A South Carolina truck accident is a serious event. While any collision can cause serious injuries; they’re practically guaranteed when a tractor-trailer crash occurs.
The sheer size and speed of an 18-wheeler means that a victim in a small passenger car is at an extremely high risk of suffering catastrophic injuries in a truck-involved wreck. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Facts, 70% of those killed in crashes between large trucks and passenger cars in 2022 were the occupants of the smaller vehicles.
In the U.S., there are around 2.6 million people who drive trucks that weigh over 10,000 pounds. When these kinds of trucks are involved in high-speed crashes, the results can be devastating. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported nearly 160,000 truck crashes in the United States in 2023, 75,000 of which resulted in injuries and 5,000 in deaths.
Whether you suffered serious injuries in a collision with a big rig or a wreck with an 18-wheeler or another type of truck claimed the life of a close family member, you likely feel the need to seek justice for what you’ve endured. Our Columbia truck accident lawyers can help.
Truck accident lawsuits are complex and require quick and decisive action to ensure that responsible parties are identified, important evidence is preserved, and that your opportunity to obtain full compensation for your injuries and losses is maximized. Let us at The Solomon Law Group, LLC help you.
Tractor-Trailer Collisions Are Complicated Events
Investigating a truck wreck that occurred in Columbia, SC can be both complicated and frustrating, especially if you attempt to do so on your own. An investigation into a trucking collision is usually not complete unless the attorney or individuals investigating the incident can review the trucker’s logbooks and medical certifications and get data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR).
A urine or blood test on the truck driver may also be warranted. However, if the proper legal request for this evidence isn’t made promptly, then this evidence can be lost or destroyed, negatively impacting your Richland County truck accident lawsuit.
Another aspect that complicates truck crash cases is that there are often numerous parties who bear some measure of responsibility for the crash. Identifying and bringing suit against all these responsible parties is vital to obtaining full compensation.
These at-fault parties can include:
- The trucker
- The truck’s passenger, if they were distracting the driver in some way
- The trucking company
- The person or company responsible for loading freight into the trailer
- A mechanic who serviced the semi-truck
- The truck’s manufacturer or the company that produced an after-market part
What Factors Lead to Truck Crashes in Columbia, SC?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that a large portion of truck drivers make dangerous decisions, including engaging in unsafe driving practices. NIOSH also discovered that:
- 32% of truckers didn’t have a written safety program with their employer
- 15% of truck drivers drove 10 or more mph over the speed limit
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists three critical events that cause trucking accidents.
- Swerving out of their lane and into another lane or off the road
- Loss of control because of speeding, inclement weather, or vehicle failure
- Crashing into the back of another vehicle in front of the truck
Sometimes, our Columbia truck accident lawyers find that there isn’t one main issue that leads to a truck accident. Other factors can make truckers less safe on the road. Some causes of these trucking collisions, such as the following, are out of the truck driver’s control:
- Brake failure
- Exhaustion/fatigue
- Unfamiliar with route
- Using prescription drugs
- Irregular traffic flow
These factors suggest that truckers aren’t always automatically at fault for the wreck that occurs.
What Can Help Prevent Big Rig Wrecks?
While so many factors can cause truck accidents, a tractor-trailer operator can control a lot of them. Truckers who are alert and practice safe driving tips can drastically reduce the amounts of crashes they have.
Here are some basic safety tips that can help reduce truck accidents and make the roads safer for everyone:
- Buckle up
- Take frequent breaks and get plenty of sleep
- Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and stay mindful that you’re driving
- Don’t use your phone while driving
What To Do After a Columbia Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer or another type of truck, your primary concern should be to obtain immediate medical treatment for any injuries you sustained.
Even if you feel fine, you should still visit a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries can become more severe if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated, and failing to document your health concerns early on can result in you receiving less compensation than you might otherwise be entitled to receive.
You should also:
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses who observed the accident
- Get as much information about the driver of the truck and his or her vehicle as possible (name, employer, truck description, license plate number, registration number, etc.)
- Write down your recollection of the accident as soon as possible after the event so that your memory is preserved
- Don’t apologize for any aspect of your involvement in the accident. While you might want to say “I’m sorry” after the shock of a crash, this could imply that you were somehow at fault and may cause you not to get full compensation for your injuries if you do receive a settlement
What Will Help Your Potential Insurance Claim After a Wreck?
Evidence that shows how the other motorist’s negligence caused the accident and your losses, including the items that follow, can strengthen your claim:
- Photos from the crash scene, including property damage, along with ones of your injuries
- The collision report made by the responding law enforcement agency
- Copies of your medical records and bills as well as receipts for prescription medication filled
- Proof of lost wages
The more significant your losses and ability to demonstrate that’s the case, the higher your chances are that your truck accident attorney in Columbia can secure full compensation in your case on your behalf.
How Can Columbia Truck Accident Lawyers Help You?
When you or a loved one is recovering from a South Carolina truck accident, the last thing you want to worry about is filing a claim. At The Solomon Law Group, LLC, you can count on our skilled lawyers to look out for your legal rights and help you get the justice you deserve.
Our Columbia truck accident lawyers have helped many crash victims recover compensation for their injuries following a collision, and we’re primed and ready to assist you, too.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a competent attorney who will zealously advocate for you.
