Georgetown Truck Accident Lawyer Near You In SC

Being in an accident with a commercial vehicle can be incredibly dangerous due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, making collisions especially devastating. In 2022, the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book highlighted that there were 164 fatalities from truck accidents and 134 serious injury collisions, leaving 169 people with severe injuries. It also states that a reported 2,149 individuals sustained other injuries. These accidents often result in more severe consequences compared to passenger vehicle crashes, as the massive impact force from trucks can cause catastrophic damage to vehicles, leading to higher rates of injury and death.

At The Lovely Law Firm, our experienced Georgetown truck accident attorneys near you are dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents in South Carolina who have been injured through no fault of their own. Our main focus is on fighting for our client’s rights while working tirelessly to recover damages that compensate them for both their economic and non-economic losses. With an aggressive yet compassionate approach, we have secured substantial compensation for our SC clients, earning respect from our peers in the legal community, insurance companies, and defense attorneys. If you’ve been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, we are here to support you every step of the way.

Commercial Truck Drivers Must Adhere To FMCSA Regulations

Commercial truck drivers are legally required to follow strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of everyone on the road around them. These regulations are in place to minimize accidents and protect both drivers and the public. However, many commercial drivers or their companies violate these rules, putting others at risk.

Common FMCSA regulations that are often broken by commercial truck drivers include:

• Hours of Service (HOS) Violations – Drivers commonly exceed the maximum allowed driving hours without taking the required breaks. Foregoing breaks and driving outside of the allotted hours can lead to driver fatigue, which in turn can cause divers to not react to hazards quickly or fall asleep at the wheel, resulting in serious accidents.
• Overloaded Trucks – Commercial truck drivers or companies are also known to load trucks beyond the legal weight limit, making the vehicle harder to control and increasing the risk of accidents. Overloading a commercial vehicle can result in tire blowouts, part malfunctions, and an inability to fully control the vehicle.
• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance – Failing to conduct regular inspections and repairs on commercial vehicles is a direct violation of the FMCSA regulations, which can lead to brake failures or tire blowouts. When commercial vehicles aren’t properly maintained, they are at an increased risk of causing an accident while traveling on the road with other vehicles.
• Driving Under the Influence – Operating a truck while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or medications that can impair judgment, is a violation of FMCSA regulations. Driving under the influence in any form is dangerous, and if an accident occurs, it could cost those on the road their lives.
• Distracted Driving – Texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving is against the regulations set by the FMCSA. Driving a large commercial vehicle while distracted can cause serious accidents with other vehicles on the road.
• Improper Cargo Securement – Failing to properly secure cargo is another common FMCSA violation. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, either spilling onto the roadway or causing the truck to swerve and cause accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a commercial vehicle accident in South Carolina due to the driver violating FMCSA regulations, a Georgetown truck wreck lawyer from our team will gather evidence proving such. We work diligently to gather evidence and prove your right to compensation during negotiations and court proceedings.

Truck Accidents Are Inherently More Dangerous

Accidents involving commercial trucks in Georgetown are far more devastating than those involving passenger vehicles alone, and a Georgetown truck accident lawyer from our team can attest to this. Truck accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. These collisions tend to have far more severe consequences, making them particularly dangerous for those involved. The biggest factors that make commercial truck accidents so severe are:

• The Truck’s Size – The large size of semi-trucks means drivers need extra space to maneuver when driving, including when making wide turns and needing clearance, such as turning from a second lane. Smaller vehicles can easily become trapped in blind spots or sideswiped during these wide maneuvers if drivers aren’t paying close attention.
• The Truck’s Height – The height of a truck’s trailer poses a significant risk to other drivers, as smaller vehicles can slide underneath and become trapped during a collision. When a vehicle’s bumper goes under the trailer, the windshield may strike the trailer edge directly, which, unfortunately, often results in fatal injuries for the smaller vehicle’s occupants.
• The Truck’s Weight – The massive weight of commercial trucks, including semis, box trucks, and other types of commercial vehicles, significantly increases the force of a collision. According to the laws of physics, the impact force grows with both mass and speed, meaning that the faster the commercial vehicle is traveling, combined with its weight, is a recipe for disaster when an accident occurs. Unlike car accidents, where vehicles might bounce back, truck crashes are more like being in a collision with a building due to the overwhelming force.

What Is Considered A Commercial Truck?

A commercial truck, also known as a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), is categorized by specific criteria related to its weight, passenger capacity, and the type of cargo it carries. To be considered a CMV, the vehicle must meet at least one of the following circumstances:

• Weight – The vehicle has a gross weight rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more or a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Passenger Capacity – The vehicle is designed to transport more than eight passengers for compensation or more than 15 passengers without compensation.
• Hazardous Materials – A vehicle that is used to transport hazardous materials that require federal placarding for safety is considered to be a commercial motor vehicle.

Operating a CMV requires the driver to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) due to the skill and responsibility needed to handle these types of vehicles. Examples of commercial vehicles include:

• Light-duty vans and pickup trucks
• Medium-duty trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 to 6500, Ford F-250 to F-650
• Heavy-duty semis, dump trucks, and tractor-trailers

However, vehicles used for farming, fire apparatus, emergency services, and recreational purposes are not considered to be commercial vehicles.

What Is The Most Common Injury In A Commercial Truck Accident?

Commercial truck accidents often result in more severe injuries due to the massive size and force of these types of vehicles. The most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries – Spinal cord injuries are severe and can result in partial or complete paralysis, often requiring lifelong medical care and rehabilitation.
• Neck Injuries – Whiplash and other neck injuries are common in truck accidents, leading to chronic pain and restricted movement.
• Back Injuries – Damage to the back can range from herniated discs to fractures, causing long-term pain and mobility issues, which will result in piling medical bills.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Head injuries from truck accidents can result in concussions or very severe brain trauma, leading to lifelong cognitive and emotional impairments.
• Broken Bones – The impact of a truck collision can cause fractures, often requiring surgery and extended recovery periods to mend broken bones.
• Internal Injuries – The force of a truck accident can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions that may require emergency surgery to repair.
• Fatalities – Sadly, due to the severity of truck accidents, many result in death, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one.

Truck accidents are terrifyingly common, and the injuries they cause can have life-altering consequences for victims as well as their families, requiring extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. However, a Georgetown truck accident lawyer from our team will create a compelling case and work diligently to fight for your right to compensation for your injuries.

How A Georgetown Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer Near You Can Help

If you’ve been injured by a commercial vehicle in Georgetown, a truck accident lawyer from The Lovely Law Firm can provide the experienced legal help you need. Our team, led by highly respected attorneys Justin M. Lovely and Amy Lawrence, has earned a reputation for success throughout South Carolina. Justin M. Lovely is regularly invited to speak on radio shows and at legal conferences across the nation and has achieved a 10 out of 10 rating on Avvo for client satisfaction. Amy Lawrence has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers in the prestigious Top 40 Under 40 and Top 100 Trial Lawyers lists in South Carolina.

When you choose to seek legal assistance from a Georgetown truck accident injury lawyer at The Lovely Law Firm, you’ll be treated like family. While no lawyer can guarantee a specific outcome in your case, we promise to deliver exceptional customer service and legal guidance. We prioritize building strong, open relationships with our clients, keeping you informed with regular updates through text, email, or phone calls so that you are never left in the dark. If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident in Georgetown, SC, caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. Reach out to a Georgetown truck wreck lawyer near you today for a free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.