North Charleston Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

When you are facing mounting bills and coping with grief after the loss of a loved one in a tragic commercial trucking accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced fatal truck accident lawyer in North Charleston.

A solid understanding of truck accident laws is of utmost importance when dealing with such cases. These laws vary from state to state, so it is helpful to have a lawyer who is well-versed in specific trucking regulations and requirements.

Choosing the right lawyer is a critical decision that can greatly impact the outcome of your case. The North Charleston truck accident lawyers of MDSW have extensive experience in truck accident claims. We fight for the rights of injury victims. Our goal is to maximize your compensation so you can move forward.

Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents in North Charleston

Fatal truck accidents can be attributed to a combination of factors. Reckless driving, such as speeding, tailgating, and aggressive maneuvering, is a major cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers who fail to follow traffic laws or drive while fatigued put themselves and others at risk.

Additionally, inadequate maintenance of vehicles plays a significant role in these accidents. Trucks that are not properly maintained can experience brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues that can lead to catastrophic accidents. Negligence in conducting regular inspections and repairs can have devastating consequences on the road. 

Several parties may be responsible for your accident, and liability can become complicated. A personal injury lawyer in North Charleston experienced in fatal truck accident claims can investigate to ensure all liable parties are identified and held accountable.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Commercial Trucking Accident?

There are a few different entities that could potentially be held liable in a commercial trucking accident:

The Truck Driver

If the driver was negligent (e.g., speeding, distracted driving) and that negligence caused the accident, they can be held personally responsible. 

The Trucking Company

As the driver’s employer, the trucking company may be held liable for the driver’s negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior. The employer is responsible for ensuring drivers comply with safety regulations. In most cases, you can sue a company if an employee is negligent.

Trucking Manufacturer

If a mechanical defect in the truck (e.g., faulty brakes) caused or contributed to the accident, the equipment manufacturer could share liability. 

Cargo Loaders and Shippers

If a defect in shipped cargo (e.g., improperly secured load) shifted and interfered with the driver’s control, the shipper may bear some responsibility.

Other Motorists

If another vehicle directly caused or contributed to the crash through reckless actions like speeding, running a red light, or driving while impaired, they may share liability. Their auto insurance would likely provide compensation.

Municipal Entities

City, state, or other agencies responsible for road and infrastructure maintenance could be at fault if an accident was directly due to malfunctioning traffic signals, missing signs, debris on the roadway, etc., that they failed to properly address.

The role of investigations cannot be overstated in truck accident cases. Your fatal truck accident attorney in North Charleston will work with accident reconstruction experts, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and examine police reports to establish the cause and identify all sources of liability.

An experienced truck accident attorney can help determine potential parties to name in a lawsuit based on the specific causes and circumstances of the collision. Multiple parties may be jointly liable as well.

Seeking Compensation for a Fatal Truck Accident in North Charleston

Dealing with the aftermath of a fatal truck accident can be emotionally and financially overwhelming. The loss of a loved one can result in significant financial burdens, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income.

Your North Charleston wrongful death lawyer may pursue the following damages on your behalf:

Here are some of the specific types of compensation that can be pursued in a wrongful death claim from a truck accident in South Carolina:

Medical and Funeral Expenses

This covers the costs directly associated with the death, like hospital/ambulance bills and burial and funeral expenses. 

Lost Financial Support

These damages provide for dependents’ future losses due to the decedent’s lost income and benefits.

Loss of Companionship

This is compensation for the harm caused by the decedent’s absence, including loss of care, comfort, and guidance they provided to family members.

Mental Anguish and Grief

Damages awarded to beneficiaries for emotional trauma and anguish following the wrongful death of a loved one

The estate may also seek recovery of any lost wages or household services the decedent would have provided if still living. Your attorney can help maximize available compensation by thoroughly investigating these financial losses. A commercial truck accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court to seek the maximum compensation possible.

Contact a Fatal Truck Accident Law Firm in North Charleston Today

The Thumbs Up Guys have years of experience helping families through the aftermath of losing loved ones in tragic accidents.

Our team understands the emotional and financial turmoil these collisions can cause, and we are committed to supporting you through every step of the legal process. We aggressively advocate your rights in and out of the courtroom. 

Don’t attempt to navigate the complex legal system alone. Contact the truck accident lawyers at Miller Dawson Sigal & Ward today for a free consultation.