Hilton Head Truck Accident Attorneys
Compassionate & Experienced Legal Representation
Truck accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly types of accidents that occur on our roadways. They often result in devastating injuries and fatalities for the occupants of passenger vehicles involved in the collision. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them incredibly difficult to stop, especially when they are traveling at high speeds. When truck drivers are negligent, they put everyone on the road at risk.
Truck accident cases are much more complex than typical car accident cases. Not only are there often multiple liable parties, but there are also numerous federal and state regulations that must be considered when pursuing a claim. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you need to hire an experienced attorney who understands the laws and regulations surrounding these cases.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., our Hilton Head truck accident lawyers have been serving the needs of injured individuals for decades. Our legal team is well-versed in the complex nature of truck accident litigation, and we know how to build a strong case on your behalf. We will fight to hold the negligent party accountable and help you seek the maximum compensation you are owed. Our attorneys are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal services from start to finish.
Contact our firm today at (843) 920-2844 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Hilton Head truck accident attorneys.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur for many reasons, but negligence is often to blame. When a truck driver or another party involved in the trucking process is careless, they put everyone on the road in danger. If you have been injured, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers who take their eyes off the road for even a second can cause a serious accident. Texting and driving, talking on the phone, eating, and using GPS devices are all common forms of distracted driving.
- Fatigued driving: Truck drivers are required to adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations, which dictate how many hours they can drive and how many breaks they must take. Unfortunately, many truck drivers violate these rules and drive while fatigued, causing catastrophic accidents.
- Driving under the influence: Truck drivers, like all other motorists, are prohibited from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, truck drivers are also subject to more stringent rules, and they are not allowed to have any alcohol in their system when they get behind the wheel.
- Speeding: Trucks need more time to stop than passenger vehicles, especially when they are carrying a large payload. When truck drivers are speeding, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Overloaded trucks: Trucks that are carrying too much cargo are more difficult to stop and control. This can make it difficult for truck drivers to safely maneuver their vehicles on the road.
- Unsecured cargo: If cargo is not properly secured, it can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced. This can result in a rollover accident or the truck driver losing control of the vehicle.
- Lack of maintenance: Trucking companies are required to properly maintain their vehicles and perform regular inspections. When they fail to do so, it can result in mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.
Who is Liable for a Truck Accident?
Truck accident cases are much more complex than typical car accident cases because there are often many more liable parties. In a car accident, the at-fault driver is usually the only liable party. However, in a truck accident, the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, and other parties may all be partially liable.
Some of the potentially liable parties in a truck accident case include:
- Truck driver: The truck driver may be liable for the accident if he or she was negligent in any way. This can include speeding, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence.
- Trucking company: The trucking company may be liable for the accident if they failed to properly maintain the vehicle, hired an unqualified driver, or failed to properly train the driver.
- Truck manufacturer: If a defective truck part or component caused the accident, the truck manufacturer may be held liable.
- Shipper or loader: The shipper or loader is responsible for properly loading and securing the cargo. If the cargo is not properly loaded, it can shift during transport, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Truck accident cases are much more complex than typical car accident cases. There are often many more liable parties, and there are also numerous federal and state regulations that must be considered when pursuing a claim. If you have been injured, you need to hire an experienced Hilton Head truck accident attorney to help you navigate the legal process.
At Bauer & Metro, P.C., we have an in-depth understanding of the laws and regulations surrounding truck accident cases. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident to determine liability and gather all necessary evidence. Our attorneys will also work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists and medical professionals, to build a strong case on your behalf. We are committed to providing each and every one of our clients with the personalized legal services they deserve.
Call our firm today at (843) 920-2844 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Hilton Head truck accident attorneys.
