Myrtle Beach Fuel Tanker Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a crash caused by a fuel truck driver, you have the right to pursue compensation. A Myrtle Beach fuel tanker accident lawyer from Hammack Law Firm is ready to help you understand your legal options and navigate the claims process. If necessary, we will take your case to trial to hold the driver, the trucking company, or any other liable party responsible.

Our team offers complimentary consultations for truck crash victims in Horry County and throughout South Carolina. During your free case review, we will explain who may be liable for your injuries and what we can do on your behalf.

Recovering Compensation After a Myrtle Beach Fuel Tanker Crash

We generally settle truck accident claims through settlement negotiations with the insurance company or companies. In many cases, we do not need to sue the truck driver or their employer. Even when we do sue for our clients, most cases do not go to trial.

However, we prepare every claim as if we are going to trial in case it becomes necessary. This results in a stronger claim for you and a tougher case for the insurers to undermine or undervalue. It also means that we are ready to begin legal action if we need to sue.

Common Injuries in Fuel Tanker Collisions

Fuel truck crashes result in many of the same injuries as other commercial vehicle collisions. The size and weight of these vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)

Fuel trucks can also cause injuries that lead to significant time away from work and activities you enjoy, such as:

• Broken bones
• Internal injuries
• Back and neck injuries
• Joint injuries

When the accident involves a fuel tanker, there is an additional concern as well: burns. Fuel is flammable, and a leak or puncture in the tank could result in an explosion or dangerous flames. Serious burn injuries can lead to significant hospital and inpatient rehabilitation time, an increased risk of infection, lasting disabilities, and other long-term effects.

Recoverable Damages in a Myrtle Beach Fuel Truck Crash

The compensation we pursue for our clients after a fuel tanker accident covers their financial losses, physical injuries, and emotional harm. Examples of recoverable damages in these cases may include:

• Medical bills
• Future treatment and care costs based on expert estimates
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning ability if there are lasting injuries
• Repair or replacement of your damaged vehicle
• Other related expenses
• Pain and suffering damages
• Wrongful death damages if you lost a family member

Hammack Law Firm Fights for Justice for Truck Accident Victims

The truck accident team at Hammack Law Firm prides itself on the glowing Google Reviews given by our previous clients. We handle each case as we would for a friend or family member, ensuring that our clients feel comforted, welcomed, and know that we are fighting for justice on their behalf.

We also give each case the time and resources it requires, developing a strong argument for fair compensation. Our case results show that we can often get more from the insurance companies, thanks to the strength of the evidence we gather.

We seek compensation for every client we represent. This process includes:

• A free consultation
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Identifying the liable party or parties, usually the truck driver and/or their employer
• Filing insurance claims
• Negotiating with the insurers for a fair settlement
• Charging our client for attorney’s fees only if we secure compensation for them

Our goal in every case is to get justice for our client by holding the negligent parties accountable for their careless actions. Under South Carolina case law, including James v. Kelly Trucking Company (2008), the state follows the doctrine of respondeat superior. This allows us to hold the fuel tanker driver’s employer vicariously liable after many crashes.

Fuel Truck Drivers Should Be Held to a Higher Standard

Fuel tanker drivers must have special training and endorsements to haul these flammable substances. Advanced skills are necessary, especially when they are driving with a partially full tank. The design and weight distribution of these trucks cause a high rollover risk that increases even further with a partially full tank.

On the news, we can see how frequently these dangerous crashes occur. For example:

• WRDW reported a tanker crash and leak in Aiken County, SC in July 2021 that shut down a major road in the county.
• WNCN reported a September 2021 crash on NC 87 in Cumberland County, NC, about 120 miles north of Myrtle Beach. This roadway was closed after the tanker truck flipped and spilled fuel.

At Hammack Law Firm, we are ardent proponents of improving trucking industry safety, including ensuring that all drivers who haul hazardous materials understand the risks and drive accordingly. Fuel transporters must have a:

• Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Tanker endorsement
• Hazmat endorsement

NFPA 385, a code dictated by the National Fire Protection Association, also requires specific design and construction elements in tankers that carry flammable and combustible liquids. Still, accidents and injuries do occur.

At Hammack Law Firm, we support holding fuel truck drivers and their employers accountable as well as changing public policy to help keep everyone on South Carolina’s roads safe.

How Long do I Have to Sue the Truck Driver or Trucking Company?

We generally only have up to three years to sue the liable parties in a commercial vehicle accident in South Carolina. This is the statute of limitations for personal injury claims under S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530. Exceptions to this law could give us even less time to act.

Hammack Law Firm Represents Myrtle Beach Fuel Rruck Collision Victims

You can talk with a team member from Hammack Law Firm about your Myrtle Beach fuel tanker accident today for free. We provide complimentary consultations so victims can learn their options for pursuing damages and seeking the justice they need. Let us explain how we will help you seek to hold the liable parties responsible.

Call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 now to speak with our team about your case.