Columbia Runaway Trailer Accident Attorney

Representing Trucking Accidents Victims in South Carolina

Tractor-trailers and other large commercial trucks fill the roads and highways in South Carolina and other states, transporting everything from food to products throughout the country. However, truck accidents are often devastating and tragic due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. One of the most frightening types of crashes involves cargo getting detached from a truck. Runaway trailers carrying a heavy load and traveling at a high speed can veer out of control across a highway or road and strike vehicles along the way.

If you suffered a serious injury in a truck accident caused by a runaway trailer in Columbia or Lexington, look no further than the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC to protect your rights and best interests and help you recover your entitled compensation. With nearly two decades of experience, our legal team understands how complex trucking accident claims can be. We provide our clients with knowledgeable and personalized legal services, fighting for them from start to finish while they make the best possible recovery from injury.

Call (803) 359-3301 or fill out our online contact form today to request a free case evaluation.

Causes of Runaway Trailer Accidents

Runaway truck crashes often happen when the truck and trailer are not traveling the same speed, especially on steep roads. When the driver loses control of the trailer, it can separate from the vehicle. Once the trailer is separated, there is no way to control it.

The following are some of the common causes of a runaway trailer:

• Speeding – If a truck driver is speeding and forced to suddenly brake at high-speeds, the trailer could disconnect from the vehicle.
• Sudden turn – A sudden change of direction or turn may cause the truck to jackknife, which can cause the trailer to break free.
• Overloaded or unsecured cargo – When cargo is improperly loaded and secured, the cargo may shit during transit, causing the hitch to snap and separate the trailer from the vehicle.
• Brake failure – Trailer brakes are designed to work together with the truck’s brakes. If the trailer’s brakes fail, the truck’s brakes alone may not be enough to slow down the vehicle and the trailer may detach from the vehicle.
• Federal and state trucking violations – Common examples include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, violating the hours-of-service rules (which could result in drowsy driving), and failing to perform inspections and maintenance on the vehicle.

Not only can a truck driver be held liable for the accident, but quite possibly the trucking company, the cargo shippers and loaders, and even the manufacturers of defective vehicles or auto parts. Our legal team can investigate the accident, collect and examine evidence, negotiate with insurers, and maximize the compensation you deserve.

Contact Us Today!

Runaway trailer accidents often lead to catastrophic and fatal injuries due to the sheer size of the trailer and the force of impact after it collides with another vehicle. We are committed to holding the trucker or trucking company responsible for their negligence.

To discuss your case with our Columbia runaway trailer accident lawyer, contact us today at (803) 359-3301!