Even though big rigs and 18-wheelers are intimidating for other drivers, they must share the road with these large and powerful vehicles. However, it is no secret that when a large truck collides with a small automobile, there is a huge difference in size, weight, and impact. Individuals in smaller automobiles are more likely to be seriously injured or even killed.
A Walterboro truck accident lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm is knowledgeable and trained in handling truck accident cases. Your Walterboro personal injury lawyer will look over your case and determine if it is viable and provide legal advice on what we think you should do to get the best results. Contact our office to request a free consultation today and discuss your potential legal options for financial relief.
We Handle Many Types of Truck Accidents in Waterboro
It is more common for truck drivers to survive truck accidents than it is for automobiles to survive truck accidents. More than 70% of drivers killed in truck accidents were smaller automobile drivers, and even with this known fact, truck accidents are unavoidable as truckers and other drivers must drive together and share the road. Our car accident law firm has seen a variety of different types of truck accident cases, but the most common that we have handled include the following:
- Rollover accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Dump truck accidents
- Distracted driving accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Accidents while making wide turns
- Blind spot accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Underride accidents
- Garbage truck accidents
- Delivery truck accidents
- Lost load accidents
If your truck accident occurred in another way, you may still have the right to total repayment of your damages. Contact our legal team for a comprehensive case review. When you do, we can learn more about whether you have grounds for legal action against the at-fault party.
Common Types of Injuries that Result from Truck Accidents
Every type of truck accident is dangerous and may lead to life-altering injuries. Most of the injuries that come from truck accidents are catastrophic injuries, meaning they are sudden, unexpected, and permanent. Here are a few of the most common injuries that are a result of truck accidents:
- Broken and fractured bones
- Amputations
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
- Bruises
- Whiplash
- Head and skull injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions
- Paralysis
When an individual has been involved in a truck accident, they will most likely need assistance from their family and loved ones to help with their daily duties. They may never be able to fully recover or work again, which may cause financial and emotional consequences for the rest of their lives. Every loss should be taken into account as we calculate the value of your claim.
Contributing Factors Causing Truck Accidents in Walterboro
Many different factors can cause truck accidents, however, the main cause is negligence. Accidents are likely to occur when someone is negligent and does not follow the law or do as they are supposed to do. The following are a few different factors that cause truck accidents:
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Speeding
- Heavy load
- Weather conditions
- Roadwork and construction
- Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Curvy roads
- Inability to control the truck
- Tire defects
- Steering wheel failures
- Brake defects
- Trailer hitch defects
While each of these factors plays a role in the number of truck accidents that occur annually across the United States, speeding is the top contributor to most truck accidents. Your truck accident lawyer in Walterboro, SC will carefully review the evidence at hand to accurately establish liability. Once we do, we will have further insight into who should be named in your truck accident insurance claims and civil lawsuits.
Multiple Parties Could Share Blame for Your Walterboro Truck Accident Damages
When a truck accident occurs, one of the main curiosities is who was responsible for the accident. While our team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm knows that truck drivers are quickly blamed for any type of accident because of their size and weight, we also know this is not always the case, as there needs to be strong evidence supporting this claim. We have seen different parties responsible for truck accidents, including the following:
- The driver of the truck
- The owner of the tractor-trailer
- The company that leased the tractor-trailer
- The company that employs the truck driver
- The truck’s manufacturer
- Other automobile drivers
By hiring an experienced truck accident attorney in Walterboro, SC, you can relax knowing that you are in good hands regarding the legal process. Our professional legal advocates will collect the evidence needed to prove that certain individuals or parties are liable for your accident and injuries. Many assume that truck drivers can see the roads better as they are lifted higher off the ground than other vehicles, however, it is important to keep in mind that truckers cannot control other vehicle drivers.
Steer Clear of Truck Drivers Who Appear to Be Dangerous
Truck drivers (and any other driver on the roadway) can drive aggressively when frustrated by other drivers. This is very dangerous and could lead to motor vehicle accidents. Here are a few signs to look out for if you suspect a truck driver may be driving aggressively:
- Driving too closely to you or other vehicles
- Speeding
- Changing lanes and cutting you off at the last minute
- Flashing their headlights
- Honking their horns
- Truck drivers become frustrated easily with traffic
- Impatience
- Tiredness
- Other vehicles not sharing the roads
When driving on the highway or interstate for long periods, it is not uncommon to see vehicles swerving or over-correcting in their lanes, and these may be signs that the driver is falling asleep, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Like other automobiles, if you see a large semi-truck swerving, moving in and out of its lane, or over-correcting, you should try to keep as much distance as possible between your vehicle and theirs. Give the truck driver plenty of room, move out of their way, and call law enforcement if the situation escalates.
You Can Recover Maximum Compensation from Your Truck Accident
You have the right to be made whole if someone else is found liable for your truck wreck and resulting injuries. There are several types of potentially recoverable damages that may be available to you. These are known as compensatory damages and can include both economic damages and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most frequently thought of when injury victims are considering compensation for their losses. This is because economic damages are financial and can be felt almost immediately. If you are unable to earn a living or need to take time off work to heal from your injuries, your family may immediately suffer significant financial losses due to your lack of income.
Your medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, vehicle repair estimates, and any other financially based damages can be considered as part of your truck accident claim. Many of these damages can be recovered through the liable party’s insurance provider. However, any remaining damages can be demanded through your personal injury lawsuit.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can be a little more challenging to evaluate. This is because they are not financial in any regard. Every person’s life is affected by these losses differently.
You should be fully compensated for your physical pain and suffering, the emotional distress you cope with every day, your trouble living life as you did prior to the accident, and your difficulty maintaining close, personal, or intimate relationships. These types of damages are typically not covered by insurance. This means if you hope to be awarded maximum compensation for your losses, you may need to be prepared to go to trial.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Walterboro, SC Today
If you have been involved in a truck accident and need legal assistance, contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm today. We are a team of professional and experienced legal advocates serving Walterboro, Charleston, and injury victims throughout South Carolina. We are always proud to assist our clients with the difficult legal process.
Do not wait to get started on your truck accident lawsuit and insurance claims. You can fill out our quick contact form and our law office will reach out to schedule your free consultation as soon as possible. Or, call our office to speak with a Walterboro truck accident attorney and take control of your claim today.