A commercial truck accident is not like a typical car crash. The sheer weight and size of a semi-truck can cause devastating injuries, often leading to lengthy recoveries and overwhelming medical expenses.
Additionally, truck accident claims are more complex—involving multiple liable parties, federal trucking regulations, and aggressive insurance companies that will try to reduce your settlement. If you were injured in a truck accident, a Barnwell truck accident attorney can help you fight for fair compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how trucking companies operate, and we don’t back down. Our Barnwell personal injury lawyers are ready to investigate your case and hold the responsible parties accountable. With $1 billion recovered, we’re ready to fight for your compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
One of the biggest differences between truck accidents and regular car crashes is that more than one party may be responsible for the collision. Unlike passenger car drivers, truckers are employees or independent contractors working under strict industry regulations—meaning their employers, maintenance teams, or even cargo loaders could share the blame.
Parties That May Be Liable in a Truck Accident:
- The truck driver: If they were fatigued, distracted, intoxicated, or driving recklessly.
- The trucking company: If they failed to train drivers, pushed unsafe schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
- The cargo-loading company: If improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident.
- A truck parts manufacturer: If a defective part—such as faulty brakes or a blown-out tire—caused the crash.
- Third-party maintenance providers: If improper repairs or lack of upkeep made the truck unsafe.
Identifying who is at fault is crucial in truck accident cases, as multiple insurance policies may apply. A Barnwell truck accident law firm will investigate your case thoroughly to ensure every responsible party is held accountable.
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What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, but driver negligence and industry-wide safety violations are leading factors.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: Federal law limits how many hours truckers can drive, but some ignore these limits to meet deadlines.
- Distracted driving: Checking a phone, eating, or adjusting in-cab controls takes a driver’s attention off the road.
- Improper cargo loading: When weight is unevenly distributed or unsecured, it can cause trucks to overturn.
- Brake and tire failures: Poor maintenance or defective parts can lead to catastrophic accidents.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Trucks take longer to stop, making excessive speed especially dangerous.
Unlike passenger car drivers, truckers must follow strict federal safety regulations—which means a single violation could make them, and their employer, liable for your damages.
Truck Accident Injuries Are Often Life-Changing
Due to their size, commercial trucks can cause far more damage in an accident than a standard vehicle. The injuries that result are often severe and require long-term treatment.
Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Can result in memory loss, cognitive impairment, and lifelong disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: May cause paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of mobility.
- Fractures and broken bones: Many truck accident victims suffer severe fractures requiring surgery.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
- Severe burns: If a fuel tank ignites or an explosion occurs, burns may lead to permanent disfigurement.
If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation. A Barnwell truck accident attorney can fight for your full recovery, ensuring you receive the financial support you need for medical care, lost income, and future expenses.
How Much Compensation Can You Receive?
Victims of truck accidents may be eligible to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: Compensation for time away from work and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Financial recovery for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle.
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if you are partially at fault for the crash, your compensation may be reduced. A truck accident attorney in Barnwell can defend your case to ensure you are not unfairly blamed.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
The actions you take immediately after a truck accident can have a big impact on your ability to recover compensation.
- Call 911 and seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident site, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
- Gather witness information. Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash.
- Do not give statements to insurance adjusters. They may use your words against you to reduce your claim.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer in Barnwell before accepting any settlement offer.
Trucking companies often send their own investigators to the scene quickly, looking for ways to protect themselves. Having a legal advocate on your side as soon as possible can help preserve your rights.
Get a Free Consultation With a Barnwell Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The aftermath of a truck accident is overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. John Foy & Associates is here to help.
Our team will review your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the claims process with no upfront costs—you only pay if we win.
Call today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form