Myrtle Beach Attorney for Truck Accidents Caused by Mechanical Defects
Semi-trucks are common throughout South Carolina, but when a semi-truck is involved in an accident, the results can be horrific. When a crucial part of the truck or trailer is defective, such as the brakes, steering, or trailer hook-up, the truck driver may be unable to control the vehicle, no matter how hard they try.
If you have been injured in a truck accident caused by mechanical defects, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. The Myrtle Beach truck accident attorney of the Law Office of William J. Luse, Inc. Accident & Injury Lawyers has the experience necessary to investigate the most complicated truck accident cases and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (843) 839-4795 for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Lawyer
Proving that you were injured in a truck accident caused by mechanical defects can be difficult because there are often many factors at play, and multiple parties might be responsible for the defect. Additionally, the scope of your injuries and the impact on your life may not be immediately visible, so the trucking company may try to downplay the impact. Trucking companies and truck manufacturers typically have powerful lawyers on their side who will protect the company’s assets as well as its image.
A skilled attorney can conduct a thorough investigation and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. The insurance company might offer to settle the case to avoid lengthy and complicated litigation, but their settlement may be lower than what you deserve. You need an attorney who will work hard through every step of the legal process and help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Why Choose Us?
The Law Office of William J. Luse, Inc. Accident & Injury Lawyers is a unique type of law firm. While some larger law firms tend to focus on quickly getting through a high quantity of cases, we are a small firm that focuses on helping our clients reach the best possible outcome.
Attorney William J. Luse has over a decade of experience. He has been recognized by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys, Attorney and Practice Magazine, and Best Attorneys of America, LLC. Most importantly, his clients consistently leave satisfied reviews thanking him for his assistance.
We are the only firm in South Carolina with a mock courtroom in our office. If a trial is necessary, this helps us prepare our clients in ways that would not otherwise be possible. This is just one of many examples of the level of detail we provide for each client.
What Types of Mechanical Defects Can Cause Truck Accidents?
Semi-trucks have a lot of moving parts, and the heavy weight of the vehicle combined with the number of miles they drive every day puts a lot of wear and tear on the truck. If there is a mechanical defect, this daily wear can cause a malfunction that leads to a serious accident.
Some components that could have mechanical defects include:
- Tires
- Brakes
- Steering
- Engine
- Transmission
- Trailer hook-up
- Lights or turn signals
Regularly inspecting and maintaining these parts can keep the truck in good working order and prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident Caused by Mechanical Defects
When a truck malfunctions due to mechanical defects, sometimes there is not much the driver can do to prevent an accident. When it comes to mechanical defects, the best prevention is done before the truck even hits the road. There are often many individuals and entities who should be on the lookout for defects, including:
- The Trucking Company – Federal law requires trucks to be inspected, repaired, and maintained regularly. If the trucking company or driver fails to do this, they might not notice a mechanical defect or a part that once worked properly could malfunction due to lack of maintenance.
- The Manufacturer – The truck manufacturer and the manufacturer of individual or replacement parts are responsible for providing quality products. If the manufacturer knowingly distributed faulty parts or did not have proper quality assurance measures in place to prevent defects, they could be at least partially at fault for any resulting accidents.
- The Mechanics – Some trucking companies perform in-house maintenance, while others utilize a separate company. If these mechanics install low-quality parts to save money, choose not to replace parts that are noticeably damaged or due for replacement, or in any other way breach their responsibility to keep the truck in safe working order, they could be considered negligent.
Since there are multiple parties who could potentially be at fault for mechanical defects, it is crucial to do a thorough investigation to understand the specifics of your unique situation.
What Compensation Can I Receive?
We cannot guarantee any specific amount of compensation, but we can give you a better idea of what you may be owed during a free consultation. Some potential types of compensation include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Physical disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Since injuries from truck accidents can be severe, the medical expenses and other losses can add up quickly. While some, such as lost wages and medical expenses, are relatively easy to itemize, other losses can be difficult to quantify.
An experienced attorney can take the time to get to know you as a person and understand the full impact your injuries have on your life. This allows for an accurate calculation of losses that is often higher than what the insurance company initially offers.
Contact the Law Office of William J. Luse, Inc. Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
A truck accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Amid everything else you are going through, you may be feeling nervous about beginning the legal process. When you choose the Law Office of William J. Luse, Inc. Accident & Injury Lawyers, you can allow us to focus on the most stressful aspects of the legal process so you can focus on your own recovery.
You may also be worried about how you will afford an attorney, especially during this difficult time. We operate on a contingency basis, which means we will not charge you anything unless we successfully secure compensation on your behalf.
Contact us today online or by phone at (843) 839-4795 for a free consultation.