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If a careless or reckless fuel tanker driver caused your Charleston County crash, our team will review your options for free and explain your opportunities for seeking justice. A Mount Pleasant fuel tanker accident lawyer from Hammack Law Firm can file an insurance claim or lawsuit to hold the tanker driver and their employer accountable.

You should not have to pay for the expenses and losses you incurred because of a crash caused by a negligent commercial driver. Those responsible for the crash should have to cover those costs. We pursue this compensation on behalf of accident victims.

Recovering Compensation in a Charleston County Truck Crash

There are two ways to recover compensation following a crash:

  • A negotiated insurance settlement based on the liable parties’ policies
  • A civil lawsuit, trial, and court award

Most cases settle without suing. However, we prepare each case like a lawsuit and trial are necessary. This allows us to develop stronger support for the claim. If we do need to sue, we will not hesitate to do so. We are not afraid of taking any case to court if necessary to force the insurer to pay out an appropriate settlement.

We believe in justice for accident victims, including recovering money damages for the harm they suffered. Recoverable damages could include:

  • Medical bills and related expenses
  • Future treatment and care costs
  • Lost income from missed time at work
  • Reduced earning capacity because of lasting injuries
  • Property damages such as car repairs
  • Miscellaneous expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Disfigurement and disability, such as from burn injuries
  • Other intangible losses

We also pursue wrongful death damages under S.C. Ann. § 15-51-10. We can help your family seek justice for your loved one if they died because of a Mount Pleasant fuel tank driver’s negligence.

Hammack Law Firm Represents Mount Pleasant Truck Accident Victims

Hammack Law Firm has the experience and resources of a big firm but provides the one-on-one attention and warm support of a small firm. We build personal relationships with every client, making them feel less like a customer and more like friends or family members.

When it comes to truck accident cases, we take a stance against the lax attitude toward safety measures and training prevalent in the trucking industry. Especially when it comes to fuel tankers, driving large commercial vehicles comes with risks and responsibilities. We fight for additional safety measures and improved public safety policy industry wide.

We seek justice for truck accident victims by:

  • Holding the negligent parties accountable for their careless or reckless actions
  • Seeking compensation for every accident victim we represent
  • Handling these cases based on contingency

We believe our client reviews and customer testimonials provide a look at why our clients say they feel like family. As one client said:

“Absolutely a great group of people to work with. I don’t think I could have chosen a better firm to handle my case. Everyone is friendly and informative. If I ever have any more legal issues, I will be going back!” – Bob

Who is Legally Liable for My Fuel Tanker Crash?

Fuel tanker accidents are hazardous because of the risk of burns. Leaks, fires, and explosions are possible even in relatively minor crashes. These collisions often quickly become very serious. Driving a fuel tanker requires additional training and experience above and beyond a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Rollovers in tanker trucks are common, especially when the tank is not full. Not only do drivers need special training to deal with their hazardous and flammable loads, but they must also learn to manage cargo that moves while they drive. This can greatly affect the handling of the truck.

Some common causes of fuel tanker crashes include:

  • Fatigued driving despite the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) having strict hours of service regulations
  • Distracted driving
  • Drunk or drugged driving
  • Inexperienced or careless drivers who violate a traffic law
  • Speeding
  • Inability to manage a partially full tank, leading to a rollover

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2019, 97 percent of vehicle occupants who died in two-vehicle crashes that involved a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer truck were in the passenger vehicle. While some truck drivers do pass away, this is not nearly as common.

Truck drivers have a big responsibility to follow all laws, rules, and industry safety regulations to protect others on the road with them. When they fail to do so, an accident will often occur. The liable parties in this accident will be the truck driver and their employer.

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, the fuel or trucking company that employs the tanker truck driver is vicariously liable for their workers’ negligence. This is South Carolina case law under Sams v. Arthur (1926) and dozens of other cases. This applies when the trucker:

  • Caused the crash
  • Was behind the wheel of their truck or on the clock
  • Was working within their job description

Hammack Law Firm is not afraid to build a case or sue any company or corporation if their driver caused our client’s Charleston County accident or injuries.

How Quickly to Act Following Your Mount Pleasant Accident

Developing a strong case to support an insurance claim takes time. We need to investigate what happened, gather evidence, identify the liable parties, and value the client’s damages before filing their claim. Then, we negotiate with the insurer, which takes additional time.

If we need to sue, we have up to three years to do so in most cases. This is in South Carolina law under S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530. However, we must complete the initial steps first. This means we need to get started as soon as the client’s injuries allow, and they notify us of their case.

Our Team is Standing By to Discuss Your Case With You

Hammack Law Firm provides complimentary case consultations for victims of Mount Pleasant fuel tanker truck accidents. We will speak with you today about your legal options and how we can help. Call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 now to get started.

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