Have you been injured in a traffic accident involving a large commercial truck in Charleston? If so, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. An accident with one of the many large tractor-trailer trucks, or “18-wheelers,” that we commonly see in and around Charleston is frightening and rarely turns out well for a smaller vehicle. Those truck drivers are often tired or simply careless after long hours on the road. When the truck driver or trucking company’s carelessness or negligence leads to a severe injury accident, they could and should be held accountable.
The Charleston truck accident lawyers of Murphy Crantford Meehan have extensive experience handling 18-wheeler accident cases. We have the resources and skills to fight for you, so call us today for a free consultation.
how truck accidents happen
Distracted driving is the number one cause of motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Distracted driving occurs when a driver is focused on something other than the task of driving. Some examples include: Texting or talking on the phone Navigating with a GPS while driving Daydreaming Eating Drinking Adjusting the radio
Truck drivers spend long hours, even days, on the road, often without many breaks. This can cause truck drivers to doze off, to fail to notice road hazards, and can cause delayed reaction time when traffic suddenly slows or stops.
Trucking drivers work on tight deadlines, and this may cause them to take risks, such as speeding, in order to meet their employer’s delivery expectations. Some drivers worry that they will lose their jobs if they do not arrive on time, and may put themselves and others in danger as a result.
There are situations in which driver negligence does not play a role in truck accidents. Sometimes, the negligence can be attributed to the manufacturer of any defective truck parts that wind up causing an accident.
Sometimes, trucking companies fail to inspect their vehicles. Inspection takes up valuable time that could be spent delivering goods. When trucking companies neglect to properly inspect their vehicles, they put the trucker and other motorists at risk.
A truck’s cargo can also cause accidents. If a truck’s cargo exceeds the truck’s weight capacity, it could cause the truck to tip over. If the cargo is not properly secured or tied down by the loaders, the cargo can fall into the road, causing devastating accidents.
Contact us now
(843) 376-4030
Tractor Trailer collision
Boating Accident
Tractor Trailer collision
Single Car Collision
Premise Liability Case (Fall from broken chair)
The attorneys at Murphy Crantford Meehan use our own investigators for commercial truck collisions. We know how to collect data to best determine the commercial truck driver’s actions prior to the collision. If they are at fault, we can find the evidence to make your case for you.
In 2019, commercial motor vehicles were involved in almost 4,000 collisions in South Carolina. In accidents involving smaller automobiles, these large trucks contributed to 22% of all traffic collision deaths, and Charleston County tied for first place in deaths from tractor-trailer collisions.
These numbers are unacceptable, and we will keep fighting for unsuspecting Charleston drivers so that these large trucking companies take their responsibilities seriously. For too long, Charleston has ranked high in traffic collision statistics.
Truck accident victims should seek medical treatment, either at the accident scene or immediately after leaving the scene. You may not notice any injuries at first, but it’s important to get checked out by your doctor to begin making the documentation trail to support a claim for medical expenses.
If you are able, you should also:
Contact us for answers specific to your case. Here are some general truck accident questions that people often:
Driver error is to blame for most vehicle collisions in South Carolina. The commercial truck companies that employ drivers who go across several states and through Charleston are responsible for training those drivers properly and complying with a number of federal laws. They must also carry liability insurance of at least $750,000.
These commercial companies must also properly maintain their trucks, yet how many times have you witnessed violent tractor-trailer tire blow-outs in Charleston? That type of negligence is unacceptable, and those companies should pay when that negligence injures other Charleston drivers.
A commercial truck accident injury claim can be complicated. The trucking company or driver may try to claim the tires were defective, for example. For this reason, you need the help of an experienced Charleston truck accident injury claim attorney.
More serious injuries include traumatic brain injuries, paralysis, and limb amputation.
Call an experienced Charleston truck accident attorney as soon as you seek medical care and before you talk to any insurance company representative.
The experienced truck accident attorneys at Murphy Crantford Meehan work on contingency. You owe nothing until you receive compensation.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under South Carolina law.
Well-Respected
Murphy Crantford Meehan – striving to get justice for Our clients. we believe in a good and honest fight, and we will not stop at anything.
