Commercial drivers are among the safest motorists on South Carolina roads. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles outlines the strict regulations that CMV drivers must follow – from possessing a commercial driver’s license to meeting regulatory standards.
Despite the laws that are in place to prevent truck accidents, these crashes still happen. Not surprising, drivers and passengers in smaller vehicles suffer the worst of the impact.
These collisions often cause neck and back injuries that can lead to steep health-care bills. Some victims cannot return to work, and their families face overwhelming debt or even bankruptcy. Fortunately, a civil lawsuit may provide victims with much-needed financial relief.
If you were injured in an accident in Greenville, South Carolina, then contact the Churdar Law Firm. Doug Churdar is a personal-injury lawyer who can evaluate your case to determine if you may have valid grounds for a claim. Call 864-233-0203 to learn more.
Until then, read on to learn the top four causes of truck accidents in South Carolina:
1. Negligent Surveillance
Trucks are large vehicles, and despite advanced mirror and camera systems, it is still possible to overlook smaller cars, trucks and motorcycles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, these crashes are particularly common when truck drivers approach intersections, turn and change lanes.
2. Distractions
A recent study revealed that approximately 70 percent of all commercial truck accidents happen because drivers are distracted. It only takes a second of inattention to cause a crash. Checking a cell phone, eating, changing radio stations and countless other distractions can lead to catastrophic wrecks.
3. Improper Following Distances
The risk of an accident is particularly high if drivers fail to maintain correct following distances. If the car ahead suddenly stops or another danger arises, there should be enough distance for the following driver to brake easily or steer away from the hazard. Truck drivers should always extend their following distance in inclement weather and at night.
4. Inadequate Training
Commercial vehicle drivers require a special license. They must complete a series of training courses to obtain this license. These classes teach defensive driving evasive action. Without these skills, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
Unfortunately, private commercial employers and some trucking companies do not perform the necessary screening to ensure their truckers are properly trained. These drivers are more likely to cause a wreck.
Injured in an Accident in Greenville, South Carolina?
If you were injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle, then you may be entitled to compensation from the liable party. However, there are some important differences between CMV crashes and accidents with regular vehicles. For example, there may be several liable parties including the driver, truck owner, fleet manager or even the mechanic.
A personal-injury lawyer can identify the at-fault parties, gather evidence, talk to witnesses and structure your claim. Doug Churdar of the Churdar Law Firm can help you avoid mistakes, such as admitting fault or settling for an offer that is less than what you deserve.
Call our office today at 864-233-0203 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about car accident claims in South Carolina.