Surfside Beach Truck Accident Lawyers

The Surfside Beach area has grown considerably over the last decade, but that pales in comparison to the growth of Horry County as a whole. As the country has grown, so has the number of commercial trucks driving in and around the area. At Indigo Family Law, we are ready to help if you need our Surfside Beach truck accident lawyers team by your side. Our team understands the complexities involved with South Carolina commercial vehicle accident claims, but we know how to overcome these challenges and help you recover the compensation you need.

Why Choose Indigo Family Law for a Truck Accident Claim?

Choosing the right injury lawyer for a truck accident claim is crucial. At Indigo Family Law, we pride ourselves on providing personalized legal help for every client. Truck accident cases in Horry County are particularly complex because they often involve multiple parties.

Our attorneys are well-versed in South Carolina laws related to trucking accidents and know how to navigate the intricacies of these claims to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We are a local firm, and we understand the needs of our Surfside Beach community, bringing a compassionate approach to every case we handle.

How Do Truck Accidents Happen in Surfside Beach?

Truck accidents in Surfside Beach can occur for many reasons, but they are often the result of driver negligence or mechanical issues. Some common causes of truck accidents include:

Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often face long hours on the road as they head towards the Grand Strand to deliver good, which can lead to fatigue and slower reaction times.
Speeding or reckless driving. Large commercial vehicles need more space and time to stop, and when a driver is speeding, they may be unable to avoid a collision.
Improperly loaded cargo. Unbalanced or unsecured loads can cause a truck to tip or jackknife, endangering other drivers on the road.
Brake or mechanical failure. Faulty brakes or mechanical issues can lead to devastating accidents, especially on busy roads like Highway 17 and Bypass 17.

Common Truck Regulation Violations That Lead to Collisions

Many truck accidents occur as a result of violations of federal or state regulations. These violations can create dangerous conditions on the road, putting other drivers at risk. Some of the most common truck regulation violations that contribute to collisions include:

Hours-of-service violations. Truck drivers are required by the federal government to follow hours-of-service regulations, which limit how long they can be on the road before taking mandatory breaks. These rules are designed to keep drivers from operating while fatigued, a leading cause of truck accidents. Unfortunately, some drivers and companies push the limits, violating these rules to meet tight delivery deadlines.
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo. Trucks carrying unbalanced, unsecured, or overweight loads pose a significant danger on the road. Cargo shifts can cause a truck to lose control, jackknife, or tip over, leading to devastating crashes. Federal regulations specify the maximum weight trucks can carry and how cargo should be secured to prevent these incidents.
Failure to maintain the truck. Commercial trucks of a certain size must be inspected on a regular basis and maintained to ensure they are safe to operate. Common violations include failing to replace worn tires, ignoring brake problems, or neglecting regular safety inspections.
Speeding and reckless driving. Commercial trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit or drive recklessly, they risk losing control of their vehicles. Violating speed limits or driving aggressively in poor weather or heavy traffic can lead to severe accidents, especially in congested areas like Surfside Beach.

Understanding these common regulatory violations can help establish liability in a truck accident case. Your attorney will investigate whether any violations contributed to the collision and use this information to build a strong case on your behalf.

Common Truck Accident Injuries We Help Clients With

Truck accidents tend to cause severe bodily trauma due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries we see in truck accident cases include:

Traumatic brain injuries. The force of a large truck collision can cause significant head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
Spinal cord injuries. Damage to the spinal column can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong medical care.
Broken bones and fractures. Truck accidents often result in broken bones, which may require surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal injuries. Truck collision blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding and organ trauma, which may not be immediately apparent but require emergency medical care.

Possible Liable Parties After a Truck Collision in Horry County

Determining liability in a truck accident is arguably the toughest part of this process, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Some of the parties that could be held liable in a Surfside Beach truck accident include:

The truck driver. If the driver was speeding, driving while fatigued, or violating traffic laws, they could be held responsible for the accident. Additionally, if the driver was under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or an OTC medication, or distracted by their phone, this negligence could make them liable for any resulting damages.
The trucking company. Trucking companies may be liable if they failed to properly train their drivers, did not maintain their vehicles, or pushed drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations. They could also be responsible if they hired an unqualified or inexperienced driver.
The manufacturer. If a faulty part on the vehicly, such as faulty brakes, trailer connections, or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.

