Trucking accidents can have devastating consequences because trucks weigh so much more than other cars on the road.
When a truck driver causes a crash, the victims should be entitled to full and fair compensation for all the damage done by the accident. Unfortunately, trucking companies typically go to great lengths to avoid responsibility.
Marc Brown Law Firm has experience with South Carolina truck accident claims, so we know the techniques and tricks that trucking companies use to avoid paying for the harm they’ve done. We’ll find all available options to hold these companies accountable, and will help you identify all of the defendants who could be required to compensate you.
To find out more about how our South Carolina truck accident lawyers can help after you or someone you love is hurt in a truck accident, give us a call or contact us online today.
How do trucking companies avoid responsibility for truck accidents?
Trucking companies have many different ways that they try to avoid responsibility for truck crashes. Some of the most common techniques include:
- Sending rapid response teams to the truck crash scene: Rapid response teams are allegedly sent to investigate the crash and gather evidence. However, these teams work for the trucking companies, and often their real goal is to try to make sure the company can’t be held liable. This may mean they take steps to conceal evidence or tamper with the black box (onboard recorder), even though doing either is illegal.
- Classifying drivers as independent contractors: Employers are vicariously liable for the negligent actions of their on-the-job staff. To avoid being held responsible for negligent driving, some trucking companies only work with independent contractors rather than hiring their own drivers. Marc Brown Law Firm will help you determine if a driver is an independent contractor and, if so, whether the trucking company can still be held responsible under federal regulations governing the trucking industry.
- Delaying claims in the aftermath of an accident: trucking companies often try to drag out the claims process as long as possible. They hope that you’ll accept a low settlement offer because you need money to get medical care or pay the bills when you can’t work.
These are just some of the many ways that trucking companies try to limit your ability to recover for your losses.
How can a South Carolina truck accident lawyer help?
At Marc Brown Law Firm, our legal team is committed to doing everything we can to make truck companies pay for the damage they caused you. We always want you to get the maximum compensation, even when those responsible for your harm want to pay you too little.
Our firm can:
- Identify the laws that allow you to hold trucking companies accountable, including Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and South Carolina’s negligence and vicarious liability laws.
- Gather evidence to show who was to blame. We can send in our own experts and investigators, subpoena missing records, and otherwise help you make a strong claim even if the trucking company tries to obscure the truth.
- Negotiate a fair settlement or go to court. If a trucking company is dragging their feet or offering less than your claim is worth, we’ll help move your case along by sending a demand letter, pursuing litigation, or taking other appropriate steps.
- Help you to identify all potential defendants, especially in cases where trucking companies have tried to avoid liability by classifying truckers as contractors.
We can do all of this and more to put our legal skills, knowledge of the law, and negotiation and litigation experience to work on your case.
Contact Marc Brown Law Firm today
Marc Brown Law Firm is committed to fighting for the rights of crash victims and doing everything possible to help ensure trucking companies don’t get away with hurting you and avoiding responsibility for the consequences.
To find out more about how our legal team can help you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a South Carolina accident lawyer.