Whether you are driving through crowded city streets, long highways, or rural backroads, we’ve become accustomed to sharing our roadways with a variety of vehicles. None, however, provides an extra dose of heightened anxiety than that of the oversized tractor-trailers.
Sharing a road with these heavy-haulers often requires a bit more caution than most and for good reason. Their size, limited visibility, and potential for disaster can turn a simple fender-bender into a fatal crash.
In this detailed guide, our attorneys will define a tractor-trailer vehicle, identify common causes of accidents involving tractor-trailers, and explain how we can help in the worst-case scenario.
What is a Tractor-Trailer Vehicle?
Tractor-trailers, also known as semi-trucks, are powerful vehicles used to transport goods across the United States. Often moving with incredibly heavy loads, from machinery to perishable items, these commercial titans are perfect for long-haul adventures.
But as with many modes of transportation, not all semi-trucks are the same.
When sharing the road with these commercial haulers, you will find two types: a straight truck and a tractor-trailer.
A straight truck, also known as a box truck, consists of a cab and a cargo area mounted on the same frame. These trucks come in various sizes and are often the commercial truck of choice for local and regional deliveries.
A tractor-trailer, however, is the large-and-in-charge 18-wheeler. These trucks consist of a tractor unit, the engine and cab with a detachable trailer that serves as the cargo hold. Compared to the straight truck, these vehicles are built for heavy cargo and power, making them the preferred choice for long-haul deliveries.
Large Truck Accidents Increased by 24 Percent, But Why?
While South Carolina may not be the leader in large-truck accidents, that does not mean we are unfamiliar with the repercussions.
According to data from the FMCSA Motor Carrier Management Information System, the number of large truck and bus vehicles involved in both fatal and non-fatal crashes in South Carolina grew by 24% from the previous year.
This year alone has seen more than 4,000 crashes, leading to 96 deaths and over 2,500 reported injuries, making a tractor-trailer accident a serious and often life-changing event.
But the question is, why do these crashes occur?
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Crashes
Commercial carriers are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When an accident occurs, the FMCSA investigates to identify the factors involved, some of which may be the result of intentional actions.
The following statistics from the FMCSA report:
- 32% of truck accidents are caused by trucks travelling over the center line or off the road altogether
- 29% of truck accidents are the result of a loss of control, either from speeding or other means
- Nonperformance accounts for 12% of accidents (this may include driver fatigue, operating a vehicle while sick or under the influence of prescription or illegal drugs or alcohol)
- Driver inattention was at fault in 28% of accidents, while speed and aggression account for 38% of crashes
How a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Can Help in a Worst-Case Scenario
A car accident in general is an overwhelming event, but a car accident with a tractor-trailer truck is unimaginable and often more serious. Here are some ways in which having a tractor-trailer accident attorney on your side can help you on the path to receiving compensation and justice:
Gathering the Evidence
South Carolina trucking laws allow our team to demand that all evidence surrounding a crash with a tractor-trailer be preserved, including information found on the truck’s event data recorder. An event data recorder stores a truck’s information on speed, braking, and drive time. This evidence can be crucial in establishing a timeline of events leading up to the crash and in proving where the fault lies.
Communicating with Insurance Companies
Communicating with insurance companies can be a cumbersome and tumultuous journey. It only takes one wrong word that makes the difference between settling and the denial of a claim. Our attorneys have a longstanding history of navigating settlements with insurance companies and understanding what fair compensation is and what is not.
Fighting for What Was Lost Now and What is Lost in the Future
Receiving fair compensation takes into account not only damages incurred in the present moment, but also what is likely to occur in the future. This could include future medical care for longstanding health issues related to the crash or a shortened career.
Leave it to Hoffman to Guide You Through Your Tractor-Trailer Accident Claim
An accident with a tractor-trailer can be life-altering, overwhelming, and nerve-racking, to say the least.
That’s why we recommend leaving it to the Hoffman Law Firm team.
With offices in Georgetown, SC, and Charleston, SC, our personal injury law firm proudly advocates for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State. As the locals’ trusted personal injury law firm, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of cases.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service! To meet with a member of our team, schedule your free consultation today. We are here to help!
