If you or a loved one were injured by an 18-wheeler, please read on, then contact an experienced Chesterfield County auto accident lawyer to learn what you should know about 18-wheeler accidents in South Carolina.
What forms do 18-wheeler accidents take in South Carolina?
Sadly, big trucks are just as capable of getting into serious crashes as smaller vehicle types. In fact, their size and shape make them vulnerable to accident types not usually seen in personal automobiles. The most common types of 18-wheeler accidents are as follows:
- Rollover or tip-over accidents: This type of accident occurs when the truck makes a turn too sharply, is unevenly loaded or encounters unfavorable weather conditions.
- Jackknife accidents: This type of accident occurs when the driver brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to swing to a ninety-degree angle, swiping other motorists in the process.
- Underride accidents: These occur when another vehicle rear-ends a truck and gets stuck under the trailer.
- Head-on collisions: When one motorist, i.e. the truck driver, is driving the wrong way on a one-way road or while driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Rear-end accidents: When a truck crashes into the back of another vehicle.
Each of these accident types has the potential to be fatal, so it is important that you reach out to a skilled Chesterfield County personal injury lawyer to hold all of the negligent parties accountable.
Who can you hold responsible for 18-wheeler accidents in South Carolina?
Depending on the unique circumstances of your case, you can hold a number of people liable for your truck accident, including:
- Truck drivers: The negligent conduct, i.e. driving under the influence or failing to safely maneuver their vehicle, of drivers is the leading cause of 18-wheeler accidents.
- Truck company employees: These individuals are responsible for properly loading the truck before it is taken out on the road as well as basic obligations to ensure safety.
- Truck company employers: Trucking company owners must ensure that their drivers are fully licensed, qualified and not overworked.
- Defective truck parts: Trucks parts must not only be regularly serviced and maintained but designed and manufactured with safety in mind.
It is paramount that you meet with a skilled personal injury lawyer so that you have the greatest likelihood of a favorable outcome and, hopefully, prevent the next tragedy. Please do not hesitate to give us a call today.
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Our legal team has significant experience helping clients through a wide array of legal matters, including those involving criminal law, personal injury law, divorce & separation, and family law. For competent and trustworthy legal counsel, simply contact The Cockrell Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation with our legal team.
