The demand for fast deliveries is an ever-growing situation, and truck companies are hard at work to beat the competition. Sometimes, they violate safety regulations to reach that goal. However, while overloading a truck may seem like an effective way to get more product to the finish line faster, the practice can cause disaster for others on the road.
An Orangeburg truck accident lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm can help you hold truck companies or other negligent parties accountable when their dangerous bid to win the delivery wars causes you harm. We operate on a no–win, no–fee guarantee. This means you have nothing to lose and potentially much to gain by connecting with an Orangeburg overloaded truck accident lawyer from our team.
Why You Need Compensation for a Truck Accident
The damage you sustain in an accident with an overloaded truck is likely to be substantial. Trucks hauling cargo are already massive, heavy vehicles, and when overloaded, are obviously even heavier. Victims often experience injuries demanding emergency medical care.
Even if you do not need emergency care, you must see a doctor as soon as possible after your accident–not more than a day. It is unlikely that you have escaped completely unscathed, and sometimes adrenaline masks the effects of injuries. Delayed care can worsen your condition and lead to even more consequences.
Along with causing physical injuries, truck accidents are also emotionally traumatizing for victims. The event itself is terrifying. The aftermath brings more distress as victims suffer through weeks and months of medical appointments, limited mobility and pain, and a daily routine that looks much different than what they lived before the event.
Damages Can Mitigate Your Losses
Your injuries will probably keep you out of work as you recover, and perhaps permanently, if they are severe enough to leave you disabled. It is easy to see how your financial situation can quickly destabilize as you contend with medical costs, lost wages, and other accident-incurred expenses. For example, you may need to hire child-care providers, pay for transportation, or hire others to take care of household maintenance.
The pain of your injuries, the stress of your finances, and the changes to your life can damage your emotional well-being and quality of life. Restoration of your financial losses and acknowledgment of your emotional suffering are included in the damages you can collect after a truck accident. Trust your Orangeburg personal injury lawyer to fight for the maximum amount.
Why Overloaded Trucks Are Dangerous
Regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern all elements of commercial truck use, including a truck’s total weight and rules for cargo securement. In Uncovering DOT Weight Regulations for Safe Road Compliance, the FMCSA explains the dangers too-heavy trucks present to other travelers:
- Road Damage: Overweight trucks can damage a road’s surface, and roads on bridges are especially susceptible. Poor road conditions contribute to accidents.
- Roadway Hazards: Overloaded cargo is often not secured properly. Unsecured materials can come loose and create road obstacles, or unstable loads can send a truck off balance.
Overloaded trucks are also harder to bring to a stop, raising the risk of rear-end accidents. The increased weight may be too much for the vehicle’s braking system to handle, and even if there is time to stop, the brake-system failure can cause disaster. Additionally, overloaded trucks are harder to maneuver, and a sudden or sharp turn, exit ramp, traffic merge, or even a strong gust of wind can cause the driver to lose control and roll over or crash.
A Truck Accident Lawyer Will Fight for Justice
Victims less than 50% responsible for the accident leading to their injuries can seek compensation from the at-fault party, as per South Carolina Code 15-38-15. The team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm has over a decade of experience protecting the rights of injury victims. An Orangeburg overloaded truck accident attorney from our team will fight to protect you from unfair blame so you can pursue the justice you deserve and the compensation you need to stabilize your future.
We know the kinds of evidence needed to prove negligence in a truck accident and will track down every shred in building your case. We will also take great care in assessing your losses. You can count on us to consider every detail of your accident-incurred costs and future care needs, along with your pain and suffering, when calculating a settlement demand.
How long you have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident is three years, but the sooner you connect with us, the better. Though three years might seem like a long time, evidence is more accessible in the days immediately following your accident. Plus, the faster we begin working on your case, the faster you can see results.
Maximizing Your Damages
Victims who meet the less-than-50%-responsible threshold are eligible to file a lawsuit but can still have their compensation reduced in proportion to the percentage of blame assigned to them. An overloaded truck accident lawyer in Orangeburg can challenge the other side’s attempts to lower their payout by exaggerating your level of responsibility. We will work diligently to compile and present evidence that demonstrates the at-fault party’s negligence and points to your lack of culpability.
Our team will also prepare for trial if out-of-court negotiations do not produce a reasonable settlement agreement. We want to secure true justice for you, but reaching that goal may require a courtroom battle. Whatever path your case takes, we will keep you informed, explain the possible outcomes, and help you determine the best way forward.
Do Not Settle for Less, Contact Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today
An accident with an overloaded truck can bring devastating losses, and you need and deserve substantial compensation to mitigate those losses, reach maximum recovery, and get a sense of justice. Connect with Shelly Leeke Law Firm to arrange your free case consultation and take the first step toward a more secure future. We are ready to give you the personal support, legal guidance, and aggressive representation you need to achieve the best case outcome possible.
