If you have been involved in a truck accident in Charleston, South Carolina, you may be dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of the crash. But what caused the accident? And more importantly, how do you hold the responsible party accountable?
At Lesemann & Associates, we understand the complexities of truck accident cases. Our team is dedicated to helping victims prove negligence and secure the compensation they deserve. In this article, we will break down the most common causes of truck accidents and what it takes to establish fault in these cases.
Truck drivers work long hours, often under strict deadlines. Federal law limits the number of hours a driver can operate without rest, but not all trucking companies or drivers follow these rules. When a driver is fatigued, reaction times slow, decision-making is impaired, and the risk of a crash increases. Evidence of Negligence:
Large trucks require more distance to stop than smaller vehicles. When truck drivers speed or engage in aggressive driving, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, they put everyone at risk. The weight and size of commercial trucks make accidents more severe, often resulting in catastrophic injuries. Evidence of Negligence:
Trucks must be loaded properly to maintain balance and prevent cargo from shifting during transit. Overloaded trucks are harder to control and more prone to rollovers, tire blowouts, and jackknife accidents. Improperly secured cargo can also spill onto the road, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers. Evidence of Negligence:
Holding a truck driver, trucking company, or other liable party responsible requires strong evidence. To establish negligence, you must prove that the responsible party failed to meet the duty of care expected of them, leading to the accident. Key evidence that can help prove your case includes:
Driver Logs – These records show whether the driver violated federal rest requirements, contributing to fatigue.
Black Box Data – This electronic system captures information such as speed, braking patterns, and engine activity before and during the crash.
Witness Statements – Testimonies from other drivers or bystanders can support claims of reckless driving.
Maintenance and Inspection Reports – Trucking companies must keep their vehicles in safe working condition. Failure to perform necessary maintenance can lead to mechanical failures.
Traffic Camera or Dashcam Footage – Video evidence can show erratic driving behavior, illegal maneuvers, or traffic violations.
A skilled Charleston truck accident lawyer will analyze this evidence, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build a compelling case to prove negligence.
After a truck accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your legal rights:
Truck accident cases are different from standard car accidents because they often involve multiple liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even truck manufacturers. Trucking companies have aggressive legal teams and insurance adjusters whose goal is to minimize payouts.
At Lesemann & Associates, we know how to fight back. Our firm has extensive experience handling truck accident claims, and we work tirelessly to ensure victims receive maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Truck accidents often lead to serious injuries such as:
If your truck accident was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Insurance companies often try to settle truck accident claims quickly and for far less than victims deserve. Before accepting any offer, speak to an experienced Charleston truck accident lawyer who can assess the full value of your case.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Charleston, SC, do not wait to take action. Time is crucial when gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and building a strong case.
Contact Lesemann & Associates today to schedule a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal options, and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on recovery.
