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March 22, 2023
If you are involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in South Carolina, it can be a traumatic and stressful experience. These vehicles can cause devastating injuries and property damage due to their size and weight. You are probably very overwhelmed and wondering what to do after getting hit by a tractor-trailer. We’re here to help.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of accidents involving tractor-trailers, what to do after an accident, the importance of an early and thorough investigation, and how a lawyer can help.
A tractor-trailer, also known as a semi-truck or an 18-wheeler, is a large commercial vehicle used to transport goods across the country. They can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and be up to 70 feet long. Due to their size and weight, tractor-trailers can be challenging to maneuver, and accidents involving these vehicles are very common.
There are several types of accidents involving tractor-trailers, including:
Underride collisions occur when a smaller car goes under the trailer of a tractor-trailer, often crushing the smaller vehicle. Brake failure is another common cause of accidents involving tractor-trailers, which can occur due to faulty brakes or improper maintenance. Fires or spills can occur due to a collision or improper storage. Head-on collisions occur when a tractor-trailer collides with the front of another vehicle, resulting in a catastrophic amount of force. Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer swings out, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
If you’re involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, you should seek medical attention first. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a medical professional is important, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Call 911 to report the accident to the police, provide the dispatcher with your location and any other details you can remember, and instruct them if you need medical attention.
Next, identify details about the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and the tractor-trailer. Get the name and contact information of the truck driver and any witnesses to the accident. Get the tractor-trailer’s license plate number and DOT number. This information will be important in any investigation that follows.
After an accident involving a tractor-trailer, conducting an early and thorough investigation is crucial. This investigation should be completed by an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of the trucking industry. The investigation should include obtaining evidence such as the recorder box, driver logs, itinerary, videos, load/cargo info, and other relevant documents. This evidence will be critical in determining the cause of the accident and establishing liability.
Accidents involving tractor-trailers can be complex due to the various federal and state laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. These regulations cover issues such as driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and service hours. An experienced attorney can help navigate these complex laws and regulations and protect your rights.
ienced lawyer will help you understand what could happen with each possible outcome so that they can help shape their defense strategy accordingly.
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer in South Carolina, it is vital to seek the help of an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. They can also help you obtain compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. In addition, a lawyer can help you deal with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident.
Getting hit by a tractor-trailer in South Carolina can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. It is important to seek medical attention, identify details about the accident, conduct an early and thorough investigation, and hire an experienced attorney to help.
If you were in an accident and encountered injuries due to a tractor-trailer, contact us at Bernstein & Bernstein. Our experienced team will work with you to determine what can be done. Give us a call today to get started.
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