Charleston Truck Accident Lawyer

Every day, we rely on commercial truckers to transport everything from food to automobiles across the country. However, the monotony of the job and long hours on the road sometimes lead to accidents with other vehicles. When a big rig driver jackknifes or an unstable load tumbles from a trailer, motorists in the immediate vicinity can be in great danger.

The risk of harm stems from the size and weight of a loaded truck and trailer. When such a large and heavy vehicle meets a smaller passenger car, the results are often catastrophic. Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may require intensive medical care and a lengthy recovery time. You could miss extended periods of work and lose the wages you depend on to pay your bills. When a semi-truck smashes into you and causes debilitating injuries, allow a Charleston truck accident lawyer from Geel & Gentry, LLC, to seek compensation from those responsible. Contact our team today to discuss your claim with a diligent legal professional.

Truck Accidents Caused by Negligence

Although commercial truck drivers must follow federal and state safety regulations, accidents still happen. Collisions often occur when a trucker or the parent trucking company fails to behave responsibly, which causes someone injury because of the action or failure to act. Some causes of truck accidents include:

• The driver speeds
• The driver is distracted
• The driver takes drugs to stay awake on a long haul
• The trucking company hires an inexperienced driver without a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• The truck’s cargo is loaded incorrectly or is overweight, making it unstable and difficult to control
• The truck is not maintained properly; for instance, the brake system is faulty, and the driver cannot stop in time to avoid a collision
• The trucking company pushes a driver by offering incentives to exceed the federal rules for how long drivers can stay on the road without a break

Our skilled Charleston truck collision attorneys know how to secure evidence of negligence and help you recover compensation.

Evidence a Truck Accident Attorney Could Look For

Commercial trucks are equipped with black boxes, similar to those found on airplanes, that keep a record of the truck’s vital operations. Many trucks also use onboard cameras that activate when an unusual event occurs, such as a sudden stop. In addition, truckers fill out paperwork logging mileage and stops. These records could serve as vital evidence of wrongdoing or help establish liability for a truck accident.

After examining the records, our Charleston attorneys can verify the driver’s CDL, review the police reports, and assess your medical records to determine what a comprehensive damages award should look like.

Federal Insurance Requirements vs. Litigation

Due to the severity of truck accidents, interstate trucking companies must carry significant insurance. Under 49 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations § 387.9, the liability coverage for commercial carriers ranges from a minimum of $750,000 to $5 million (for trucks transporting hazardous cargo). Should our Charleston attorneys determine these amounts are not sufficient to address your injuries, a truck accident lawsuit could be filed.

A Charleston Truck Accident Attorney Is Here for You

One mistake behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle can cause catastrophic injuries to other motorists. In such a situation, the driver, the company they work for, and those responsible for truck maintenance may be liable for any harm you suffered in your avoidable accident.

When a settlement offer is not enough to cover your damages, a Charleston truck accident lawyer from our firm could take your claim to court. At Geel & Gentry, LLC, we understand pursuing legal action against a large trucking corporation can seem intimidating; rest assured, our committed attorneys are here to guide you through the process from start to finish. We will not let the negligent trucking firm or their insurance company take advantage of you. Contact our team today to schedule your free initial consultation.