The rumble of commercial trucks is a constant on I-95, I-20, and the many state highways crossing through Florence.
These massive vehicles keep our economy moving but can change lives forever when something goes wrong. At Swilley Law Firm, LLC, we know that truck accidents differ greatly from regular car crashes because they bring more severe injuries, complex liability issues, and tough battles with large trucking companies and their insurers.
Truck accidents leave Florence families facing uncertain futures. Our Florence truck accident lawyers work specifically with truck accident victims in Florence County and throughout the Pee Dee region. We fight against powerful trucking companies so you can focus on recovery while we handle your legal needs.
Why Truck Accidents in Florence Require Specialized Legal Help
The highways connecting Florence to major cities like Columbia and Charleston make our city a trucking hub. When 80,000-pound commercial vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results can be devastating. Many factors make truck accidents unique:
Severe Injury Outcomes
Truck accidents typically cause more serious injuries than standard vehicle crashes. The size difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle means crash victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries requiring lifetime care
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Multiple broken bones needing extensive surgeries
- Internal organ damage demanding emergency treatment
- Severe burns from fuel fires
- Amputations and permanent disfigurement
These severe injuries demand substantial compensation that covers both immediate medical needs and long-term care requirements.
Multiple Responsible Parties
A Florence truck accident attorney examines every possible liable party, not just the driver. Potentially responsible parties include:
- Truck drivers who violated regulations
- Trucking companies with inadequate hiring practices
- Vehicle maintenance providers who cut corners
- Truck manufacturers producing defective parts
- Cargo loading companies that improperly secured freight
- Government entities responsible for road maintenance
This complex web of liability requires detailed investigation and knowledge of state and federal regulations.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Florence
Our experience as a truck accident lawyer in Florence has shown us several recurring causes behind these devastating crashes:
Driver Fatigue
Despite federal hours-of-service regulations, many truck drivers face pressure to meet tight deadlines. This pressure leads some to drive beyond legal limits, creating dangerous fatigue that impairs reaction time and decision-making.
Distracted Driving
Professional drivers spend long hours on the road, sometimes leading to dangerous distractions:
- Using mobile phones while driving
- Programming GPS systems
- Eating or drinking behind the wheel
- Adjusting entertainment systems
- Reading maps or paperwork
Improper Cargo Loading
Trucks passing through Florence often carry goods between major East Coast destinations. Improper loading causes:
- Unbalanced vehicles prone to rollovers
- Shifting cargo that affects handling
- Falling debris creating road hazards
- Overweight trucks with extended stopping distances
Equipment Failures
Maintenance problems frequently contribute to serious accidents:
- Brake failures on Florence’s busy interstate exits
- Tire blowouts causing loss of control
- Steering mechanism malfunctions
- Trailer hitch failures leading to jackknife accidents
- Lighting or signal problems reducing visibility
Weather Conditions
The Pee Dee region experiences everything from tropical storm remnants to occasional winter ice.
Commercial drivers must adjust to these conditions appropriately or risk causing accidents.
How Our Florence Truck Accident Attorney Builds Your Case
After a truck accident, Swilley Law Firm, LLC takes immediate action to protect your interests. Our approach includes:
Rapid Evidence Collection
The trucking company will have investigators at the scene quickly – we move just as fast. We document evidence before it disappears:
- Physical evidence from the crash site
- Vehicle damage assessment
- Skidmark analysis
- Witness statements while memories remain fresh
- Traffic camera footage before it gets erased
- Electronic logging device data from the truck
Expert Consultation
We work with specialists who strengthen your case:
- Accident reconstruction experts who determine exactly what happened
- Medical professionals who document the full extent of injuries
- Economic analysts who calculate lifetime financial impacts
- Industry experts who identify violations of trucking regulations
- Mental health professionals who assess psychological trauma
Trucking Industry Regulations Affecting Your Florence Case
The trucking industry must follow extensive regulations designed to prevent accidents. Knowledge of these rules helps us identify liability:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Rules
These govern interstate commercial vehicles:
- Maximum driving time limits
- Required rest periods
- Vehicle maintenance standards
- Driver qualification requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing protocols
- Cargo securement guidelines
South Carolina Specific Regulations
State laws add additional requirements for trucks operating within our borders:
- State weight restrictions
- Route limitations for oversized loads
- Additional inspection requirements
- Special permits for certain loads
- South Carolina-specific licensing provisions
When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create strong evidence of negligence.
