When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often severe. These large vehicles can cause devastating injuries, major property damage, and even fatalities. While it may seem clear who is at fault, trucking companies are rarely quick to accept responsibility.
At Harbin & Burnett Law Firm, we represent victims of truck accidents throughout Anderson and Upstate South Carolina. We understand the tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability and how to build strong cases that hold them accountable.
Why Truck Accident Claims Are Challenging
Truck accidents differ significantly from standard car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, and cargo loaders. Each party will likely have its own insurance carrier and legal team, all working to limit their financial exposure.
These cases often involve violations of federal regulations, such as those established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding these rules and how they apply is critical to proving liability.
Common Ways Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility
Blaming the Driver
Many companies will attempt to place all the blame on the truck driver. While driver error may be a factor, the company may still be liable if they failed to train the driver properly, pushed for unrealistic delivery schedules, or neglected safety protocols.
Classifying Drivers as Independent Contractors
To avoid being held accountable, some companies argue that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. Courts often look at the level of control the company has over the driver’s actions to determine if this defense holds up.
Withholding or Losing Evidence
Evidence such as the truck’s black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records is vital in determining fault. Trucking companies may delay providing this information or allow it to be destroyed unless legal action is taken quickly.
Minimizing the Severity of Injuries
Insurance carriers working with trucking companies may try to downplay the extent of a victim’s injuries. They often offer quick settlements that are far below the actual value of the claim.
Disputing Regulatory Violations
Even when there is clear proof of violations, companies may argue that the errors were isolated or claim they were unaware. An experienced attorney can investigate these claims and uncover patterns of negligence.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Trucking companies and their insurers often begin investigating an accident immediately, sometimes within hours. Their goal is to reduce or eliminate their responsibility, and they have the resources to do it.
At Harbin & Burnett Law Firm, we take swift action to secure and preserve key evidence, identify all liable parties, and calculate the full impact of the accident. We help clients pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, do not face the trucking company alone. The sooner you speak with a legal team, the better your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact Harbin & Burnett Law Firm in Anderson, SC, today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We are here to help you take the next step forward.