Driving a fully loaded semi truck is no easy task, requiring commercial truck drivers to employ precision and skill behind the wheel. But enormous pressure to deliver loads as quickly as possible all too often leads to reckless driving and fatigue. Resulting in commercial truck accidents – an accident that is often catastrophic.
Let our South Carolina truck accident lawyers explain.
Common Reasons For Commercial Truck Accidents
While regulations in the Palmetto State require proper training and put drive time limits in place, many drivers fail to comply – and put the motorists they share the road with at risk. Log book violations are a common cause of vehicle accidents, along with the following:
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Inadequate driver training
- Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo
- Overloaded cargo
- Improper trailer connection
- Truck mechanical failure
- Speeding
- Aggressive/reckless driving
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Failure to check blind spots or maintain proper distance from motor vehicles
Sometimes the cause of a car crash is not straightforward, making it tricky to determine who is liable – especially when multiple parties are involved. For instance, if a maintenance failure caused the auto accident, the trucking company or the manufacturer could be liable. But regardless of who is to blame, the responsible party must be held accountable.
Here at Hoffman Law Firm, our South Carolina truck accident lawyers have experience handling cases like these. We will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Truck Drivers Are Required To Follow Regulations
Like other Lowcountry motorists, tractor trailer drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road. But because they are regulated by state and federal laws, they are also trained to follow additional rules.
In order to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), an applicant must be 18 years of age and pass examinations that test both skills and knowledge. Drivers applying for a CDL must also possess a valid South Carolina driver’s license, as well as certification proving they have completed a physical exam.
To maintain safety standards, large truck drivers must comply with Hours of Service Regulations. Semi trucks today must be outfitted with an electronic logging device (ELD) that tracks the number of hours the truck was operated, miles driven, and inspections of the vehicle and equipment. These regulations are mandated to avoid car accidents and prevent dangerous driver fatigue.
Despite the regulations in place, drivers do not always follow the law – and because they are focused on maximizing profit, many commercial trucking companies look the other way. This puts innocent people in harm’s way, considering that many large trucks are hauling up to 80,000 pounds.
Skilled South Carolina Trucking Accident Lawyer Near Me, Call Hoffman Law Firm!
If you’ve been injured in a commercial truck accident, our South Carolina truck accident law firm can help. Attorney David Hoffman & his team of accident lawyers in Charleston know truck regulations inside and out, and we are experienced in helping drivers like you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep in mind that trucking companies have their own legal teams at the ready, prepared to dismiss or reduce their role in the vehicle accident. That’s why it is so incredibly important to have a team of your own, offering legal advice as you pursue your claim.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation in a wide variety of cases here in the Lowcountry, including:
Personal injury
Car Accident
Truck Accident
Motorcycle Accident
Workers’ Comp
Wrongful Death
Longshoreman & Maritime
Medical Malpractice
Dog Bite
Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Defective Product
Nursing Home Abuse
When seeking a skilled South Carolina trucking accident lawyer near me, choose Hoffman Law Firm. We are ready with your initial free consultation today!