If you were hurt in a truck accident due to a truck driver’s inadequate training or carelessness, you may deserve compensation. Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers are South Carolina attorneys with years of experience in truck accident law. Read on to find out how we can help you protect your rights.
Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks can be hard to control. This can lead to many different types of accidents that can occur on the road. Here are some of the most common.
Jackknife Accidents
ackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out at an angle. They are usually caused by poor road conditions or speeding. The trailer can swing out suddenly across several lanes making for a multi-car accident that can result in many injuries and damage.
Blind Spot Accidents
Because tractor-trailers and other trucks and vans are so big, it’s difficult for drivers to see other cars on the road. If a vehicle falls into their blind spot, they may try to change lanes thinking they have the room to do so. This can result in a sideswipe accident.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks and vans tend to be top-heavy. They have a tendency to roll over and block lanes of the highway for oncoming vehicles. If they are carrying cargo, it may fall onto the roadway causing even more of a hazard.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a truck stops short, and the car behind it crashes underneath the truck. When this happens, the top of the vehicle can get ripped off and cause serious injuries or even death. The National Transportation of Safety Board says trucks install side guards to minimize the likelihood of underride accidents, but not all trucks do.
Tire Blowouts
A truck’s weight can cause its tires to blow out. When blowouts happen, they can scatter debris all over the road and cause the truck to stop suddenly, creating a hazard to nearby cars.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are many reasons why a truck accident may happen. Here are some of the most common causes.
Reckless or Negligent Driving
Truck drivers owe all other drivers a high degree of care, and they must obey all the traffic laws. Illegal actions, drunk driving, sleepy driving, and distracted driving can increase the risk of accidents.
Fatigue
Truck drivers drive for long hours. Many of them become tired on the road and may even drift off to sleep behind the wheel.
Drivers are Not Well Trained
Driving a truck can be challenging, and drivers should be well trained before working. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Many trucking companies are short-staffed and put drivers on the road that don’t have enough experience and training.
Vehicle Malfunctions
It’s important for trucks to be well maintained when they get on the road. If they don’t work right, they could cause an accident. If an accident occurs because a truck is not taken care of well, the trucking or maintenance company may be to blame.
Road Issues
Truck accidents can happen because of unsafe driving conditions like debris in the road. If the debris is caused by construction, the city or contractor may be at fault.
Determining At-Fault Parties in a Truck Accident?
Showing liability in a truck accident can be more complicated than it is in other types of accidents. That’s because trucks are commercial vehicles. The company, the driver, and/or third parties may be to blame.
Here are some guidelines for showing liability.
The Truck Driver
The truck driver may be at fault for the accident if they were reckless or negligent, speeding, driving under the influence, or driving distracted.
The Trucking Company
The trucking company may be at fault for the accident if they didn’t properly train the driver or forced the driver to work an extended schedule that didn’t allow them to get a proper amount of sleep. They will also be to blame if they failed to inspect and maintain their vehicles properly.
Freight Broker
A freight broker works as a middleman between shippers and carriers. When they demand challenging delivery schedules or use unsafe loading practices, they may be accountable for the accident.
Truck Manufacturer
If the truck’s parts were defective and caused an accident to occur, the truck manufacturer may be required to compensate the victim.
Why Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers May Be Best Choice for Your South Carolina Truck Accident
A truck accident can significantly reduce your quality of life! Our mission is to help put maximum compensation into your hands, answer your questions and help you get your life back. Contact us today for a free consultation.
