The Port of Charleston, securing its position as the eighth-largest U.S. port by volume in 2023, experiences a constant flow of large truck traffic. If you’ve suffered injuries in a collision with a commercial truck in Sumter, especially if it wasn’t your fault, seeking the counsel of a truck accident lawyer is vital. Why? Accidents involving these large trucks come with distinct challenges that demand the knowledge of an attorney experienced in handling such cases. Call Hart Law today if you’ve been injured in an auto accident with a large commercial truck.

Understanding Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Truck accidents happen frequently on South Carolina roads and highways. A truck crash often results in more damage than regular car crashes because of the size difference. Commercial truck drivers spend long hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue and mistakes. When a truck driver causes an accident, injury victims face mounting medical bills and other costs.

In Sumter County, large trucks share roads with smaller vehicles, creating dangerous situations. The trucking company that employs drivers may share liability for crashes their drivers cause. Distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence all contribute to truck accidents that harm innocent people. A Sumter truck accident lawyer helps you understand who is responsible and how to claim compensation.

SC truck accident laws give injured people the right to seek payment for their losses. However, proving fault requires strong evidence and legal knowledge. The truck driver may work as an independent contractor, which complicates questions of liability. A truck accident attorney investigates every detail to prove liability and build a strong case.

The Serious Nature of Accidents Involving Large Trucks in Sumter, SC

The pronounced difference in size and weight between large trucks—spanning tractor-trailers, cement mixers, and delivery trucks—and standard passenger cars significantly shapes the unique challenges posed by commercial truck accidents. As classified by the NHTSA, a “large truck” must weigh at least 10,000 pounds, yet a fully loaded tractor-trailer can legally reach a staggering 80,000 pounds—20 times the weight of the average 4,000-pound passenger car. This substantial contrast in mass results in a disproportionate impact during collisions, causing more extensive damage to the smaller car and an elevated 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. Furthermore, establishing liability in commercial trucking accidents introduces complexities 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.

A smaller vehicle offers little protection when hit by a semi truck or tractor-trailer. The crash involving large trucks causes catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, and internal bleeding. These serious injuries require immediate medical attention and ongoing medical treatment. Physical therapy, surgeries, and rehabilitation add up to enormous medical expenses that change lives forever.

Vehicle damage from a Sumter truck accident often totals the car completely. Property damage extends beyond the car itself to include personal belongings inside. When the accident occurred, you may have lost work equipment, electronics, or other valuable items. All of these losses should be included when you file a truck accident claim.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Sumter

Truck accidents in Sumter, SC, happen for many reasons. Driver fatigue remains one of the top causes. Federal regulations limit how many hours drivers can work, but some ignore these rules to meet deadlines. Electronic logging devices track driving time, but trucking companies sometimes pressure drivers to falsify records. This puts everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted driving causes many truck crashes on South Carolina highways. When drivers text, eat, or adjust GPS systems, they take their attention from the road. At highway speeds, even a few seconds of distraction can result in a devastating truck accident. Rear-end collisions often happen when distracted truck drivers don’t see stopped traffic ahead.

Tire blowouts and defective truck parts lead to accidents that could have been prevented. Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles properly to keep them safe. When brakes fail, tires explode, or steering systems malfunction, the driver may lose control. Determining if parts were functioning properly requires investigation by experts who understand commercial vehicles.

Improperly loaded cargo causes trucks to tip over or spill their loads onto the highway. Weight must be distributed correctly for the truck to handle safely. When loaders rush or cut corners, they create dangerous situations. The parties responsible for loading can be held liable when their mistakes cause harm.

Types of Injuries From Truck Accidents

Truck accident cases involve serious injuries that affect every part of your life. Broken bones, crush injuries, and burns require extensive medical treatment. Some injured people never fully recover and face permanent disabilities. Traumatic brain injuries change how people think, feel, and interact with loved ones. These life-altering injuries deserve full compensation.

Spinal cord damage from a truck accident may cause partial or complete paralysis. Victims lose their independence and need help with basic daily activities. The cost of care for spinal injuries over a lifetime can reach millions of dollars. A Sumter truck accident attorney calculates both current and future needs when seeking maximum compensation.

Emotional distress and emotional pain affect many truck accident survivors. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are real consequences of a crash involving trucks. Non-economic damages compensate for suffering that doesn’t come with receipts. Your quality of life matters, and the law recognizes this harm.

What to Do After a Sumter Truck Accident

Taking the right steps after a Sumter, SC, truck accident protects your health and your legal rights. First, get medical attention even if you feel okay. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but delaying treatment weakens your truck accident claim. Doctors create medical records that document your injuries and connect them to the accident.

Call the police and make sure they file a police report. Police reports provide an official record of what happened and may indicate who was at fault. Get contact information from all drivers involved and any witnesses. Eyewitness accounts help establish the facts when memories fade or stories change.

Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries. Collect as much evidence as possible from the scene. Don’t talk to insurance companies before speaking with a truck accident lawyer. They may try to get you to say something that hurts your case later. A Sumter personal injury lawyer handles all communication to protect your interests.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Builds Your Case

A truck accident attorney conducts a detailed investigation into what caused the accident. This includes reviewing police reports, examining medical records, and consulting with accident reconstructionists who can recreate how the crash happened. Commercial truck accidents require specialized knowledge that most lawyers don’t have.

Your lawyer obtains records from the trucking company showing driver logs, maintenance records, and company policies. Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep detailed records of their operations. These documents often reveal violations that contributed to the accident. Proving liability requires a thorough review of all available evidence.

Accident reconstructionists use physics and engineering to determine how the truck accident occurred. They examine skid marks, damage patterns, and vehicle positions to figure out speeds, angles, and the sequence of events. This expert testimony strengthens your truck accident claim and helps juries understand what happened.

Compensation Available in Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident victims can recover compensation for many types of losses. Medical expenses include emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing care. Lost wages from missed work should be covered, along with future income you’ll lose if your injuries prevent you from working. Property damage to your car and belongings must be repaired or replaced.

Non-economic damages include physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These losses are just as real as medical bills, even though they’re harder to calculate. The impact on your relationships with family and friends deserves compensation, too. A Sumter truck accident lawyer ensures all damages are included in your claim.

In cases where the truck driver or trucking company acted recklessly, additional damages may apply. When companies knowingly violate safety rules or push drivers beyond legal limits, they should face consequences. Maximum compensation holds responsible parties accountable and helps prevent future accidents.

Challenges of Truck Accident Cases in Sumter

In a hypothetical Sumter setting, envision a resident grappling with the aftermath of a large truck accident, seeking justice for injuries. The process of establishing liability unfolds like a legal novel, with each piece of evidence contributing to a captivating plot. Picture Sumter as the novel’s backdrop, where police reports, eyewitness accounts, and findings from investigators form crucial chapters. The narrative expands in large truck accidents, incorporating records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This regulatory novel covers electronic logging devices, loading training, routine vehicle maintenance, weight limitations, and hours of service regulations. Sumter residents become the protagonists in this legal novel, armed with a comprehensive script that includes Electronic Control Module (ECM) data and the potential for litigation.

Dealing with multiple parties makes truck accident cases more complex than typical car crashes. The trucking company, driver, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders may all share liability. Each party has its own insurance company and lawyers fighting to avoid responsibility. An SC truck accident lawyer knows how to handle cases involving several parties responsible for harm.

Insurance companies representing trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators. They work to minimize how much they pay or deny claims entirely. They may argue that you were partially at fault or that your injuries aren’t as bad as you claim. Having a truck accident attorney with a proven track record levels the playing field.

Why Choose Hart Law for Your Truck Accident Case

Hart Law has combined legal experience handling complex truck accident cases in Sumter, SC, and throughout South Carolina. We understand federal trucking regulations and how to use them to build strong cases. Our law firm has successfully represented injury victims hurt in crashes involving commercial trucks of all types.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. There’s no risk in calling to learn about your rights. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. This allows anyone who was injured to get quality legal help regardless of their financial situation.

Our proven track record shows our commitment to getting results for clients. We’ve helped many people recover compensation after truck accidents caused by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. We treat every client with respect and keep you informed throughout the process.

When to File a Wrongful Death Claim

If a loved one died in a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Losing someone to a preventable truck crash causes unimaginable pain for families. Wrongful death claims compensate for funeral expenses, loss of income, and the loss of companionship. A Sumter truck accident attorney handles these sensitive cases with compassion while fighting for justice.

South Carolina law sets deadlines for filing wrongful death claims, so acting quickly is important. The same evidence needed for injury claims applies to wrongful death cases. Police reports, witness statements, and trucking company records all help establish who was at fault. Families deserve answers and accountability when negligence takes a loved one.

Truck Accident FAQs by Sumter Clients

Q. How is truck accident liability different from car accident liability in Sumter?

Truck accidents involve complex liability issues due to factors like federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties (e.g., trucking company), and the severity of injuries. Seeking legal counsel is crucial.

Q. Can I file a claim if the truck’s cargo contributed to the accident in Sumter?

Yes, if improperly loaded or secured cargo played a role in the accident, it can contribute to liability, and you may file a claim against the responsible parties.

Q. Can I still pursue a claim if the truck driver was issued a citation in Sumter?

Yes, a citation issued to the truck driver does not preclude you from pursuing a personal injury claim. It can, however, be used as evidence of negligence in your case.

Suffer Injuries? Contact A Sumter, SC Truck Accident Lawyer At Hart Law!

Despite these challenges and claiming the compensation you’re entitled to after a large truck accident is possible. Hart Law is poised to defend your rights and ensure you receive due compensation for medical expenses, ongoing therapy, lost wages, and the intangible impacts of a life-altering accident, including pain and suffering and emotional distress. If you’ve suffered injuries in a large truck accident, facing the trucker’s insurance company alone is not recommended. Opt for an advocate and fighter to stand with you. Click or call to get your free case consultation scheduled with our law firm.