Types of Monetary Compensation Available for Surfside Truck Accident Victims

Surfside Beach truck accident victims may be entitled to several types of compensation, including:

Medical expenses. This includes immediate medical bills as well as ongoing treatment costs, such as physical therapy, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you have lost as well as any future earning potential that may be impacted by your injuries.
Pain and suffering. Truck accidents can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages as well.

How Much Compensation Will You Receive After a Truck Accident?

The amount of compensation you can recover after a truck accident depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and whether you are partially responsible for the collision. South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means that your compensation may be reduced if you are found to be partially responsible for the crash.

What Types of Insurance are Commercial Trucks Required to Carry in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, commercial trucks must carry various types of insurance to protect both the truck drivers and others on the road. The insurance requirements are higher for commercial trucks compared to standard vehicles due to the potential for severe accidents involving large, heavy vehicles. The most common types of insurance coverage that commercial trucking companies are required to have include:

Liability insurance. Every commercial truck operating in South Carolina must carry liability insurance to cover damages caused by the truck driver in an accident. This insurance is meant to cover bodily injuries and property damage suffered by other parties involved in the collision. The minimum coverage amounts depend on the type of cargo being transported. For example, trucks carrying hazardous materials may require higher coverage.
Cargo insurance. Commercial trucks that transport goods are typically required to carry cargo insurance. This coverage helps protect the trucking company if the goods they are transporting are damaged or lost in an accident. For certain types of freight, such as hazardous materials, federal law may impose additional cargo insurance requirements.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. While not required by law, many trucking companies also carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage helps protect the truck driver and company if the other party involved in the accident does not have sufficient insurance to cover damages.

Understanding the types of insurance that apply in your truck accident case is critical for determining how much compensation you may be entitled to. A knowledgeable truck accident attorney can review the policies involved and identify all sources of recovery.

What If More Than One Party Is At-Fault in a Truck Accident?

It is common for multiple parties to share fault in a truck accident case. For example, the truck driver may have been speeding, but a mechanical failure could have also contributed to the accident. In such cases, liability may be split between the truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturer, depending on the circumstances. Our Surfside Beach personal injury attorneys will examine your case thoroughly to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation from each one.

How Long Do You Have to File Your Truck Accident Claim?

In South Carolina, you typically have three years from the date of the accident to file a truck accident claim. However, it is essential to act quickly, as evidence can be lost or destroyed over time. By contacting a Surfside Beach truck accident lawyer as soon as possible, you can ensure that your claim is filed within the time limit specified by the state.

Why a Truck Accident Attorney is so Important for These Complex Claims

Truck accident claims are significantly more complicated than standard car accident cases, and having an experienced attorney by your side is essential to navigating the legal process. Here is why hiring a truck accident attorney is so important:

Multiple parties involved. In truck accidents, there are often multiple parties who may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or manufacturers of defective truck parts. An attorney can help identify all liable parties and ensure they are held accountable for their role in the accident.
Understanding federal and state regulations. Commercial trucks are subject to both federal regulations, such as those set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and state-specific laws. These regulations cover hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards. A skilled attorney will know how to interpret and apply these rules to your case to demonstrate negligence.
Negotiating with insurance companies. Insurance companies representing trucking companies tend to have large legal teams working to minimize payouts. A truck accident attorney will handle negotiations with these insurers, making sure you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement. They will advocate for full compensation, taking into account all current and future expenses related to your injuries.
Gathering and preserving evidence. Truck accident cases often require extensive evidence, including electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and driver logs. Your attorney will work quickly to gather and preserve this crucial evidence before it is lost or destroyed, which can happen in the days and weeks following an accident.

Steps You Can Take to Help With Your Truck Accident Claim Today

There are several steps you can take after a truck accident to strengthen your claim, including:

Seek medical attention. Even if you do not think your injuries are serious, it is essential to get evaluated by a doctor to document your injuries.
Gather evidence. Take photographs of the whole accident area (you can use any camera, including your phone), the damage to your vehicle and other vehicles, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Contact an attorney. An experienced truck accident attorney in Horry County can help you get through this complex legal process and help you receive the monetary compensation you need.

Call Our Surfside Beach Truck Accident Lawyers Team Today

If you or somebody you care about has sustained a truck accident injury in our round the Surfside Beach, reach out to the team at Indigo Family Law for help as soon as possible. We firmly believe in treating clients like family, and we want to help you and your family today. When you need our Surfside Beach truck accident lawyers team, you can talk to us today for a free consultation of your truck accident case by completing our contact form or calling us at (843) 279-2330.