Rear End Truck Accident Lawyer in Greenville SC

Rear-end collisions happen when one driver crashes into the back of a vehicle they are following. These accidents are among the most common collisions in South Carolina, and they can cause serious harm to everyone involved. The injuries can become catastrophic when a large commercial truck is involved in a rear-end collision.

If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end truck collision in Greenville, South Carolina, you need an experienced truck accident attorney to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. The rear-end truck accident lawyers at The Melonakos Law Firm provide compassionate counsel for injured people in Greenville and surrounding areas of South Carolina. When you work with us, you can expect personal attention, frequent communication, and the results that matter.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you during a free consultation.

Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents in Greenville, SC

In addition to being among the most frequent accidents on South Carolina roads, rear-end collisions are also among the most preventable. Truckers who follow other traffic too closely are among the most common reasons rear-end crashes occur. If the car in front needs to stop because of a sudden road hazard or change in traffic flow, the truck following them will be unable to stop safely if the trucker hasn’t left sufficient space to react.

Additional factors that can contribute to rear-end collisions include:

• Driver distractions – When truckers are busy looking at their phones, adjusting GPS devices, eating, or engaged in other distractions, they may not realize that they are about to collide with the vehicle in front of them until it is too late.
• Speeding – Truckers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for conditions put the lives of other road users at risk. The size and weight of massive trucks require greater stopping distances, which increase with the truck’s speed. The combination of dangerous speeds and insufficient space can drastically increase the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
• Fatigued driving – Truckers’ lifestyles create conditions that often lead to driver fatigue. Drowsy truckers have slower reaction times and may even fall asleep at the wheel, increasing the potential for rear-end collisions.
• Inclement weather – Weather conditions such as rainstorms, fog, snow, or extreme winds require all drivers to take additional precautions. Truckers who fail to slow down during bad weather are more likely to cause rear-enders.
• Defective vehicle components – Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other vehicle malfunctions can prevent a trucker from stopping in time to avoid rear-ending traffic ahead.

Two South Carolina statutes often play a role in cases involving rear-end collisions. They are:

• S.C. Code Ann. §56-5-1930 – Following too closely.

(A) The operator of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.

(B) The operator of any truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district and which is following another truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle shall, whenever conditions permit, leave sufficient space so that an overtaking vehicle may enter and occupy such space without danger, except that this shall not prevent a truck or motor vehicle drawing another vehicle from overtaking and passing any vehicle or combination of vehicles.

(C) Motor vehicles being operated upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district in a caravan or motorcade whether or not towing other vehicles shall be so operated as to allow sufficient space between each such vehicle or combination of vehicles so as to enable any other vehicle to enter and occupy such space without danger. This provision shall not apply to funeral processions.

(D) This section does not apply to the operator of any nonleading commercial motor vehicle subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and traveling in a series of commercial vehicles using cooperative adaptive cruise control or any other automated driving technology.

• S.C. Code Ann. §56-5-3230 – Drivers to exercise due care.

Notwithstanding other provisions of any local ordinance, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle shall give an audible signal when necessary, and shall exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused, incapacitated or intoxicated person.

Why Is It So Dangerous When a Truck Causes a Rear-End Collision?

While all rear-end accidents have the potential to cause injuries, crashes involving large commercial trucks can be particularly catastrophic. A fully loaded tractor-trailer weighs about 20 times as much as the average passenger vehicle. When a truck crashes into the back of a car, the occupants of the smaller vehicle often experience extreme forces.

Passenger vehicle occupants can suffer severe injuries due to the sudden jolting movements that result from the impact. The delicate structures of the neck and back are particularly prone to injury in rear-end truck collisions. Traumatic crush injuries can result when a truck rear-ends a car at higher speeds. Fuel tanks can burst and ignite, leading to severe burn injuries in particularly violent collisions.

Furthermore, the force of the truck can cause the car to crash into other vehicles, creating a devastating multi-car pileup.

Common Injuries from a Greenville Rear-End Truck Accident

A few examples of some of the most common injuries in rear-end truck collisions include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord trauma leading to paralysis
• Neck and back injuries, including whiplash
• Broken bones
• Facial and dental trauma
• Crushed limbs
• Bruising and lacerations
• Emotional trauma
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Burns

Who Is Responsible for a Rear-End Truck Collision in Greenville?

Several parties could bear legal responsibility for losses resulting from a rear-end truck collision, including:

• The truck driver, if their negligence caused the crash
• The trucking company, if they didn’t carefully screen the trucker, forced the driver to work longer hours than federal regulations allow, or were otherwise negligent (If the driver was an employee, the company could be vicariously liable for the driver’s negligence.)
• The truck or parts manufacturer, if a part they were responsible for failed and caused the crash
• The maintenance company responsible for maintaining the vehicle if something that was overlooked during servicing caused the crash

Our Greenville rear-end truck accident lawyers are ready to thoroughly investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident to determine all potentially liable parties and all potential sources of insurance coverage.

Potential Compensation in a Greenville Rear-End Truck Accident Claim

Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible to claim compensation for losses such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced future income potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage

Calculating the value of these losses can be complicated, but our experienced attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation available to you.

How Our Greenville Rear-End Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

You should not have to deal with the complexities of filing an accident claim on your own while recovering from your injuries. Let our lawyers take care of everything for you while you focus on healing.

In addition to investigating your accident and calculating your losses, the attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm are ready to:

• Gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and eyewitness statements
• Determine who is liable for your losses and all potential sources of insurance coverage
• Negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement that adequately covers all your losses
• Take the at-fault party to court if necessary to pursue the compensation you deserve

Talk to Our Experienced Greenville Rear-End Truck Accident Attorney Now

If you have suffered injuries in a rear-end accident with a truck in Greenville, South Carolina, you need help from the experienced truck accident attorneys at The Melonakos Law Firm. Our lawyers are dedicated to giving each client the individualized attention they deserve. We are ready to use our inside knowledge about how the insurance industry works to build a strong case for you.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.