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? Because accidents involving these large trucks come with distinct challenges that demand the specialized 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.
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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.
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.
What Steps Are Involved in the Claims Process for My Truck Accident Case?
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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. Chris Hart Law Firm 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.