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I-85 Truck Accident Lawyers
Legal help when you’re injured in a truck accident on I-85 in South Carolina
Interstate 85 (I-85) is a vital road running through South Carolina, connecting major cities and facilitating commercial transportation. This road is essential for our state’s economic activity, but it also sees a considerable number of truck accidents that lead to severe injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident on I-85 in South Carolina, you have legal options. The truck accident attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips can help.
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How Can We Help?
- Overview of I-85 in South Carolina
- What are the common causes of truck accidents on I-85?
- Notable truck accidents on I-85
- Who is liable for my I-85 truck accident?
- How can an I-85 truck accident lawyer help with my case?
- Why choose McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips?
- How can I stay safe driving on I-85?
- What should I do after a truck accident on I-85?
- How much is my I-85 truck accident case worth?
- Do you have an I-85 truck accident lawyer near me?
Overview of I-85 in South Carolina
I-85 goes through the upstate region of South Carolina, passing through key cities like Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. This corridor is also heavily used by commercial vehicles, given its strategic location linking Atlanta, Georgia, to Charlotte, North Carolina. This high volume of truck traffic, combined with ongoing construction and congestion, contributes to the frequency of truck accidents on this stretch of road.
What are the common causes of truck accidents on I-85?
A variety of factors can contribute to the occurrence of truck accidents on I-85. These include the following:
- Long-haul truck drivers often face demanding driving schedules, which can lead to fatigue. This impairment can significantly reduce reaction times and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- The use of mobile devices or other distractions while driving can divert attention from the road, leading to dangerous collisions.
- To meet tight delivery schedules, some truck drivers may exceed the speed limit, which can reduce their ability to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
- Neglecting regular maintenance can result in mechanical failures, such as brake or tire malfunctions, leading to accidents.
- South Carolina’s weather can be unpredictable, and trucks and particularly susceptible to accidents during heavy rain or fog, due to their size and weight.
- Ongoing construction projects on I-85 can create hazardous driving conditions, like narrow lanes and abrupt stops.
Notable truck accidents on I-85
Several serious truck accidents have occurred on I-85 in recent years, including:
- A June 2024 car vs. semi-truck crash was reported in Spartanburg County, resulting in serious injuries.
- In October 2023, a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and a fuel spill happened in Greenville County, leading to significant traffic disruptions.
- In December 2023, two people were injured in a rollover crash involving a semi-truck in Powdersville.
Who is liable for my I-85 truck accident?
Truck accidents can involve complicated legal considerations because of the multiple parties that may be held liable. These parties include:
- The truck driver, if driver negligence, like fatigue or distraction, contributed to the accident.
- The trucking company can be held responsible for inadequate training, unrealistic schedules, or a failure to maintain vehicles properly.
- Defective parts or mechanical failures can place liability on manufacturers.
After an I-85 truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How can an I-85 truck accident lawyer help with my case?
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, we play an important role in advocating for truck accident victims. Our responsibilities include:
- We investigate the accident and gather evidence, like driver logs, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimonies, to establish fault.
- We understand and apply federal and state laws specific to the trucking industry.
- We deal with the insurance companies to secure fair compensation on your behalf, leveraging our knowledge of the trucking industry.
- We represent you in court when settlements are inadequate or negotiations fail.
Why choose McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips?
At McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, we have a proven track record of representing victims of truck accidents on I-85 and throughout South Carolina;
- We have decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases with successful results.
- Our resources include access to a network of experts in accident reconstruction, medical fields, and industry regulations.
- We offer tailored legal strategies that address the unique circumstances of your case.
- We provide a deep understanding of the specific challenges and legal issues in South Carolina, particularly in cities along I-85, like Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson.
How can I stay safe driving on I-85?
Although you can’t prevent every accident, it’s important to remain vigilant when driving on I-85. Both truck drivers and motorists can contribute to safer roads.
Truck drivers can:
- Follow mandated rest periods to combat fatigue.
- Ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before trips.
- Be vigilant and prepared for the actions of other drivers.
Passenger vehicle drivers can:
- Stay out of a truck’s blind spots, where visibility is limited.
- Keep a sufficient following distance to account for sudden stops.
- Ensure there is enough space to pass safely and not cut off the truck.
- Be extra cautious in construction zones, where lanes may shift.
What should I do after a truck accident on I-85?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-85, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your ability to recover compensation.
- Get medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not manifest until later.
- Report the accident to the police so they can document the scene and create an official report.
- Gather evidence. If possible, take pictures and videos and collect witness statements.
- Do not admit fault – avoid making any statements that could be used against you later.
- Contact the truck accident lawyers at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips. We can guide you through the claims process and help maximize your compensation.
How much is my I-85 truck accident case worth?
Victims of truck accidents may be eligible for a variety of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, which cover hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost wages, which refers to compensation for time missed from work and loss of future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering, including your physical pain and emotional distress caused by the truck accident.
- Property damage, which covers the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement.
If the accident resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
Do you have an I-85 truck accident lawyer near me?
McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips has offices throughout the state of South Carolina:
- Rock Hill
- Charleston
- Columbia
- Myrtle Beach
- Greenville
We also serve clients throughout South Carolina in all 46 counties, including Sumter, Anderson, Orangeburg, Hilton Head, Aiken, and Spartanburg.
We offer phone and video consultations and will make home and hospital visits when needed. Rest assured that we are always close by when you need us the most.
Get in touch with our South Carolina I-85 truck accident lawyers today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident on I-85, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips today for a free consultation. Our experienced truck accident attorneys are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. To set up your free consultation, call our offices or fill out our contact form. We are here to help.