Trucks transport necessary supplies all through the streets of Lancaster, and it would be difficult to function without them. However, trucks are heavier than other vehicles on the road, they often have reduced visibility, and it takes them much longer to stop. These factors can make trucks dangerous to other motorists.
Lawmakers recognized this danger when they enacted special regulations for safety. When trucking companies or drivers fail to adhere to rules or act irresponsibly in some other way, they should bear the liability if their negligence causes harm to others.
A Lancaster truck accident lawyer could assist if you suffered injuries in a collision with a tractor-trailer or another commercial vehicle. When you work with an experienced personal injury attorney, they could advocate on your behalf to help you reach a fair recovery.
Prompt Action Could Make a Difference
Although a personal injury lawsuit may not be a top priority for someone trying to recover from a truck accident, there are several reasons to take action as soon as possible.
What is the Statute of Limitations?
State law limits the amount of time someone injured in a truck accident is legally allowed to file a claim for compensation. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Under S.C. Code §15-3-530, claims must be filed within three years of a truck accident, or the injured person will lose the opportunity to seek recovery from the responsible party. A diligent 18 wheeler accident lawyer could review the case and determine the exact deadline to file a truck crash claim.
How Can Time Impact the Availability of Evidence?
It is wise to start working with a semi-truck accident attorney long before the limitation period becomes an issue. In order to make the best case for recovery, an injured individual needs evidence to demonstrate liability. Evidence should be collected as soon as possible after the accident.
A skilled big rig accident lawyer in Lancaster could assist with taking pictures of the crash scene, requesting copies of driver logs and traffic videos, and interviewing witnesses. However, the accident scene may look different as time passes. Videos may be erased unless an attorney acts to have them preserved. Witnesses become more difficult to locate over time, and their memory becomes less reliable. A local commercial vehicle lawyer could take steps to collect and preserve valuable evidence so that it is ready for use in negotiations and court.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Lancaster, call 1-803-366-0333
Different Parties May Be Liable for a Truck Accident
Tractor-trailer accident cases differ from those involving other vehicles for many reasons. Because of their size and the difference in handling, trucks require additional training and skill to drive safely.
In addition, the actions of many parties may be responsible for the safe operation of a truck. Some factors that could lead to a semi-truck accident include:
- Skipping recommended vehicle inspections
- Defective parts
- Encouraging truckers to drive too many hours or too fast for conditions
- Poorly performed repairs
- Distracted driving
- Allowing drivers to operate vehicles without adequate training
Sometimes, more than one factor may contribute to an accident. A Lancaster truck accident attorney could analyze the circumstances of a case to ascertain which parties may be responsible.
Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 1-803-366-0333
Contact a Lancaster Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The responsible party could pay a damage award to cover your past and future medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, and more.
Sometimes the full extent of an injury and the effect it will have on your life are not obvious right away. When you talk to an experienced Lancaster truck accident lawyer, they could walk you through potential future scenarios to help you understand the long term impacts of the injuries and how compensation could make a difference in your life. To learn more, call now to schedule a consultation with a semi-truck accident attorney in your community.
Call or text 1-803-366-0333 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form