South Carolina Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers Attorney
Despite strict hiring regulations in the trucking industry, some companies fail to ensure their drivers meet the necessary standards. Such negligence can lead to serious accidents, leaving victims with severe injuries and financial damages. If an unqualified driver contributed to your or your loved one’s truck accident, the driver and the trucking company that employs them could be liable.
At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we investigate such truck accident claims to seek justice and compensation for victims. Our South Carolina attorneys can determine if the negligent hiring of a truck driver played a role in your or your loved one’s injuries and suffering. We’ll review your case for free.
What You Can Expect from Anastopoulo Law Firm
Our attorneys have more than 25 years of experience and will assist you with every aspect of your claim. We serve clients across South Carolina from our offices in Charleston, North Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Florence. Whether your accident occurred on I-85, I-95, or somewhere in between, we’ll take care of:
- Investigating the collision to determine its cause, contributing factors, and liable parties
- Compiling evidence for your truck accident claim, such as the driver’s credentials and the trucking company’s hiring records
- Identifying and estimating the cost of your damages
- Submitting your completed claim to the insurance company
- Negotiating for a fair settlement based on your estimated case value
- Applying federal and state laws to your case
- Determining if and when going to court is the best option for your financial recovery
- Filing your lawsuit before the state’s deadline expires
Along the way, we’ll keep you updated and offer support as you make decisions about the case. We are here to empower you to seek compensation for your damages.
Other Benefits of Choosing Our Truck Accident Attorneys
At Anastopoulo Law Firm, we aim to make legal representation after an accident as accessible as possible. That’s why we:
- Offer free case reviews 24/7: We want to hear about your case as soon as you can talk about it. Our phone lines are open, with team members standing by for a complimentary consultation.
- Charge no upfront fees: You don’t have to pay anything to have one of our accident lawyers get started on your case. We front all the legal costs.
- Never take money out of your pocket: Our firm only collects payment as a percentage of the compensation we win for you.
What Previous Clients Have to Say About Our Legal Services
No one describes our firm better than the clients we’ve helped in the past:
- “This law firm was very professional and helpful with my case. Kept me informed always and got me my money fast. Efficient & great work !!!” – Courtney Unique
- “Very professional, and caring from start to finish. I will definitely be using them for any future needs!” – Rana Jenkins
- “I had a very great experience. They were very friendly and answered all of my questions. They’re also great lawyers that you can trust to get the job done.” – Keisha Sanders
You can hear from more of our previous clients through our Google reviews and on our testimonials page.
For a free legal consultation with a negligent hiring of truck drivers accidents lawyer serving South Carolina, call 803-222-2222
Are Truck Drivers Always at Fault for Collisions?
Truck accident cases are unique in that there are often multiple liable parties. For example, trucking companies generally are responsible for their employees’ behavior under vicarious liability laws, just like any other business. However, accidents stemming from negligent hiring practices can go beyond vicarious liability.
Truck drivers have a duty to drive safely and meet the qualifications for operating commercial vehicles. Still, trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers in the first place. Failure to do so can leave them directly liable when an accident occurs, meaning you could bring a case against the truck driver and their employer. The evidence we could use to build your claims against these parties includes the driver’s:
- Commercial driving credentials
- Driving record
- Criminal history
- Medical screening information
- Prior work experience
We can also collect documents regarding the trucking company’s screening, training, and hiring policies.
South Carolina Negligent Hiring of Truck Drivers Accident Lawyer Near Me 803-222-2222
What Is Considered Negligent Hiring?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all truck drivers must meet specific requirements before they can legally operate semi-trucks and big rigs. According to FMCSA regulations, truck drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Receive proper training or have the experience (or both) required to operate the vehicle they will drive
- Meet the physical requirements (which includes passing physical exams) required of commercial drivers
- Carry a current and valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) that one state/jurisdiction issued
- Be sufficiently fluent in English (reading, writing and speaking) so as to be able to understand road signs and signals and converse with others
- Complete a practical road test or carry an equivalent certificate (such as an operator’s license) provided by their employers
- Carry certain documentation in their vehicles that shows all traffic violations they have received in the past 12 months
Motor carriers and trucking companies must ensure that all hired truck drivers meet these qualifications. This may involve screening, testing, and training new hires before they can get behind the wheel.
Otherwise, the employer could be liable for negligent hiring practices when a collision occurs. For example, if a motor carrier overlooks a truck driver’s prior DUI conviction or fails to verify that they have completed the required tests and certifications, our attorneys can use this evidence to build a compensation case in South Carolina.
How Negligent Hiring Practices Can Lead to Accidents
Driving commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and tow trucks takes significant experience, skill, and credentials. When an unqualified driver gets behind the wheel, they may not have the ability to:
- Keep proper control of the vehicle under various road and weather conditions
- Maneuver the vehicle around other vehicles and obstacles
- Respond to emergency situations effectively
- Safely secure cargo
Alternatively, they may make dangerous decisions, such as drinking and driving. All these factors can create the conditions for a devastating truck accident.
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Truck Accident Damages We Seek for Our Clients
Victims and surviving family members often experience significant damages from truck collisions. Based on the case’s available evidence, our lawyers could help you recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical care to treat your injuries at the scene and in the days, weeks, and months after
- Pain medication and assistive medical devices to aid your recovery
- Income you couldn’t earn while you recovered
- Any impact on your future career prospects and earning ability
- Pain and suffering
You may qualify for other damages as well, particularly if you are filing a wrongful death case after losing a loved one. Our firm is prepared to represent you in either type of case.
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You Don’t Have Long to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina
Civil lawsuits in South Carolina are subject to statutes of limitations, which outline how long you have to file for damages. Under S.C. Ann. § 15-3-530, the exact timeline depends on the type of lawsuit you file:
- For personal injury lawsuits, you have three years from the injury date.
- For wrongful death lawsuits, you have two years from the date of passing.
Specific exceptions exist, but you generally lose your right to sue once the deadline expires. When you hire our team, we’ll keep your case on track to protect your right to seek damages.
Trust Our South Carolina Legal Team with Your Case
Truck accident claims can be very complex; those involving negligent truck driver hiring can be especially complicated. However, our attorneys have the resources to look into a trucking company’s hiring practices and determine if negligent hiring led to your or your loved one’s injuries. If so, we are prepared to hold the negligent trucking company accountable for your damages.
Reach out to our South Carolina firm today to learn more about our services. We offer free initial consultations around the clock, so there is no need to wait. You can get started now: (800) 313-2546.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form