South Carolina has a big trucking industry, and crashes involving large trucks or tractor trailers occur frequently that cause severe damage and serious injuries to all parties involved. Fortunately, the law allows parties injured in a tractor-trailer crash to seek compensation from the responsible person or entity.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to the negligent actions of another, a skilled Hilton Head truck accident lawyer could help you seek the compensation you need. With assistance from a dedicated personal injury attorney, you could learn more about the types of damages you may be eligible to recover for and seek the full amount of compensation needed to cover your losses.
Trucking Company Responsibilities
Besides the driver, the parent company or owner of a truck involved in a crash could also be liable for any damages. While some accidents cannot be prevented, there are many instances in which a wreck could have been averted by exercising necessary precautions.
If they do not exercise reasonable care, one or more of these aforementioned parties could be held liable in court. When determining liability, the courts consider several factors, such as whether the trucking company:
- Conducted adequate background and reference checks and employment screenings on potential drivers, as well as periodic drug and alcohol tests
- Had notice of dangerous driving behavior on the part of one of their employees, such as driving under the influence or drowsy driving, but did nothing to address it
- Employed unsafe policies—whether formally or informally—that encouraged or incentivized driving riskily, such as by skipping rest breaks or taking amphetamines to arrive at destinations ahead of schedule
- Adequately maintained their vehicles, including providing regular maintenance and inspection as well as necessary repairs, and heeding all manufacturer recalls
- Abided by industry standards for safe loading policies, including not overloading or under-loading trucks, which increases the chance of certain truck accidents such as jackknifes or rollovers
Trucking Accident Attorney Investigative Techniques
A knowledgeable Hilton Head tractor-trailer collision attorney could investigate the circumstances of a crash, as well as the conduct of the trucking company and its driver. This could involve examining driving logs, trucking company policies, background checks, personnel records, vehicle inspections, reports, and other types of documentation that provide a full picture of the trucking company’s practices and policies. Legal counsel could also consult accident reconstruction experts, depose witnesses, and review available video footage to help prove negligence in court.
The Statute of Limitations in Hilton Head
The State of South Carolina has a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing personal injury claims. Injured individuals have three years from the date of the injury or accident taking place to file.
Under certain circumstances, courts may make exceptions to the statute of limitations. That being said, it is usually essential to consult with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Hilton Head as soon as possible following a crash involving a large truck or tractor trailer to ensure this deadline is not missed.
Consult a Hilton Head Truck Accident Attorney
No matter the circumstances or severity of your collision involving a large truck or tractor trailer, an experienced Hilton Head truck accident lawyer could help you pursue the compensation for the damages you suffered. Speak to a dedicated attorney and learn about your possible legal options by calling today.
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