Why Time Matters in Florence Truck Accident Cases
Acting promptly after a truck accident protects your legal rights in several ways:
- Statute of limitations: South Carolina law gives accident victims three years to file personal injury lawsuits. This deadline seems generous, but building a strong truck accident case takes considerable time. Missing this deadline permanently eliminates your right to compensation.
- Evidence preservation concerns: Critical evidence disappears quickly after truck accidents. For instance, electronic logging devices record over old data, trucks get repaired, hiding damaged evidence, witness memories fade, road evidence gets washed away, and company records might be “lost” or altered.
Special Considerations for Florence Truck Accidents
Our local highways present unique challenges that affect truck accident cases:
- High-risk Florence locations: Certain areas see more truck accidents: I-95 interchanges with heavy merging traffic, the I-20/I-95 junction with complex traffic patterns, busy sections of US-76 and US-52, industrial areas with frequent truck traffic, and construction zones throughout the Pee Dee region
- Local industry factors: Florence serves as a distribution hub for various industries, affecting the types of trucks involved in local accidents:
- Agricultural product haulers during harvest seasons
- Manufacturing supply chain vehicles
- Retail distribution trucks serving regional stores
- Hazardous materials transporters
- Construction equipment carriers
How Insurance Companies Fight Florence Truck Accident Claims
Trucking companies and their insurers use various tactics to reduce or deny valid claims:
- Blaming the victim: Insurance companies often try to shift blame to the injured party, knowing that South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules reduce compensation if you share fault.
- Minimizing injuries: Insurance representatives might claim your injuries existed before the accident or aren’t as severe as you claim. They might also argue that certain treatments were unnecessary.
- Disputing future care needs: While they might accept responsibility for immediate medical bills, insurers often fight against paying for future treatments, especially for conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal damage.
- Using your social media against you: Insurance investigators examine victims’ social media accounts, looking for photos or posts that contradict injury claims. Something as simple as a smiling photo might be used to argue you aren’t suffering.
- Pressuring quick settlements: Insurers often make early settlement offers, hoping you will accept them before understanding your case’s full value or hiring legal representation.
Steps to Take After a Florence Truck Accident
Protecting your health and legal rights requires specific actions after a truck collision:
Medical Priorities Come First
Even if you feel “okay” after the crash, get medical attention immediately. Many serious injuries show delayed symptoms and medical records create crucial documentation for your case.
Document Everything Possible
If your condition allows, collect evidence at the scene:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Images of the entire accident scene
- Contact information from witnesses
- The truck’s DOT number and company name
- Weather and road conditions
- Statements made by the truck driver
Report the Accident Properly
File a police report and ensure you receive a copy. This official documentation creates an important foundation for your claim.
Avoid Insurance Company Traps
Decline to give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance representatives without legal counsel present. Refer all communication to your Florence truck accident lawyer.
Track All Expenses and Impacts
Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and how your injuries affect daily life:
- Medical bills and related costs
- Work absences and income losses
- Pain levels and limitations
- Mental health changes
- Family relationship effects
- Activities you can no longer enjoy
This documentation helps establish your case value.
Why Choose Swilley Law Firm, LLC for Your Florence Truck Accident Case
Our firm brings specific advantages to Florence truck accident victims:
- Local knowledge that matters: We understand Florence’s roadways, local courts, and community values. This local insight strengthens your case in ways out-of-town firms cannot match.
- Direct attorney access: Unlike large firms where clients speak mainly with paralegals, our clients work directly with experienced Florence truck accident lawyers who know every detail of their cases.
- Resources to match trucking companies: We have the financial resources to thoroughly investigate your case, hire needed experts, and sustain lengthy litigation, if necessary, to secure fair compensation.
- Proven record against major insurers: Our history of successful settlements and verdicts gives us leverage when negotiating with trucking company insurance providers.
Contact Our Florence Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Swilley Law Firm, LLC provides the legal protection Florence truck accident victims need. Our team handles the complex legal process while you focus on recovery.
Do not face trucking companies and their insurers alone. Their teams of attorneys work to protect corporate profits, not your interests. Our Florence truck accident attorney levels the playing field, ensuring your voice gets heard and your rights protected.
Contact us today for a consultation about your Florence truck accident case. The sooner we start working for you, the stronger your case will be!
