CHARLESTON, SC AND SUMMERVILLE, SC TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
EFFECTIVE AND AGGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION FOR VICTIMS OF TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENTS
Tractor Trailers (18 Wheelers ot Big Rigs) create an undeniable danger on roads and highways simply if for no other reason their sheer size and weight. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. For comparisons sake, even the largest family passenger cars will weigh approximately 2,500 pounds. It is a simple matter of physics and science. Considering the size and speed that tractor trailers travel public highways, it is no surprise to learn that motor vehicle accidents that involve interactions between passenger cars and tractor trailers often involve catastrophic injuries (broken bones, burns, paralysis) and often times even death.
If you or a loved one were injured in a South Carolina tractor trailer accident, please contact Jay McMillian and The McMillian Law Firm for sound legal advice and compassionate and effective counsel. Get educated on how to maximize the value of your injury claim and have a partner who will fight for the just compensation you deserve.
The McMillian Law Firm is known for compassionate and effective legal representation. Call us now at (843) 900-1306 or use the online form to schedule your free no-obligation case evaluation today.
WHAT ARE THE LEADING CAUSES OF TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENTS
Accidents that involve tractor trailers / 18 Wheelers are usually caused by one of the following reasons:
- Tire Blowouts
- Driver Fatigue / Falling Asleep While Driving
- Shifting Load Causing Loss of Balance Weight in Trailer
- Driving Too Fast for Conditions
- Drifting In and Out of Lanes / Swerving
- Running Off the Edge of the Road
HOW OFTEN DO TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENTS OCCUR
The most recent statistics from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) show:
- 90% of all accidents involving tractor trailers and 18 wheelers are casued by human error
- Driver Fatigue is the single biggest factor, associated with over 30% of all tractor trailer accidents
- Approximately $20 Billion dollars is paid out each year due to injury claims involving tractor trailers
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that 98% of all accidents involving a Tractor Trailer, a Semi, or 18 Wheeler result in at least one traffic fatality! Of the fatalities involved in tractor trailer accidents, well over 70% of the fatalities occur in the car being struck by the tractor trailer. When comparing costs and loss of life, tractor trailers exponentially increase the threat of harm to other drivers on the roads.
WHAT IS THE LAW IN SOUTH CAROLINA CONCERNING TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENTS
In addition to the negligence legal standard used to determine liability in all car wreck cases, cases involving tractor trailers also include many federal regulations that are in place to require motor carriers and their drivers to operate tractor trailers in a safe manner. These federal regulations include required down time for drivers, weight restrictions, and required maintenance. Furthermore, many carriers also have in-house policies such as drug and alcohol testing that must be adhered to in order to insure that qualified drivers are operating these massive machines.
Car accidents involving tractor trailers often run into massive delays in settlement due to the insurance company's willingness to stall what will most likely be a damage award in excess of that of a normal passenger car accident. If the accident involved a driver / employee who may have been driving in violation of federal regulations or company policy, this stall tactic will only intensify.
THE MCMILLIAN LAW FIRM - CHARLESTON AND SUMMERVILLE TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
As a Personal Injury lawyer in my solo practice, I will take all necessary steps to protect your rights and work to secure compensation for your injuries following your tractor trailer accident. Being a small firm allows you to have direct access to your lawyer during this entire process, with open lines of communication as we work together towards a viable solution to your specific case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, North Charleston, or any of the other fine communities of the Low Country, and need to meet with an experienced accident lawyer, please contact me to set up your free case evaluation today. Let me help prevent you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company. I am serious and I am here for you! Contact The McMillian Law Firm @ 843-900-1306
