Charleston, South Carolina, is a hub of commerce and industry. While this economic activity is essential to the region’s prosperity, it also increases the risk of accidents involving large commercial vehicles like DHL trucks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Charleston DHL truck accident, navigating the legal complexities can be overwhelming.
Handling a case involving a large, well-resourced company like DHL requires knowledge and experience from a Charleston DHL truck accident lawyer. At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have over a decade of experience helping injured clients recover the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Charleston delivery truck accident lawyer.
The Role of DHL Trucks in Charleston
Charleston is a bustling port city, serving as a critical point of entry for goods shipped from around the world. DHL is one of the major players in the logistics sector, responsible for transporting a wide array of products. The volume of trucks on Charleston’s roads increases the likelihood of accidents, and when DHL trucks are involved, the consequences can be more severe due to their size, weight, and the challenges involved in handling large vehicles.
DHL trucks are typically large, ranging from standard delivery vans to heavy 18-wheelers. While the company employs strict safety measures and trains its drivers rigorously, accidents can and do happen. These accidents often involve trucks and other road users, including passenger cars, motorcycles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Our Charleston truck accident lawyers can help you recover damages.
Common Causes of DHL Truck Accidents
DHL operates a large fleet of trucks to meet its customers’ demands. Truck accidents still occur despite the company’s attempt to maintain high safety standards. Common causes of DHL truck accidents that our Charleston personal injury lawyers see include:
- Driver fatigue: Delivery truck drivers often work long hours, and despite the comprehensive DOT and FMCSA hours of service guide, fatigue is a common problem. A tired driver may experience slower reaction times or even fall asleep at the wheel, leading to serious accidents.
- Speeding: Some drivers may exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions to meet tight delivery deadlines. Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
- Distracted driving: Many actions are considered distracted driving and can be deadly for truck drivers, including checking a delivery schedule, using a GPS, or handling a mobile phone. The large size of DHL trucks means that even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic results.
- Improper maintenance: Trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Neglecting routine checks can result in brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues, putting both the driver and others on the road at risk.
- Improper loading: Cargo in DHL trucks must be properly loaded and secured. If the load shifts or is improperly balanced, the driver can lose control, leading to accidents.
- Inclement weather: Charleston is no stranger to challenging weather conditions, especially during hurricane season. Wet roads, high winds, and poor visibility can contribute to accidents involving DHL trucks.
Types of Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can lead to a range of injuries. They can vary from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these accidents include:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Lacerations and burns
One of the primary ways truck accidents are different from car accidents is the size and weight disparity between delivery trucks and passenger vehicles. Occupants of smaller vehicles are at greater risk of severe injury or death in a collision with a DHL truck. If an accident with a delivery truck has injured you, our DHL truck accident attorney in Charleston can help you pursue compensation from the liable parties.
Liability in DHL Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a DHL truck accident is not always straightforward. Several parties may bear responsibility, depending on the circumstances. Liable parties may include:
- DHL: The corporation is responsible for ensuring its trucks are properly maintained and its drivers are adequately trained. If the company failed in these responsibilities, you can sue the trucking company if their driver caused your accident.
- The truck driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, caused the accident, they may be personally liable.
- Third parties: Sometimes, a third party, such as a maintenance company, a loading company, or even the manufacturer of a faulty truck part, can be liable for contributing to the accident.
How Our Charleston DHL Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
If you are injured in a DHL truck accident, our lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process. We are equipped to handle your personal injury claim and can help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries. Here is how we can help:
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies, especially those representing large corporations like DHL, are primarily concerned with protecting their bottom line. This means they often try to minimize your compensation or deny your claim. An experienced DHL truck accident lawyer in Charleston can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with Corporate Legal Teams
DHL has a team of lawyers dedicated to protecting the company’s interests. If you attempt to go up against them without legal representation, you may find yourself at a significant disadvantage. Our Charleston truck accident lawyers are familiar with corporate defense strategies and can effectively counter their arguments and build a strong case for you.
Determining Whether Litigation or Settlement is Best
You do not always have to go to court for a truck accident. Many truck accident cases are settled out of court; however, you should never accept a settlement offer without consulting your attorney. We will assess the offer and determine whether it is fair, and if it is not, we will take your case to trial to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Calculating Damages
Truck accidents can result in significant financial burdens. We will work with you to calculate the full extent of your damages. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
The Deadline for Filing a Claim After a Charleston DHL Truck Accident
According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, you typically have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, there are exceptions to this rule, so it is important to consult with our Charleston DHL truck accident attorneys as soon as possible. We will ensure that you meet all deadlines and have the best chance of securing a favorable outcome.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you are involved in a DHL truck accident, do not wait to seek legal advice. Contact a Shelly Leeke Law Firm Charleston DHL truck accident lawyer today. We will protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
