According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Speed” was the most frequent driver-related factor in large truck fatal crashes.According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Speed” was the most frequent driver-related factor in large truck fatal crashes.

The Dangers of Speeding Commercial Trucks

/by

The trucking industry has established an unfortunate reputation for speeding and truck accidents due to financial and employment-based incentives that prioritize delivery times over safety. These are entirely preventable accidents that result in thousands of fatal and injury crashes each year. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Speed” was the most frequent driver-related factor in large truck fatal crashes. Collisions with large trucks are devastating for all involved. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a speeding commercial truck in South Carolina, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. 

How Speeding Causes Truck Accidents

The U.S. government enforces regulations restricting how long truck drivers are permitted to operate a vehicle each day, which has placed limits on deliveries for truckers and trucking companies. Many drivers might still try to make an impossible deadline, or they could become delayed by traffic or weather conditions. Some drivers just want to get home as quickly as possible once their work is complete. 

With increased pressures and outside forces influencing the trucking industry, many drivers are tempted to speed. When these massive vehicles travel faster than the speed limit or too fast for current conditions, tragic accidents are a strong possibility. Here are some of the ways speeding in commercial trucks leads to serious accidents. 

Inability to Stop

18-wheelers are much larger and have a longer stopping distance than the average passenger vehicle. So, a truck driving too fast will find it difficult, if not impossible, to stop in time to avoid a collision with other drivers. 

Heavy Loads

Tractor-trailers are known for transporting heavy loads from one place to another. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 18,000 pounds compared to around 5,000 for a passenger vehicle. If a fully loaded truck is speeding, this heavy weight can cause jackknife and rollover accidents, which can be deadly. 

Weather Issues

Conditions like fog, ice, rain, and snow require that drivers use extra caution and drive slower than the speed limit. When the weather gets bad, and a truck driver still decides to speed, the results can be disastrous. 

Curvy Roads

There are curvy roads in many areas of this state, which require careful maneuvering and the full attention of drivers. The speed limits are set to account for these curves. When truckers speed, this increases the chances of an accident. 

Loss of Control

At higher speeds, auto drivers might still maintain a certain amount of control over their vehicles. But, truckers who speed are more likely to lose control due to the size, weight, and complexity of commercial trucks. 

Impaired Driving

Many truck drivers operate their vehicles impaired. They might be drowsy, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When combined with high speed, these conditions are a recipe for disaster. 

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable

If you or a loved one are dealing with the consequences of being hit by a speeding truck, you can and should hold the responsible party accountable for your damages. Truck accident cases can be complex because more than one party could bear some responsibility for your harm, and insurance companies don’t make collecting fair compensation easy. 

Proving negligence in truck accident cases requires knowledge of the applicable regulations and a background in these types of cases. Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with a black box, which can be used as evidence to prove excessive speed. 

You will need the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer to obtain evidence of negligence and fight for the maximum damages you deserve. If you’re struggling with medical bills, lost time from work, and massive property damage, you shouldn’t have to fight this battle on your own. 

Contact an Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

At Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be when dealing with the consequences of a truck accident. Moving forward can be even more challenging when you are dealing with serious injuries caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company who may not want to take responsibility for your harm. 

Our skilled and compassionate truck accident attorneys will provide you with the legal counsel you need to hold the responsible parties accountable. We will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Give us a call at (844) 843-1589 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Baxter Village, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill and handle cases in Nashville by appointment. 

What you do or fail to do in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can have an impact on your case outcome.What you do or fail to do in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can have an impact on your case outcome.

What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

/by

Car accidents can be traumatic events, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what you should do next. One minute, you’re running errands or driving to work, and the next, you’re dealing with injuries, property damage, and the inability to work or pay your bills. 

If someone else was responsible for your accident, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim and seek damages. But collecting the full amount you deserve isn’t as simple as making a phone call or filling out a form. You can expect to get some resistance from the insurance company. 

So, how can you protect your rights throughout this process? What you do or fail to do in the minutes, hours, and days following the accident can have an impact on your case outcome. Here is a list of things you’ll want to do (and not do) immediately following a car accident. 

1. Get to a Safe Spot

Some auto accidents happen on busy and dangerous roads. After checking to determine if anyone was critically injured, the parties should move to a safe location. Depending on the circumstances, you may wish to leave the vehicles in place until the police have a chance to document the accident scene. 

2. Call the Police

Even if you’re involved in a minor accident, it’s often a good idea to call the local police and request that they come to the scene. Once an officer arrives, they will conduct an investigation, speak with the parties and any witnesses, and create an accident report. If one of the drivers violated the law, such as running a red light or driving while intoxicated, they would be cited or arrested at the scene. 

3. Take Pictures and Videos

Pictures and videos are vital evidence in car accident cases if there are no other recordings, like dashcams. Having photos and videos of the placement of the vehicles and the resulting damage can make a significant difference in your case. 

4. Exchange Information

Obtain as much pertinent information as you can while you are still at the accident scene. This includes getting the other driver’s information and the names and contact information of any witnesses. This is also a good time to look around and take note of the road, traffic, and weather conditions at the time of the collision. 

5. Get Medical Treatment

It’s not uncommon for accident victims to feel like they are “fine” after an accident because of the adrenaline racing through their bodies. But hours or days later, the stiffness and soreness become major issues. Unfortunately, insurance companies look at the time between the accident and the initial medical treatment as an indicator. To protect your case, make sure you seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the crash. 

6. Report the Accident

Contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident. Give them any information you collected, such as the other driver’s name, witness information, and the police report number. However, avoid signing any releases and don’t agree to provide a recorded statement until you first speak with an attorney. 

7. Watch What You Say

Even if you’re partially responsible for an accident in South Carolina, you can still recover damages as long as the other part was at least 51% at fault. While you need to be honest about what happened during the accident, you’ll want to use extreme caution with your words. The insurance company representative may try to get you to admit fault, and you might do so without realizing it. 

8. Seek Legal Advice

Before signing, saying, or agreeing to anything, you should retain a skilled car accident attorney. Find a local law firm with experience fighting for the interests of car accident victims like yourself. 

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney

Car accident victims in South Carolina may experience severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last months, years, or even a lifetime. In the aftermath of such a tragic event, you may not know how to achieve justice and move forward, but we can help. 

At Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC, our South Carolina car accident attorneys will investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. We will work diligently to ensure you receive proper and fair compensation for your damages. 

Give us a call today at (844) 843-1589 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Baxter Village, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill and handle cases in Nashville by appointment.