Schedule Your Free Consultation With Our Columbia Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The Port of Charleston ranked as the eighth largest U.S. port by volume in 2023, sees a high influx of large trucks, contributing to common occurrences of heavy truck traffic. If you find yourself injured in an accident with a sizable commercial truck in Columbia, and the blame lies elsewhere, it’s crucial to consult with a truck accident lawyer. Why? Because accidents involving these large trucks differ significantly from other traffic incidents, demanding the expertise of an attorney well-versed in handling such cases.
At Hart Law, our Columbia semi-truck accident lawyer stands by, ready to fight for your rights and interests. Do not go it alone after a serious commercial truck accident. These are complicated cases—and you cannot rely on any trucking company to look out for your best interests. If you or your loved one was hurt in a semi-truck accident, please do not hesitate to contact our Columbia attorney today for a free, no-obligation initial case review. Dial (803) 771-7701 now to speak with our law firm.
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What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Columbia, SC
Hurt in a commercial trucking accident in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, or elsewhere in the wider region? You need to take a proactive approach. Refrain from relying on a truck company, an insurance company, or even law enforcement to look out for your best interests. Here are six steps to take after a truck accident in Columbia:
- Stop your vehicle and exchange information with the trucker;
- Call law enforcement to report the semi-truck accident;
- Seek immediate medical care for any physical injuries;
- Carefully document the scene of the trucking accident;
- Be cautious with dealing with any insurance adjusters; and
- Consult with a Columbia, SC truck accident lawyer.
Truck Accidents Can Cause Terrible Injuries
A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 40 tons. Even at a relatively modest speed, commercial trucks can pack incredible force. Unfortunately, when collisions happen, the occupants of smaller vehicles most often bear the brunt of the impact. Catastrophic injuries and fatalities are disproportionately likely to happen in semi-truck accident cases.
Truck accident victims may suffer from:
- Serious soft tissue injuries;
- Broken bones;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Amputations;
- Spinal cord damage; and
- Crush injuries.
The Most Common Reasons Why Semi-Truck Accidents Happen
A tractor-trailer should always be operated with the absolute highest level of care. Corners should never be cut when it comes to safety. Profits cannot be allowed to take priority over people. Although semi-truck accidents in Columbia happen for a wide range of different reasons they rarely occur by chance.
Far more often, they result from a combination of factors that could have been prevented with proper diligence. Some of the leading causes of truck accidents include:
- Poor Training: The safe operation of a commercial truck requires skills and experience. Trucking companies must ensure that all drivers are properly trained.
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers who spend too many hours on the road, despite federal hours-of-service regulations, can experience reduced reaction times and poor judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone, adjusting the GPS, eating, or engaging in other distractions can quickly lead to a catastrophic accident.
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Pressure to meet tight deadlines can tempt drivers to exceed speed limits or make unsafe maneuvers.
- Poor Maintenance: Failing to properly maintain brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components can result in mechanical failure.
- Improper Loading: Overloading a trailer or failing to secure cargo can cause imbalances, making the truck harder to control.
Holding Truckers and Trucking Companies Accountable
When a truck accident occurs in Columbia or elsewhere in South Carolina, an in-depth investigation is necessary to determine who was at fault. Do not trust police or insurance companies for a proper investigation. A skilled truck accident attorney will know how to review driver logs, data from electronic logging devices, trucking company records, vehicle maintenance reports, and other pieces of evidence that can shed light on what happened.
Expert witnesses—such as accident reconstruction specialists—may also be brought in to recreate the events leading up to the crash. Why is the investigation so important? Under South Carolina’s fault-based standard, the party that caused the accident must be held responsible. If a truck driver was violating safety regulations or the trucking company failed to enforce proper hiring practices or vehicle maintenance, they can be found liable.
By establishing fault through thorough investigation and analysis, you will be in the best position to prove fault and recover compensation for your damages.
Know the Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Injury Claims
Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-3-20), there is a three-year statute of limitations for semi-truck accident claims. What happens if a truck accident lawsuit is not filed within three years of the date of a crash? The victim could miss his or her opportunity to pursue compensation at all.
Do not fall behind in the legal claims process. A proactive approach is an absolute must. You should speak to a Columbia truck accident lawyer right away after a serious collision.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation for Injured Victims
A semi-truck crash can cause catastrophic harm. Injured victims must be able to secure the full and fair compensation that they need to pay bills and support their families. In South Carolina, injured victims can seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses.
However, the value of your truck accident injury claim will always depend on a wide range of case-driven factors. Our Columbia truck accident lawyer helps injured victims fight for the maximum settlement or verdict. You may be eligible for compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Long-term medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Diminished earnings;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring;
- Disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Why Trust Our Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer
Commercial truck accident claims are notoriously complex. Issues can arise for a wide variety of different reasons. You do not have to take on the trucking company or any insurance company alone. Our founder and principal attorney Christopher R. Hart has the experience that you can count on.
