose Creek, or North Charleston, you need a dedicated South Carolina truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases. At Hopkins Law Firm, we specialize in handling Charleston trucking accidents and commercial vehicle collisions. Our experienced attorneys are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve after a serious crash involving large trucks, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or other commercial vehicles.
What are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?
Global shipping and transportation are crucial to our economy and lifestyle. However, with numerous trucks on the road, unfortunate truck accidents are quite frequent. Accidents occur regularly; many are preventable, and most often, the cause falls into one of several typical categories.
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Driver Fatigue: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act regulates and imposes strict limits on the hours drivers can operate, how often they must take breaks, and their duration. But with so much at stake and companies working under tight deadlines, drivers frequently spend more time on the road than legally permitted. This can result in sleep deprivation, slowing reflexes, motor function, reaction time, and may even lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
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Drug or Alcohol Use: With extensive hours on the road, drivers might use drugs to counteract fatigue. Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is always a poor choice, but when the intoxicated driver is operating a semi-truck, the consequences can be disastrous.
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Speeding or Roadway Violations: Whether trying to meet a deadline, hit a daily quota, or simply rush home, drivers speed for various reasons. Regardless of the reason for speeding or not driving cautiously, it poses a danger to everyone on the road and increases the likelihood of an accident.
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Mechanical or Engine Malfunction: Occasionally, accidents are not due to driver error but rather a failure or fault within the rig. This can cause brake failures, tire blowouts, trucks veering off the road, or numerous other crashes.
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Load Issues: Sometimes the cargo being transported is either improperly loaded, imbalanced, or becomes loose during transit. Such weight moving rapidly or abruptly can often result in accidents.
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Unskilled or Unqualified Drivers: Drivers undergo rigorous training to obtain their CDL licenses, and often companies struggle to find manpower and are compelled to hire inexperienced or unlicensed drivers. In some cases, companies may even save money by intentionally hiring drivers with minimal or substandard qualifications. Driving a truck is not as simple as driving a regular car, and an inexperienced driver can be a significant hazard on the road.
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Weather Conditions: New England is known for its unpredictable and rapidly changing weather. A driver attempting to navigate hazardous weather when it is simply unsafe may be held liable in the event of an accident.
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Blind Spot Accidents: Tractor-trailers have four major blind spots, and accidents often occur when either the truck driver or another motorist is unaware of or ignores the danger of a potential blind spot.
Why Choose Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers?
Truck accidents in Charleston, South Carolina, can lead to devastating consequences. When these accidents occur, you need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney by your side. Here's why Hopkins Law Firm is the right choice:
- Decades of Experience: Our Charleston truck accident attorneys have a long history of handling complex truck accident cases and fighting for our clients' rights.
- In-depth Knowledge of Trucking Laws: We have extensive knowledge of federal and state trucking regulations, which are essential to building a successful case for truck accident victims.
- Maximum Compensation: Our goal is to help you recover the maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and other damages.
How Trucking Accident Cases Differ from Car Accident Cases
Some distinctions between car accidents and trucking accidents are apparent. For instance, passenger vehicles typically weigh around 4,000 pounds, whereas many semi-trucks can weigh up to 40 tons. This difference means that damage to property and personal injuries in a trucking accident can be significantly more severe, often affecting the car driver more harshly. However, there are also crucial legal distinctions that might not be as evident. Unlike most car accidents, trucking accidents can involve extensive liability that extends beyond the drivers involved, reaching up to the company employing the driver and the mechanics servicing the truck.
Given the potential for such devastating physical and financial repercussions, it is vital to have a team of experienced truck accident attorneys to ensure your case is managed properly and you receive every dollar you deserve.
Who is Responsible for Damages After a Trucking Accident?
While car accident cases are usually straightforward, establishing liability in a trucking accident can be more complicated, with several potential parties who might be accountable for damages. Besides the driver, responsibility may fall on the trucking company, the manufacturer, the maintenance provider, or even the cargo shipper. National and international shipping and logistics is a massive industry, so you can expect each party to have a team of lawyers at their disposal – ensure you have an attorney to advocate for you.
What to Do After a Charleston Truck Accident
If you've been involved in a truck accident in Charleston, follow these steps:
- Call the Authorities: Dial 911 and report the accident. Make sure to file a police report, as this will be essential for your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, many truck accident injuries don't show immediate symptoms. Visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
- Document the Scene: If you're able, take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Hopkins Law Firm for a free consultation. We will guide you through the legal process and help you understand your rights.
Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Some of the most common injuries we see in Charleston trucking accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Amputations
- Internal Injuries
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Burns and Road Rash
If you've suffered any of these injuries or worse, it's critical to consult a Charleston truck accident lawyer who understands the intricacies of commercial vehicle cases.
Compensation Recovery Following a Truck Accident
Economic damages that can be claimed may encompass the following:
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Damage to your vehicle and any belongings inside it
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Outstanding medical bills and costs associated with your treatment and recovery
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Loss of income due to being unable to work while recovering from your injuries
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Potential future income loss due to a disability impacting your future earning potential
Non-economic damages that you may be entitled to recover are harder to quantify as your lawyer isn't simply adding numbers. Non-economic damages include:
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Pain and suffering due to your injuries
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Emotional distress, PTSD, and mental anguish
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Shame and harm to your reputation
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Loss of enjoyment in life and relationships
How Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
At Hopkins Law Firm, we work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you need to recover from a truck accident. Here's how we can help:
- Free Consultation: We offer free consultations to discuss your case. There are no upfront costs to speak with us.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our team will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and work with accident reconstruction specialists to determine fault.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and their insurance providers will do everything to minimize your claim. We will handle all negotiations to ensure you're treated fairly.
- Aggressive Representation in Court: If we can't reach a fair settlement, we are ready to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Charleston Truck Accident Attorneys Ready to Fight for You
At Hopkins Law Firm, our team of Charleston truck accident lawyers is dedicated to securing justice for those who have been injured in trucking accidents. We understand the devastating impact a trucking accident can have on your life, and we are here to help you recover.
Don't wait to speak with an attorney. Contact Hopkins Law Firm today for a free consultation. Our truck accident lawyers in Charleston are ready to assist you with the next steps in your recovery.
Contact Our Charleston Truck Accident Lawyers
Call us now at (Phone Number) or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your Charleston truck accident case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call Now: (843) 314-4202
Or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
When you have to go to court, you want to know your lawyer will fight for you so you get the best possible outcome. Here at Hopkins Law Firm, our team of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense lawyers has the experience and insights needed to help you present your best case. Our team has helped many clients to protect their future. With locations in Charleston, Pawleys Island, and Myrtle Beach, we can make sure you get the counsel you need anywhere in South Carolina.
