Technology and Truck Safety: A Changing Landscape

Accidents involving large trucks* are unfortunately too common; in 2021 there were 523,796 accidents involving large trucks, 5,788 of which were fatal, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data. 

But consider this: In 1975, there were 3,722 fatal crashes involving large trucks, and forty years later in 2015 there were 3,622 – a modest decrease. Yet in that time, the number of registered large trucks on the road more than doubled from 5,362,369 to 11,203,184, according to data from the FMCSA. 

In short, our roads are getting safer in terms of large truck safety, even if it doesn’t feel that way. A number of factors have likely contributed to this, including stricter regulations at the federal and state level, better training for drivers, and improvements and modifications to roads with truck safety in mind. Possibly the biggest factor in improved safety, however, are advancements in technology. 

Here are some of the technological advancements that have improved safety in large trucks – specifically tractor-trailers/big rigs – in recent years. 

Brain Injuries: Recognizing the Signs and Pursuing Legal Action

Some injuries are invisible. A brain injury – unlike a broken leg or a bleeding wound – can’t be seen by the eye but can be devastating, nonetheless. Brain injuries commonly lead to problems with cognition, memory, attention, emotion, and more, while severe brain damage can cause permanent disability, coma, and death. 

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) lead to over 200,000 hospitalizations and 69,000 deaths every year, according to the CDC. Non-traumatic brain injuries (also called acquired brain injuries, or ABIs) result from things like lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, and medical emergencies like strokes and aneurysms. 

Early diagnosis and treatment of brain injuries are key to improved long-term outcomes, but getting early intervention can be challenging. After all, how do you recognize and diagnose an “invisible” injury?

Here are signs of brain injury to know so you can learn to recognize them in yourself and others and seek immediate medical care. 

The Impact of Pre-Existing Conditions on Workers’ Compensation Claims

Pre-existing conditions can certainly complicate workers’ compensation claims in South Carolina. If a new injury sustained on the job affects the same area as the pre-existing condition or impairment, or one aggravates the other, it can be very challenging to prove that compensation is warranted.

But don’t give up hope. You can still have a successful workers’ comp claim despite having a pre-existing condition. Here’s what to know.

Compensation for Pedestrian Accident Injuries: Your Legal Rights

South Carolina and its cities have topped many lists in recent years, including best state to retire to, best small city, and most beautiful city in the country. Unfortunately, South Carolina is also #3 on a different kind of list – most dangerous states for pedestrians. 

In 2022, 173 pedestrians were killed on South Carolina roads and 752 were injured, 217 of them seriously, according to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book (PDF). According to the study conducted by Smart Growth America, South Carolina, like most other states, is becoming more dangerous for pedestrians, with an increase in fatalities over the past decade. 

If you are injured in a pedestrian accident in South Carolina, you have rights. Here’s what to know. 

Documenting Evidence in Slip and Fall Cases: What You Need to Know

In any personal injury case, documenting and collecting evidence is an important first step. Evidence of the accident is necessary to reconstruct exactly what happened and to determine who or what caused the accident. From there, liability can be determined, and, possibly, a claim for compensation can be pursued. 

But as simple as it sounds, documenting evidence in a slip and fall case is often not easy. Here’s what to know.

Rehabilitation and Recovery After a Spinal Cord Injury: Legal Support

Rehabilitation and recovery after a spinal cord injury takes a long time. Depending on the nature of the injury, rehab and medical care can continue for several months, years, or even decades after the initial injury. Individuals with a complete spinal cord injury leading to permanent loss of function typically need lifelong care of some kind. Even those with incomplete spinal cord injuries who are more likely to regain mobility and function often require extensive care.

Understandably, the cost of care is high, ranging from several thousands of dollars into the millions. This is where legal support comes in. 

Just as you need a good team of healthcare professionals helping you with recovery after your injury, you also need a legal team on your side. An experienced spinal cord injury lawyer and their team will handle the legal and financial aspects of the accident so you can focus on recovering. 

Securing effective legal representation is critical in ensuring you get the compensation you need to cover current and future expenses related to the accident. Here’s how an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer can help you after an accident. 

Navigating the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

How do you file a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina? If you’ve been injured on the job or have developed an occupational disease, filing a workers’ comp claim is a crucial step to getting compensation you need to cover lost wages, medical bills, and more.

But some people are hesitant to file a workers’ comp claim. They’re worried that the process will be long and difficult, with a lot of confusing paperwork and red tape. 

Fortunately, that’s not the case. That’s because in South Carolina, you are not responsible for filing a workers’ comp claim. 

That’s right – as the injured worker, it’s not up to you to fill out the paperwork and file the claim.

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