Hilton Head Truck Accident Attorneys

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Hilton Head

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 endanger everyone on the road. If you have been injured, you can 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 a second can cause a severe accident. Texting and driving, talking on the phone, eating, and using GPS devices are all common forms of distracted driving.
• Fatigued driving: Truck drivers must 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 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 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 carrying too much cargo are more challenging to stop and control. This can make it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver their vehicles safely.
• Unsecured cargo: If cargo is not secured correctly, 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 maintain their vehicles and perform regular inspections properly. When they fail to do so, it can result in mechanical failures, such as brake failure or tire blowouts.

In addition to these causes, adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can exacerbate the dangers of driving a large truck. These conditions require even greater caution and skill; when neglected, they can lead to severe mishaps. Additionally, inadequate training is a significant factor in many accidents. Drivers not adequately trained in handling the complexities of large vehicles and emergencies can make critical errors on the road. Ensuring drivers are proficient in these areas is crucial for road safety.

Steps to Take Following a Truck Accident in Hilton Head

If you are involved in a truck accident in Hilton Head, knowing what to do next can be crucial for your safety and rights. Immediately following the accident, prioritize contacting emergency services to ensure that injuries are evaluated by medical professionals on the scene. Detailed documentation of the accident scene should follow, including photographs of the vehicles involved, road conditions, and any visible damages. Collecting contact information from witnesses can also prove valuable in corroborating accident accounts.

It is paramount to report the accident to the local authorities and ensure an official report is filed. Following this, seeking medical evaluation, even if injuries are not immediately apparent, is vital, as some injuries may manifest later. Retaining a record of all medical treatments and related expenses will be necessary for any legal cases pursued. Additionally, contacting a Hilton Head truck accident attorney or truck injury attorney who can guide you through the legal intricacies is advised. Legal expertise can assist you in navigating insurance claims and securing compensation for damages, ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the process.

Don't face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Let our dedicated Hilton Head truck accident attorneys fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. now to discuss your case.