A semi-truck or other commercial vehicle that rolls over in South Carolina is a hazard to everyone on the road. Not only can a truck crush other cars as it rolls over, but it can also lead to secondary crashes with other vehicles. The most alarming part of these accidents is that they often result from negligence by the truck driver or others. Knowing what causes truck rollover accidents in South Carolina can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
The Georgetown truck accident attorneys at Evans Moore, LLC can help you hold a negligent truck driver or other party accountable. No matter who or what caused the crash, we can handle your legal case and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. Read on to learn more about the causes of truck rollover accidents in South Carolina.
Key Legal Concepts to Know in Truck Rollover Accident Claims
Before we get into the causes of South Carolina truck rollover accidents, it helps to understand some key legal terms. The most important term to know is “negligence.” In a personal injury case, someone acted negligently if they didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent the victim’s injuries. For example, a speeding driver who causes a crash might be found negligent in a personal injury case.
Another critical legal concept to understand in truck accident cases is comparative negligence. Comparative negligence means more than one party is liable for an accident, and each party should pay for the injuries they cause according to their share of fault. For instance, if a truck driver and a trucking company share liability for a collision, they’d each pay for your injuries according to their percentage of fault.
Comparative negligence can get tricky if you bear some responsibility for an accident. In these circumstances, South Carolina law allows you to recover compensation if your percentage of fault is 50 percent or less. However, your compensation in these cases is reduced by your degree of fault. So, if you bear 15 percent of the blame for a crash, you would lose 15 percent of your compensation.
How Negligence Causes South Carolina Rollover Truck Accidents
Some types of negligence that can cause a truck rollover crash include:
- Excessive Speed: Truck drivers who exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions can cause a rollover. High speeds make it difficult for a truck’s center of gravity to remain stable, especially when negotiating tight curves or turns.
- Overloading or Improperly Loaded Cargo: When a truck carries too much weight or has unbalanced cargo, the risk of a rollover increases. Shifting cargo can throw off the truck’s balance, causing it to tip, especially when the truck’s turning or changing lanes.
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face long hours and tight schedules, which can lead to exhaustion. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making a rollover more likely if the driver swerves suddenly or misjudges a turn.
- Distracted Driving: A driver using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions can lose focus. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to overcorrection or delayed reactions, increasing the risk of a rollover.
- Improper Maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to stay safe. If a truck’s brakes, tires, or suspension systems fail, the truck’s stability can suffer, increasing the chance of a rollover. Faulty or worn equipment may prevent the driver from regaining control during sudden maneuvers.
- Harsh Steering or Braking: Sudden, sharp turns or abrupt braking can destabilize a truck. Overcorrecting after swerving or slamming the brakes too hard may cause the driver to lose control, leading to a rollover.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use impairs a truck driver’s ability to make sound decisions. An impaired driver may misjudge their speed, fail to notice hazards, or swerve unpredictably, significantly increasing rollover risks.
Potential Compensation for Truck Rollover Accident Injuries
Truck rollover accidents can cause severe injuries, making it crucial to maximize your compensation from a personal injury claim. Our team can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses, including:
- Lost income
- Reduced future earning capacity due to an injury or disability
- Current and future medical expenses
- Diminished quality of life due to an injury or disability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Damaged personal property
Get a Free Consultation with a South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
The Georgetown truck accident attorney at Evans Moore, LLC has extensive experience with truck rollover accidents and can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries. You typically have three years from the crash date to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait to consult an attorney. Call (843) 995-5000 now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
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