Beaufort County Truck Accident Lawyers

Protecting Accident Victims & Their Families

There are too many trucks on the road, plain and simple, and when trucks collide with cars, it's not a fair fight. Drivers and their families are devastated. Lives are forever changed, and fatalities are common. Sadly, most of these wrecks could be avoided if trucking companies and their drivers followed rules that are designed to keep our roadways safe. 

Some of the most common tractor-trailer wrecks are caused by defective equipment on the trucks. Tire blowouts and defective brakes leave other drivers defenseless. Truck drivers frequently ignore speed limits and fail to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. Illegal and improper U-Turns pose a severe danger to other drivers. And improper lane changes force other cars off the road, resulting in grievous injuries. Some truck drivers even fall asleep at the wheel because trucking companies prioritize timeliness over other drivers' lives. 

Most people do not realize that trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators that respond immediately when an accident happens. Their primary goal is clear: defend the truck driver and deflect fault to the victim at any cost. These hired guns are working to defeat your case before you even know you have one. This makes it crucial that you contact legal counsel as soon as practicably possible. 

We will meet with you personally, all consultations are free, and we routinely meet with new clients at their homes, if preferred. 

If you or your loved ones have been injured by a negligent truck driver, contact Bauer & Metro, P.C. at (843) 920-2844 for a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Beaufort County. Trust local experience.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can result in devastating consequences, including serious injuries, property damage, and even loss of life. This is why it is crucial to determine who is liable for the damages. Liability in a truck accident is a complex legal issue that involves various factors and parties.

Negligence:

One of the primary factors in establishing liability in a truck accident is negligence. Negligence refers to the failure to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. In a truck accident case, negligence can occur on the part of the truck driver, other motorists, or even the trucking company. Common examples of truck driver negligence include speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, and failing to obey traffic laws.

• Truck Driver Liability: Truck drivers are often the first parties considered for liability in an accident involving a commercial truck. If a truck driver's actions or inactions directly contributed to the accident, they may be held liable. Truck drivers are expected to adhere to strict regulations, including hours-of-service limits and maintenance requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to liability.
• Trucking Company Liability: Trucking companies can also be held liable in truck accidents. If it can be proven that the company was negligent in its hiring, training, or supervision of the driver, they may share liability for the accident. Additionally, if the truck was poorly maintained or had mechanical issues that contributed to the accident, the trucking company may be held responsible.
• Vehicle Manufacturer Liability: In some cases, the manufacturer of the truck or its components may be liable for an accident. If a defect in the truck's design or manufacturing process is found to be a contributing factor, the manufacturer could be held responsible for damages.
• Third-Party Liability: Liability in truck accidents is not limited to the driver, trucking company, and vehicle manufacturer. Other parties, such as cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance, could share liability depending on the circumstances of the accident. For instance, if improper loading of cargo causes the accident, the cargo loading company may be held liable.