Nearly 15.5 million trucks travel annually on the United States roads, and about 2 million of them are tractor-trailers.
According to federal and South Carolina law and regulations, 18 wheelers may be 53 feet long and can weigh around 80,000 pounds. This makes them a lot heavier and longer than passenger cars sharing the road. The mass and size of these trucks may increase the chances of accidents as they are harder to maneuver and stop.
In other words, their weight, size, and limited maneuverability increase the risk of accidents on the road. And often, they carry toxic materials, massive freight, and flammable liquids,. Hence, over 95% of the truck crashes in the state of South Carolina prove to be fatal, while the remaining percentage result in serious injuries that require costly surgeries and prolonged recovery time.
If you’ve sustained severe injuries in a truck accident, then by law, you have the right to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for all the injuries and damages incurred. However, pursuing a claim on your own can be too much to ask, especially when you are in pain, undergoing medical treatment, and hospitalized. Fortunately, you can hire an experienced truck accident lawyer for case representation.
A knowledgeable and experienced attorney to represent your case is perhaps your best bet to pursue a fair settlement as things can get complicated very quickly in trucking accidents. With that said, here are some more crucial reasons why everyone should hire a lawyer instead of filing a truck accident claim on their own:
It’s Hard to Prove Liability
It is pretty straightforward to determine liability in an average car accident, but not so much in a truck accident. In a truck accident, liability is often shared with multiple parties, such as the driver, the individuals responsible for truck maintenance, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the trucking parts. Thus, it can be challenging to determine who’s at fault, and things can get messy and complicated when liability has to be apportioned to different parties.
In such a situation, you need expert advice and someone who can understand legal complexities and help you deal with potential issues effectively. So, when you have a skilled truck accident lawyer by your side handling your case, they will investigate the case in-depth to determine the parties liable and will seek to hold them accountable too.
Understands Trucking Laws and Regulations
The trucking industry is ruled by specific federal and state regulations, which most average passenger vehicle drivers don’t know. Truck drivers and trucking companies must conform to strict standards and regulations set forth by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) regarding different things such as:
- Weight of the truck
- Cargo loaded
- Hours on the road
So, if you have to walk into the court to represent your case without legal knowledge, you can hurt your chances of getting a fair settlement because of your lack of knowledge. Therefore, it makes sense to work with a lawyer who has a good know-how of the legal rules and regulations of the trucking industry. Such a lawyer can defend and represent your case skillfully and help you fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Unless it is a multiple car collision case, you only have to deal with one party on the other side and their insurance company in most automobile accident cases. This perhaps makes it easier to negotiate and come to a settlement quickly.
However, negotiating for a fair settlement is practically impossible after a truck accident because multiple parties can be involved. Therefore, it isn’t very easy to speak to everyone and get them agreed. But if you have a skilled truck accident lawyer on your side, they can honestly act as an invaluable resource. They can leverage their negotiation skills and wealth of experience to negotiate with the insurer and other parties involved and work toward a settlement that you deserve.
Determine the Appropriate Legal Strategy in Your Case
No two truck accidents are the same.
Every case is different and must be handled skillfully for the best results. This is why it is vital to determine the right course of legal action or strategy specific to the case. For example, we can negotiate some truck accident cases while others need to be resolved in the courthouse. In some situations, an arbitration or mediation process may be suitable.
An experienced truck accident lawyer is familiar with all these options. They know the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Such a lawyer can evaluate your case in detail and determine the best legal strategy for your situation.
If you or a loved one has been in a truck accident, get in touch with our experienced truck accident lawyer today. Let our lawyer handle the case and protect your rights. At the Law Office of Jason E. Taylor, our lawyers have the experience and profound knowledge of the trucking industry and laws in South and North Carolina. We are well aware of the various challenges that may apply to these types of cases.
Our lawyers will assist you at every stage of the legal process while you focus on getting better.
At the Law Office of Jason E. Taylor, our goal is a smooth and stress-free legal process to help you pursue a fair settlement so that you can move forward in life with financial security and stability.
Give us a chance to help you. Contact us for a free case evaluation.
