Truck Accident Lawyers in Columbia, South Carolina

The trucking industry is vital to the state of South Carolina. In fact, roughly 80% of all South Carolina communities rely on trucks to transport their products. While these vehicles may assist in the delivery of normal items, they can lead to significant issues on the highway. Columbia, in particular, is a major thoroughfare for commercial vehicles of every size.

In Columbia, three highways run parallel to one another as trucks from Savannah, Georgia, to Charlotte, North Carolina traverse the city. Trucks transporting goods down the street at all hours of the day and night may cause serious accidents that might result in fatal injuries.

Truck accidents that might have been avoided cause significant financial and emotional damage. Due to being unable to work, Columbia truck accident victims frequently face significant medical expenses and missed revenue. Furthermore, sufferers may be physically and emotionally distressed. Fortunately, in South Carolina, truck accident victims can seek compensation for these as well as other losses under the law.

In situations like these, it’s imperative to hire a Columbia truck accident lawyer to ensure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. The solicitor will manage all communications with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters and lawyers. You should be able to focus on your health and wellbeing while your lawyer handles every other aspect of your claim.

When you’ve been involved in a Columbia truck accident, it’s essential to know what measures to take next.

Get Medical Attention

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, it’s critical to seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, it’s essential to get a professional opinion. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present symptoms for days or weeks after the initial accident.

Document the Accident

Once you’ve sought medical attention, it’s essential to begin gathering evidence to support your claim. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage done to your vehicle. It’s also beneficial to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. The truck driver’s insurance company will likely try to downplay your injuries, so it’s essential to have as much evidence as possible.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

After you’ve taken care of your health and gathered evidence, the next step is to contact a truck accident lawyer in Columbia. Your lawyer will review the details of your accident and help you understand what options are available to you.

Your lawyer will also negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters on your behalf and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Don’t try to handle a truck accident claim on your own. The trucking company will have an entire team of lawyers working to minimize the amount they have to pay you. To level the playing field, you need an experienced Columbia truck accident lawyer in your corner.

Lead Causes of Trucking Accidents in Columbia

There are many different factors that can contribute to a trucking accident. However, some causes are more common than others.

The following are some of the most frequent causes of truck accidents in Columbia:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most significant contributing factors to truck accidents. When a truck is speeding, it takes longer to stop, increasing the chances of an accident.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is another leading cause of truck accidents. Distractions can come in many forms, including cell phones, GPS devices, and even food.

Fatigued Driving

Fatigued driving is a significant problem in the trucking industry. Truck drivers often feel pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, which can lead to them driving while tired.

Improper Loading

If a truck’s cargo is not properly loaded, it can shift during transport and cause the truck to rollover.

Vehicle Maintenance

Trucks must be properly maintained to ensure they are safe to operate. Unfortunately, some trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money.

Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol are a leading cause of accidents in all types of vehicles. However, they are especially dangerous for trucks because of the size and weight of the vehicles.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving, such as tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic, is another leading cause of truck accidents.

Conclusion

If you’ve been involved in a Columbia truck accident, it’s essential to understand your rights under the law. Trucking companies will often try to downplay the severity of an accident to avoid paying a large settlement. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

 

Jeff Campbell