Greenville Truck Accident Lawyer
A large truck is a truck that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, according to federal government agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Often referred to as semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, or 18-wheelers, trucks make up a large part of all registered vehicles in the United States.
In fact, the FMCSA estimates there are over 10.6 million registered trucks driving on American roads. In 2015 alone, trucks drove over 275 billion miles around the country. With so many trucks driving so many miles on the roads, chances are some of them will be involved in an accident.
If you were injured, or lost a loved one, in a truck accident, contact a Greenville truck accident lawyer. You do not have to cope with the aftermath of a truck accident alone.
Common Causes of Accidents
Large truck accidents can be more dangerous than accidents involving only smaller vehicles. The increased danger is due to the unique nature of the size of the truck. Some common accident causes unique to trucks include:
- Truck overturning
- Truck drivers unable to see other vehicles in their blind spots
- Overly wide turns that strike passenger vehicles
- Cargo suddenly shifting weight causing the driver to lose control of the truck
- Jackknifing
While the above causes are more specific to large trucks, truck accidents can also have other common causes, such as:
- Distracted driving
- Poor visibility due to nighttime or inclement driving conditions
- Inability to brake
- Intoxicated or impaired driving
- Speeding
- Failing to stay in the correct lane
Regardless of the exact cause of the accident, truck accidents can lead to serious injuries, especially for passengers in smaller vehicles. When a truck strikes a smaller vehicle, the sheer size and weight of the truck can cause extreme damage to the smaller car and the passengers in it.
A Greenville truck accident attorney can work to determine whether someone else was at fault for the crash. Personal injury lawyers can fight to hold that person or trucking company accountable for sustained injuries and financial losses. If a truck driver caused an accident through their negligent or intentionally dangerous driving, they or their employer could be legally responsible for the injured party’s medical bills and other damages.
Dealing with the Insurance Companies
The financial consequences of a trucking accident can vary based on how seriously someone was hurt, and what kind of vehicle damage they sustained. Financial losses resulting from a truck accident can include:
- Loss of wages due to the inability to work after the accident
- Medical costs of treating physical or emotional harm
- Car repair or replacement costs
Insurance companies have a special interest in settling truck accident cases with the injured party of a truck accident as soon as possible and for as little as possible. The insurance companies fight for their best interests and work to avoid large compensation payments.
Rather than settle directly with the insurance company, individuals who have experienced truck accidents should speak with a Greenville truck accident attorney who can fight for their best interests.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you live in the Greenville area and have been hurt in a truck accident, contact one of our truck accident lawyers today. Skilled attorneys will fight the insurance company and will work hard to secure any compensation you are owed.
