In 2023, the Port of Charleston stands as the eighth largest U.S. port by volume, leading to a notable concentration of large trucks in the vicinity. If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck in Orangeburg, especially if it wasn’t your fault, it’s essential to seek advice from a truck accident lawyer. Why? Because accidents with these sizable trucks present unique challenges that necessitate the expertise of an attorney experienced in handling such cases. Get legal help today by contacting us at (803) 771-7701.
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How Truck Accidents Differ From Other Types of Vehicles in Orangeburg, SC
The pronounced difference in size and weight between large trucks—including tractor-trailers, cement mixers, and delivery trucks—and standard passenger cars significantly influences the dynamics of commercial truck accidents. According to the NHTSA’s classification, a “large truck” must weigh at least 10,000 pounds, yet a fully loaded tractor-trailer can legally weigh an astounding 80,000 pounds—20 times more than the average 4,000-pound passenger car. This substantial weight contrast results in a disproportionate impact during collisions, causing more extensive damage to the smaller car and elevating the risk of severe injuries or fatalities for its occupants. In 2021, a startling 72% of the 5,788 fatalities in large-truck traffic crashes in the U.S. involved occupants of other vehicles, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of those in smaller cars. Additionally, establishing liability in commercial trucking accidents introduces intricacies not present in two-car collisions, involving multiple potential parties at fault and the assertive tactics of insurance companies representing truck drivers, often motivated to minimize settlements due to the severe injuries typically associated with large truck accidents.
Challenges of Truck Accident Cases in Orangeburg
Let’s explore a hypothetical Orangeburg scenario where a resident faces the aftermath of a large truck accident, seeking a path to justice for injuries. In such instances, our meticulous evidence gathering unfolds like a legal thriller, with every document and statement serving as a plot twist. Picture Orangeburg as the backdrop, where police reports, eyewitness accounts, and findings from skilled investigators create a narrative arc. The plot thickens in large truck accidents, introducing records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This regulatory screenplay encompasses electronic logging devices, loading training, vehicle maintenance proof, weight restrictions, and hours of service regulations. Orangeburg residents become the protagonists in this legal drama, armed with a comprehensive script that includes Electronic Control Module (ECM) data and the potential for litigation.
What Steps Are Involved in the Claims Process for My Truck Accident Case?
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Truck Accident FAQs by Orangeburg Clients
Q. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Orangeburg?
In Orangeburg, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including truck accidents, is generally three years from the date of the accident.
Q. What are the common causes of truck accidents in Orangeburg?
Common causes include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, improper maintenance, and violations of federal regulations. Determining the specific cause requires a thorough investigation.
Q. How does Orangeburg handle hit-and-run accidents involving commercial trucks?
Hit-and-run accidents involving commercial trucks should be reported immediately to law enforcement. An attorney can help explore legal options even if the truck driver is unidentified.
Get Legal Help From A Truck Accident Lawyer In Orangeburg, SC
Overcoming these challenges in Orangeburg, obtaining the compensation you deserve after a large truck accident is still possible. Chris Hart Law Firm is prepared to advocate for your rights, securing rightful compensation for medical bills, ongoing therapy, lost wages, and the intangible impacts of a life-changing incident—pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If a large truck caused your injury in Orangeburg, facing the trucker’s insurance company alone is not advised. Choose to have an advocate and fighter by your side. Get in touch with us online or by giving us a call to get your free case consultation scheduled.