Lugoff, SC Truck Accident Lawyers
Tractor-trailers are an important part of the national and state economy, transporting goods and raw materials to communities big and small. This field relies on a steady stream of specially trained truck drivers who are supposed to know how to navigate the roads safely. Unfortunately, despite the extensive training and licensing requirements imposed on truck drivers, truck accidents remain a widespread problem in the United States.
If you’ve been injured in a Lugoff truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. Call Peake & Fowler at 803-788-4370 to set up a time to talk to our team right now.
Truck Accident Statistics in South Carolina
Truck accidents are a prominent issue in South Carolina, despite significant efforts to make the roadways safer for truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers alike. In total, there were almost 2,500 truck accidents in 2020, 91 of which were fatal. This is a red flag—although truck accidents only make up 2.1% of all traffic collisions, they make up 9.4% of all fatal crashes. Their overrepresentation in fatal accidents highlights the dangers of tractor-trailers.
Among those involved in fatal traffic collisions, the most common age group among truck drivers was 55 to 64 and the most common age group among other drivers was 25 to 34. Out-of-state truck drivers were responsible for nearly half of all traffic collisions, indicating that perhaps familiarity with the area and the roadways is a factor.
Why You Need an Attorney
As you can see from the statewide statistics, truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous. Those involved in these collisions could suffer severe or even fatal injuries. In many cases, passenger vehicles in these crashes are totaled.
When you’re already dealing with medical appointments, the stress of not working, and insurance calls, hiring an attorney might seem like something you can skip. Don’t make this mistake. There is a lot at stake in a truck collision, and hiring an attorney is the best way to protect your own interests.
The truck driver has a substantial team working for them and for their best interests. Remember, their employer is likely liable for any damage they cause in an accident.
The employer wants to do anything they can to prove that they were not at fault. They have insurance adjusters, attorneys, and investigative specialists handling each and every accident their company is involved in. They jump into action as soon as they find out about a crash, when you are still processing what happened and thinking about what you should do next.
By the time you make the decision to hire a Lugoff trucking accident attorney, they are already working on their case, picking apart the evidence for things that benefit their case, and figuring out how to pay as little as possible.
If you want any chance of fighting against that, an attorney should be your top priority. The team at Peake & Fowler has a long track record of success with truck accident claims, and we are ready to use our experience to help you.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
Seeing that truck accidents are so much more deadly than conventional passenger vehicle accidents, you may be wondering what the difference is. What makes truck accidents so much more likely to cause fatal or severe injuries?
It comes down to their size and shape. When a truck is fully loaded, it could weigh dozens of times more than a standard passenger vehicle. A vehicle that heavy can cause a massive amount of damage, even if it’s only moving at 25 miles per hour.
Unfortunately, most of these collisions don’t happen at 25 miles per hour. They are more likely to occur on highways, where vehicles may be traveling upwards of 60 miles per hour. At that speed, a tractor-trailer can crush entire vehicles and leave multiple fatalities in its wake. Additionally, a truck that is that heavy is hard to stop. When a driver spots an obstacle, it will take them much longer to stop than it would take a passenger vehicle.
The shape of a tractor-trailer is another contributing factor. They are long and awkward, which makes it very difficult for a driver to see them. Trucks are known for having large blind spots on both sides, as well as in front of and behind the vehicle. Any vehicle that ends up in these blind spots is at risk of being hit, simply because the driver cannot see them.
When you combine these factors, it’s obvious that truck accidents have the potential to lead to tragedy.
How to Fight for Compensation
After a truck accident, you may very well be entitled to compensation. Connecting with a South Carolina truck accident lawyer is one of the best ways to get the money you are owed after a crash.
There is quite a bit of evidence available after a truck accident, and an attorney can tap into all of it. Today’s tractor-trailers must use electronic logging devices to track their stop times, start times, hours of service, and dangerous driving events. Having this type of information available in a traffic accident claim is invaluable.
Additionally, your attorney may be able to look into fault on the part of the employer. If the truck driver had a long history of driving while impaired or fatigued, causing crashes, or driving recklessly, the employer may have been negligent in hiring them or keeping them on.
It all starts with a consultation with a local truck accident lawyer. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can begin pursuing fair and full compensation.
Contact Peake & Fowler to Start Your Truck Accident Claim
At Peake & Fowler, we are committed to fighting for you and your rights. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, don’t wait for a second longer to get the representation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us now by calling us at 803-788-4370 or filling out our quick and easy contact form.