With proven leadership in law and a record of client testimonials, our results tell the story. We are always proactive and we take the time to provide personalized advocacy. Along with other things, our Columbia, SC semi-truck accident lawyer is ready to:
- Hear what you have to say and answer questions during a free case review;
- Investigate your truck accident—gathering all relevant evidence;
- Handle the personal injury paperwork and settlement negotiations; and
- Take aggressive legal action focused on getting justice and the maximum recovery.
The Serious Nature of Accidents Involving Large Trucks in Columbia
The formidable distinction in size and weight between large trucks—ranging from tractor-trailers, cement mixers, and delivery trucks—and standard passenger cars plays a pivotal role in understanding the challenges unique to commercial truck accidents. According to the NHTSA, a “large truck” weighs at least 10,000 pounds, with fully loaded tractor-trailers legally reaching an astonishing 80,000 pounds—20 times more than the typical 4,000-pound passenger car. This stark mass contrast results in a disproportionate impact during collisions, leading to increased damage to the smaller car and heightened risks of injury or fatality for its occupants.
In 2021, 72% of the 5,788 fatalities in large-truck traffic crashes in the U.S. were occupants of other vehicles, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of those in smaller cars. Moreover, determining liability in commercial trucking accidents introduces complexities absent in two-car collisions, involving multiple potentially responsible parties and the aggressive tactics of insurance companies representing truck drivers, motivated to minimize settlements due to the often severe injuries in these incidents.
Challenges in Columbia Truck Accident Claims
In Columbia, establishing liability in large truck accidents is a detailed process. Imagine a scenario where a Columbia resident faces injuries due to a trucking collision. To build a robust case, we meticulously gather evidence, tapping into police reports, witness statements, and insights from skilled investigators.
Beyond standard procedures, we delve into records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), navigating regulations on electronic logging devices, loading training, maintenance routines, weight limitations, and hours of service. If negotiations fall short, our preparedness for litigation remains a steadfast commitment to securing the optimal outcome for Columbia clients.
Truck Accident Claims in Columbia, SC: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I Need a Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer?
The best step that you can take to protect your rights and your interests is to consult with a lawyer. A Columbia, SC semi-truck accident attorney will have the expertise needed to effectively navigate complex regulations, identify all potential at-fault parties, and handle settlement negotiations. With a lawyer, you can seek the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve.
Should I Give a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer?
No—Avoid providing a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster until you have had the opportunity to consult with a Columbia, SC truck accident attorney. Insurance companies are not on your side. Further, the insurance companies that provide policies to trucking companies are notoriously aggressive. They will try to use your words against you to deny coverage or reduce the value of your claim. Work with insurers through an attorney.
Will Federal Truck Regulations Play a Role in My Case?
Federal regulations may play a big role in your case. While truck accident injury claims are brought under state law, many commercial trucks in South Carolina are subject to federal safety regulations. These rules establish standards for driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and operating procedures. If the truck driver or company violated these regulations, that could be evidence of negligence. A negligent truck or trucking company can be held legally responsible for a crash.
What is Comparative Negligence?
Comparative negligence is a legal principle that apportions fault between all parties involved in an accident. Your potential recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. South Carolina operates under a modified comparative negligence standard. For example, imagine that you sustained $50,000 in damages in a truck accident in Richland County. However, due to speeding, you are held 30 percent liable for the crash. Under South Carolina law, you would be liable for 30 percent of your damages—that means you would be liable for $15,000. Your recovery would be limited to $35,000.
Is My Truck Accident Injury Claim Likely to Be Settled?
That is the outcome of many truck accident injury cases. Indeed, a trial verdict is only rendered in a very small share of personal injury claims—including truck accident cases—in South Carolina. A full and fair settlement can be a great outcome. Still, a trial is always possible. You should be represented by a trial-tested Columbia, SC truck accident lawyer.
How Is Fault Determined in a Truck Accident in Columbia, SC?
Fault in a truck accident is determined based on evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and sometimes the use of accident reconstruction experts. Columbia follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning each party’s degree of fault is assessed, and compensation is adjusted accordingly.
Can I Still Pursue a Claim if The Truck Driver Left The Scene of The Accident in Columbia, SC?
Yes, but it complicates matters. Report the hit-and-run to law enforcement immediately and consult with a Columbia attorney to explore your legal options.
Is It Possible To Settle a Truck Accident Case Out of Court?
Yes, many cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit may be necessary.
Contact Our Columbia, SC Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for Your Free Consultation
In Columbia, overcoming these obstacles and obtaining rightful compensation following a large truck accident is achievable. At Hart Law, our Columbia trucking accident attorney is skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced. We are standing by, ready to advocate for your rights and your interests each step of the way.
If you or your loved one was involved in a commercial trucking wreck, please do not hesitate to contact us today for your free, fully confidential initial case review. Our firm handles semi-truck accident claims in Columbia, Richland County, Lexington County, and throughout the region. Dial (803) 771-7701 to speak with our experienced law firm today.