Truck accidents generally involve tractor-trailers, buses, tow trucks, delivery and box trucks, flatbeds, tanker trucks, and other commercial vehicles. A large truck, such as an 18-wheeler, can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. That’s about 20 times more than the average passenger car. When a large truck and a smaller car collide, the damages are usually catastrophic. Trucking cases should not be handled in the same manner as car accident cases. Marc Brown is an experienced truck accident lawyer who is here to help you. If you or a loved one have been harmed in a truck accident in South Carolina or Georgia, contact the Marc Brown Law Firm today to request a free consultation from an expirenced Columbia car crash lawsuit attorney.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbia
Truck accidents can be caused by numerous factors, making a thorough investigation immediately following a crash especially important. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Negligence. Either driver may have contributed to the accident via an act of negligence, such as speeding, driving while distracted, driving while drunk, or driving aggressively.
- Driver Fatigue or Impairment. Truck drivers often have tight deadlines, and sometimes they choose to miss sleep in order to meet deadlines. Unfortunately, sometimes truck drivers also choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Driving while fatigued or impaired reduces reaction time and decreases the driver’s ability to make proper decisions while operating their truck.
- No Zones. Tractor-trailers often referred to as 18-wheelers or semi-trucks, have blind spots on all sides of the vehicle. Most people are aware of the blind spots on the sides, but there are also blind spots in the front and in the back. These blind spots are called “No Zones” and can include one or more entire lanes of traffic.
- Loading Error. When cargo is not properly loaded or secured, it can shift while in transit. A cargo shift can be devastating, causing a trailer to shift or tip.
- Trucking Company Negligence. Trucking companies are tasked with conducting thorough background checks on drivers, inspecting & maintaining trucks, holding drivers to hours of service requirements, ensuring drivers are properly trained, and more. The failure to do any of the above (or perform another duty) could lead to a crash.
- Vehicle defect. When a vehicle is defective, the risk of an accident is high. Tire blowouts, defective brakes, and other improperly-functioning vehicle parts may cause a crash.
Columbia truck accident lawyer, Marc Brown will work hard to determine the precise cause of your crash and then bring a lawsuit against the appropriate parties.
Damages You Can Seek After a Truck Accident
In a truck accident claim, multiple parties can often be sued for compensation, including the truck driver, the trucking company owner, the truck manufacturer, and even the government if hazardous road conditions were a cause of the accident. The types of damages you may be able to recover include:
- Property Damage
- Medical Expenses, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation costs
- Physical Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Lost Wages
- Loss of Future Earning Potential
- Lost Quality of Life
- Punitive Damages
Columbia truck accident lawyer, Marc Brown will work hard to determine the precise cause of your crash and then bring a lawsuit against the appropriate parties.
Steps to Take After a Columbia Truck Accident
Following a crash, you should seek medical treatment. When seeking medical treatment, you should provide the physician with as much information as you can about the accident and your symptoms so they can make the most thorough assessment possible. It is important that you follow all of your physician’s orders.
We also strongly advise that you file and request a copy of a police report, ensure all evidence relevant to your case is preserved, and talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The statute of limitations on your truck accident claim is three years. As soon as you experience a collision, the clock is ticking on your right to bring forth a claim.
It is also important to remember that you do not have to provide a written or recorded statement to the truck driver’s insurance company. Also, it is not in your best interest to provide a medical records authorization to the truck driver’s insurance company. Often, insurance companies will try to use this information to increase your degree of fault and minimize your degree of injury.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Attorney Marc Brown is a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer. When you call our firm, we will start working on your case immediately. We aid you by investigating your case, determining and proving fault, calculating your damages, dedicating time and resources to your case, negotiating your settlement, and bringing your case to litigation if necessary.
In cases of wrongful death resulting from truck accidents, we provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support. We understand the profound impact such a loss has on families, and we are committed to seeking justice for your wrongful death claim in Columbia. Our firm works diligently to prove liability, calculate the full extent of your damages, including loss of companionship and future earnings, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We work on a completely contingency-fee-basis, which means that you will face no upfront or hourly fees when you work with us. We only get paid when you recover from your claim.
Reach Out to A Columbia, SC Truck Accident Attorney
We are pleased to offer free, no-obligation consultations. Contact us today to request a free consultation to discuss your case.