ROCK HILL TRUCK ACCIDENT CASES

A Rock Hill truck accident happens quickly and usually causes catastrophic injury or death. Fully loaded, tractor trailers weigh up to 80,000 pounds distributed over 18 wheels. Because we are used to these large trucks, we sometimes do not notice them until it is too late. But lives are changed forever in an instant of inattention. Crash sites look like war zones. It is often difficult to even determine what kind of car was involved. Although we use the term “accident,” large truck accidents are not accidents at all. Rather, they are usually the result of someone’s negligence or bad choices.

These cases can involve the driver, the trucking company, the owner of the trailer, and perhaps even the warehouse that improperly loaded a trailer. It is critical to act quickly after a Rock Hill truck accident and to gather as much evidence as soon as possible. That’s why we are available to you when you need us. You can contact our lawyers in the evenings, on the weekends, and even holidays. Given the extreme damages that result, these cases are expensive to properly investigate and resolve. Expert witnesses are necessary to establish what happened, what caused the crash, and what parties are responsible. We explain further about what you are facing and how our law firm can help.

MY BACKGROUND

Rock Hill truck accident attorney Robert J. Reeves has been a practicing trial lawyer here in York County for over 27 years. He handles both civil and criminal cases which helps him evaluate all aspects of a serious truck accident case. In many instances, there are criminal charges associated with reckless driving or even driving while impaired (DWI) or under the influence (DUI). Knowing how to defend these type of cases helps hold irresponsible truck drivers responsible.

Mr. Reeves has been a civil attorney since 1989. His years of experience first as an insurance defense lawyer now helps him deal with anticipated issues with adjusters. He is also a former Registered Nurse (RN) who understands complex injury as he used to care for seriously injured patients while they were in Intensive Care. Mr. Reeves has also been inducted into such peer review organizations as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and National Trial Lawyers Top 100 for South Carolina.* He is also a member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. Because Mr. Reeves is personally available to clients. In fact, every client has his direct mobile phone number 803-554-4157 and email address . You can call him when you need him.

WE HOLD TRUCKING COMPANIES ACCOUNTABLE

It is amazing what we routinely see on the interstates and highways. You have to wonder why some companies even attempt to move certain loads like the one shown in this photograph. This picture was taken while traveling over 65 mph. You can see how low the trailer is to the ground that the covered cargo will be able to go under bridges. Whatever it is has been neatly concealed by the constructed plywood box.

Just imagine can happen if the driver loses control even for a moment. Sadly, the drivers have little to no choice as to what they are required to transport. That is why we typically go after the trucking company unless we find evidence that the driver was impaired or violating any of the federal or state regulations regarding trucking safety.

UNDERTRAINED DRIVERS

To operate a semi truck, you only have to be 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license and complete commercial driver training. Programs routinely take as little as three (3) weeks. That’s correct. In just 3 weeks, you can drive a fully loaded tractor trailer on the interstate. Why so little initial training? We are running out of qualified truck drivers. The average age of a commercial truck driver is now in their mid-50’s.

Unlike the heyday of the 1970s, few young people want to head out on the “open road.” Despite the ability to earn high wages, they don’t want to be away for days or weeks at a time and cannot hang out with their friends. Consequently, drivers are getting older. If trucking companies don’t protect the public by properly training or overseeing their drivers, we hold them accountable.

OVERWORKED DRIVERS

As we age, we physiologically become more fatigued more quickly. Sure coffee helps in the short run. But as we get older, it becomes difficult to stay alert and focused. Studies show that driver fatigue is one of the main causes of a Rock Hill truck accident. So why are older drivers still on the road so much? Drivers are under constant pressure by the trucking companies to get their loads delivered on time, no matter the weather or traffic conditions.

Any time a truck is not on the road, someone is losing money. If a driver owns his or her own rig, they are only making money when the wheels are turning. If owned by a company, these trucks are very expensive to operate and maintain. Loads keep the money flow coming. Any down time, whether it be for required breaks or maintenance, stops the process (and the money). If trucking companies don’t follow safety rules and regulations, we hold them responsible.

 BAD DRIVING

It is not really complicated. Any bad driving by truck drivers can cause serious accidents. Speeding is the most common cause. Regardless of the reason or pressure being exerted, you just cannot stop 80,000 pounds quickly or easily. In many hard braking cases, loads can shift causing the driver to lose control of both the truck and trailer. Aggressive driving will always work against the hapless car in the way. And, driving under the influence will cost innocent lives in a Rock Hill truck accident. No excuses. People will die, and lives will be permanently changed forever. If a driver is a bad actor, we hold both the driver and the trucking company liable.

POOR MAINTENANCE

Maintenance, even the simple items, is time down and costly. Everything relating to a commercial truck is expensive. Diesel truck mechanics can easily make over $100,000 per year. Tires, axels, even routine engine maintenance represents thousands of dollars. And then you have the time off the road. When the wheels stop, so does the money. It is a double cost to the individual truck owner or company. This is why maintenance is put off until absolutely necessary. Or something breaks. There are also not enough truck inspectors on the road. With state budget cutbacks, there are too many dangerous trucks traveling at interstate speeds putting us all at risk for a Rock Hill truck accident. If a trucking company puts profits ahead of people, we hold them accountable.

DANGEROUS LOADS

As pictured to the right, this is a prime example of a trucking company trying to squeeze every dime out of a load. There is no way to properly secure this type of load and make the truck stable. A sharp curve or a sudden lane change by a car will cause the load to shift. Such shift can result in loss of control. Because of their sheer size and weight, semi trucks can easily become unstable. Basic laws of physics apply. Force travels in a straight line. Any thing and any one in its path will be destroyed. If a trucking company or other entity place dangerous or unstable freight on the roads with the rest of us, we hold all parties who play a role responsible.

EVIDENCE REQUIRED TO PROVE CASE

Rock Hill truck accident cases are complex. In order to hold everyone who is responsible accountable, it may be necessary to use experts in different fields to determine all of the factors that resulted in a serious crash. There may be a number of players involved. Perhaps the driver was violating safety regulations and driving too long. Maybe they were driving while impaired on stimulant drugs. The brakes may have failed when needed due to improper maintenance. The sudden, but anticipated braking, may have caused an improperly loaded trailer to shift.

All of these scenarios must be investigated fully so that everyone who contributed to this catastrophe is held responsible. Serious truck accident cases can be very expensive to investigate and to prepare for trial. Make sure your truck accident law firm has the ability to go the distance and hire the experts necessary to prove your case.

ROCK HILL TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT ROBERT J. REEVES P.C.

As you can see, semi truck accident cases are very complex. They are not just a more serious auto accident. It is in your family’s best interest to retain an experienced Rock Hill truck accident attorney. We encourage you to carefully review and compare our lawyers’ credentials and experience. Mr. Reeves has been a trial lawyer for over 25 years. Given his civil and criminal background, he is able to fully investigate all aspects of a serious crash. There may be criminal issues that can impact the civil lawsuit. Every effort must be made to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible.

Evidence must be preserved. Little details can oftentimes make a big difference in outcome. We would welcome an opportunity to personally meet with you and review your particular case. During a private consultation, he will answer your immediate questions and guide you on how best to proceed. You focus on healing while we focus on your case. We pledge our best efforts and look forward to helping you and your family get through this ordeal. Call us today and let’s get started.

*Membership in professional organizations shows our commitment to handling serious injury cases. But only after a comprehensive review can we determine a reasonable case value.