Truck Accident Lawyer Boiling Springs

When a devastating truck accident turns your world upside down, you need a legal team that understands the high stakes and is ready to fight for your rights. At Langley Law Firm, our truck accident lawyer in Boiling Springs is here to help you navigate the aftermath with confidence and clarity. We know the trucking industry’s tactics and how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait—call us at (864) 667-6144 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward justice and the compensation you deserve.

Understanding How Trucking Laws Impact Injury Claims in Boiling Springs

When you’re involved in a truck accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. One of the most complex aspects of these cases is how trucking regulations affect injury claims. Trucking laws are in place to ensure safety on the road, but they can also influence the outcome of a claim if you are injured in an accident involving a commercial truck. Understanding these regulations is essential when pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Federal Regulations for Trucking Companies

The trucking industry is regulated by both federal and state laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation, sets strict guidelines that trucking companies and drivers must follow. These regulations cover everything from the condition of the vehicle to the amount of driving hours a trucker can legally work. These federal rules are designed to prevent accidents and ensure that drivers operate their vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.

Some key FMCSA regulations that can affect a truck accident injury claim include:

Hours of Service (HOS) Rules: These rules limit how many hours a truck driver can be on the road without rest. Drivers are required to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. If a driver violates these regulations and causes an accident, they could be held liable for the injuries and damages.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Trucks must undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure they are roadworthy. If a truck involved in an accident was poorly maintained or had unsafe equipment, that could serve as a significant factor in your claim. A violation of maintenance standards could be used to establish negligence on the part of the trucking company.
Drug and Alcohol Testing: Truck drivers are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing, both randomly and after certain incidents, including accidents. If a truck driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, this can substantially strengthen your case and help prove liability.

The Role of State Laws in Trucking Accidents

In addition to federal regulations, each state has its own set of laws and regulations governing trucking operations. While these state-specific laws may not be as extensive as federal regulations, they still play a crucial role in trucking accident claims. In Boiling Springs, South Carolina, state laws may help to determine liability, the level of compensation you are entitled to, and the statute of limitations for filing a claim.

For example, South Carolina has laws that govern commercial vehicle operations on state highways. These laws include weight restrictions, speed limits, and rules for transporting hazardous materials. Violations of state laws, such as exceeding weight limits or failing to adhere to speed limits, can be used as evidence of negligence in an accident.

The Importance of a Truck Driver’s Employment Status

One of the key factors in determining liability in a truck accident case is the employment status of the driver. Is the truck driver an independent contractor, or are they an employee of the trucking company? This can make a difference in the types of insurance that apply, the level of responsibility the company holds, and who you can sue.

Company Drivers: If the driver is employed by the trucking company, the company may be liable for the accident. This is due to the legal doctrine of “vicarious liability,” which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees while they are working within the scope of their job. For example, if a company driver causes an accident due to speeding or fatigue, the company may be held liable for the injuries.
Independent Contractors: If the driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company may not be directly responsible for the accident. In these cases, liability may fall solely on the driver or their own employer. However, it’s still possible that the trucking company could be held accountable if it failed to enforce proper safety protocols or if it was negligent in its hiring practices.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim

Trucking regulations can provide essential evidence when building a strong injury claim. In many cases, this evidence is crucial in proving negligence on the part of the trucking company or the driver. Some forms of evidence you may need to collect include:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These devices track a truck driver’s hours of service, providing a digital record of when they started and stopped driving. ELD data can help confirm whether the driver violated HOS regulations, such as driving too many hours without a break.
Inspection and Maintenance Records: A truck’s inspection and maintenance history can show whether the vehicle was in compliance with federal regulations. If the truck involved in the accident had defective parts or was poorly maintained, these records can support your claim of negligence.
Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Post-accident drug and alcohol testing results are essential in determining whether a driver was impaired at the time of the accident. Positive test results can significantly strengthen your claim and demonstrate negligence on the driver’s part.
Driver Logs: Paper or digital logs that the driver keeps can provide additional insights into their driving habits, including the number of hours worked and the number of breaks taken. These logs can also reveal any discrepancies in the driver’s account of the accident.

How Trucking Regulations Can Benefit Your Claim

Trucking regulations are more than just rules—they provide a framework for determining fault in an accident. If a truck driver or trucking company violates any of these regulations, it can be used as evidence to prove negligence. For instance:

If a driver was fatigued due to exceeding HOS limits and caused the accident, this can help establish fault.
If a trucking company failed to properly maintain its vehicle, leading to an equipment failure that caused the crash, it can be held liable.
If a truck driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident, it can strengthen your case and potentially increase the amount of compensation you receive.

By leveraging trucking regulations, a skilled attorney can build a case that holds the responsible party accountable for their actions.

Take Control After a Truck Accident with the Right Lawyer by Your Side

Truck accidents can leave a lasting impact—physically, emotionally, and financially—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. With Langley Law Firm by your side, you gain a truck accident lawyer in Boiling Springs who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with mounting medical bills or struggling to recover from serious injuries, our team is here to help. Call (864) 667-6144 today to schedule your free consultation.