Why Hire a Myrtle Beach Injury Lawyer After a Crash with a Commercial Tractor-Trailer?

Being involved in a crash with a commercial tractor-trailer can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Here are several reasons why hiring an experienced Myrtle Beach injury lawyer is crucial:

1. Knowledge in Trucking Laws

Trucking accidents can involve complex regulations that differ from standard automobile accidents. A local injury lawyer will have knowledge of state and federal trucking laws, which can be pivotal in building a strong case.

2. Determining Liability

Accidents with commercial trucks can involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the truck manufacturer. A skilled lawyer can effectively identify the liable parties and help fight to hold them accountable for your injuries.

3. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An experienced injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.  

4. Gathering Evidence

A skilled local injury lawyer with experience handling commercial truck crash cases will have the resources and knowledge to gather crucial evidence such as accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimonies, which can strengthen your case.

5. Maximizing Compensation

An experienced injury lawyer will work to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

6. Providing Peace of Mind

Dealing with the aftermath of a serious accident with significant injuries is stressful. Hiring a professional injury attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while ensuring that your legal rights are protected and advocated for.

In conclusion, hiring a Myrtle Beach injury lawyer after a crash with a commercial tractor-trailer can significantly enhance your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve and navigating the legal complexities involved.

Common Accident Locations for Tractor-Trailers near Myrtle Beach

Accidents involving tractor-trailers near Myrtle Beach often occur on major highways and intersections due to the heavy traffic flow and complex road networks. Notable areas include:

• Highway 17: This major north-south highway is a frequent site for accidents because of its heavy traffic and numerous intersections.
• Highway 501: A key route leading to Myrtle Beach, it's often crowded with both local and tourist traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Interstate 95 (I-95): While not directly in Myrtle Beach, this major interstate is a common route for tractor-trailers traveling to and from the area, hence prone to accidents.
• Busy Intersections: Areas with multiple traffic lights or complex intersections, such as those in the central business district, are also hotspots for collisions.

Drivers are advised to exercise caution, especially in these areas, to reduce the risk of accidents.

Understanding Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a semi-truck swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab that resembles a folding pocket knife or "jackknife." This type of accident often happens when the truck's drive wheels lock up on a slippery road surface or during sudden braking, causing the trailer to skid.

Common Causes of Jackknife Accidents

• Slippery or wet road conditions
• Sudden or excessive braking
• Speeding, especially around curves or turns
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Mechanical failures
• Driver error or inexperience

Common Injuries from Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents can be severe and often lead to significant injuries. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash: Sudden impact can cause the neck to snap forward and backward.
• Spinal Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or other serious conditions.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can occur due to a direct blow to the head.
• Broken Bones: The force of the crash may lead to fractures or breaks.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening.

Jackknife accidents can be prevented by maintaining safe driving practices, ensuring proper vehicle maintenance, and being mindful of road conditions. It is crucial for truck drivers to receive adequate training to handle such situations effectively.

Reasons Why Truck Accidents Frequently Cause Rollover Accidents with Injuries

Truck accidents often result in rollover accidents due to a combination of factors inherent to the design and operation of large commercial vehicles. Here are some key reasons:

• High Center of Gravity: Trucks, especially those carrying heavy or uneven loads, have a higher center of gravity compared to passenger vehicles. This makes them more susceptible to tipping over during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
• Load Shifts: Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, disrupting the balance of the truck and increasing the risk of a rollover.
• Speed and Momentum: Due to their size and weight, trucks require longer distances to stop. If a driver takes a curve too quickly or is forced to make an abrupt maneuver, the momentum can cause the truck to roll over.
• Driver Error: Fatigue, distraction, or inexperience can lead truck drivers to make poor decisions, such as taking turns too fast or failing to adjust for road conditions, increasing the risk of a rollover.
• Road Conditions: Slippery roads, uneven surfaces, or obstacles can destabilize a truck, making it more prone to rollovers.

These factors contribute to the severity of truck rollovers, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. It is crucial for truck drivers, companies that own trucks driven by employees and/or agents of the company, and operators to adhere to safety regulations and best practices to minimize the risk of such accidents.

Causes of Head-On Collisions with Trucks and Commercial Vehicles

Head-on collisions involving trucks and commercial vehicles can occur due to a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, which can lead to fatigue and reduced reaction times.
• Distracted Driving: Distractions such as mobile phones, eating, or using in-cab technology can divert attention away from the road.
• Improper Overtaking: Misjudging the time and space required to overtake another vehicle can result in a head-on collision.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: Conditions like rain, fog, or ice can reduce visibility and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a collision.
• Road Design and Conditions: Poorly designed roads, lack of proper signage, and maintenance issues can contribute to accidents.
• Substance Impairment: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment and reaction times.
• Mechanical Failures: Issues such as brake failure or tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control.
• Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers: Lack of experience or inadequate training can lead to improper handling of the vehicle.

It is essential for trucking companies to ensure their drivers are well-trained, rested, and vigilant at all times. Implementing strict safety protocols and regular vehicle maintenance checks can significantly decrease the likelihood of head-on collisions.

Understanding Underride Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a car, slides under the rear or side of a commercial truck or trailer. These types of collisions are particularly dangerous due to the height mismatch between the smaller vehicle and the truck's trailer. Several factors contribute to underride accidents:

• Lack of Adequate Underride Guards: Many trucks are equipped with guards, but they may be insufficiently strong or improperly maintained, failing to prevent a car from sliding under the trailer.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime or poor weather conditions can reduce visibility, making it difficult for drivers to see the truck's trailer, especially if it lacks reflective markings.
• Sudden Stops: If a truck makes a sudden stop, the vehicle behind may not have enough time to react, leading to an underride collision.
• Driver Inattention: Distracted driving can prevent a driver from noticing the slow-moving or stationary truck ahead.

Types of Injuries Caused by Underride Accidents

Underride accidents often result in severe injuries due to the nature of the collision, including:

• Head and Brain Injuries: These can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, often caused by the direct impact to the vehicle's cabin.
• Facial Injuries: The force of the collision can cause severe facial injuries, as the car's front end may be crushed.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other long-term mobility issues.
• Internal Injuries: The impact can cause damage to internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Fatalities: Unfortunately, many underride accidents result in fatalities due to the severe nature of the impact.

Improving the design and maintenance of underride guards on trucks, enhancing visibility through better lighting and reflective materials, and promoting safer driving practices can help reduce the occurrence of these dangerous accidents.  If a smaller vehicle gets stuck or wedged under a truck's trailer, it can cause a severe risk of injuries to the vehicle occupants due to crushing and damage. 

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a truck accident or commerical vehicle crash, you should speak with a skilled South Carolina truck lawyer as soon as possible.  Please contact Wright Injury Law LLC to speak with Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright to schedule a consultation.  We are able to serve clients all over South Carolina including accidents in Myrtle Beach, Florence, Conway, Aynor, Hartsville, Dillon, Columbia, and all parts of South Carolina.