COLUMBIA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Columbia

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Get checked, even if you don’t feel injured right away.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
4. Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties.
5. Get Witness Statements: Ask for their contact information if anyone saw the accident.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not apologize or make statements that could be used against you.
7. Report to Insurance: Notify your insurance company but avoid giving recorded statements.
8. Contact our Attorney: Our experienced Columbia personal injury lawyer can help protect your claim.

The Statute of Limitations in Georgia

The state’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the accident date. If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Key Evidence You Will Need to Support Your Truck Accident Claim

Strong evidence is critical to proving negligence and securing the compensation you deserve. Our team can handle this process for you, but here are key pieces of evidence that help support your injury claim:

• Police Report: An official record of the accident, including details about the fault and any citations issued.
• Medical Records: Document your injuries, treatment, and prognosis to show the accident’s impact.
• Photos and Videos: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident and can confirm what happened.
• Truck Driver’s Logbooks and Records: Evidence of driver fatigue, hours-of-service violations, or reckless driving.
• Black Box Data: Electronic data from the commercial truck that records speed, braking, and other key factors.
• Employment and Maintenance Records: Information on the trucking company’s hiring, training, and vehicle upkeep.
• Proof of Financial Losses: Pay stubs, receipts, and invoices showing lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs.

The Cost of Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer in Columbia

Many truck accident victims worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer, but at Jamie Casino Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront—we only get paid if we win your case.

A contingency fee structure benefits you because it:

• Eliminates financial risk, so you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket legal fees.
• Aligns our success with yours—we are motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible.
• Ensures that experienced truck accident legal representation is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford high retainers.

Why Choose Us Over Other Columbia Truck Accident Attorneys?

• EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE: Our experienced attorney team has successfully handled countless truck accident cases, securing significant settlements and verdicts. We know the complexities of commercial truck accidents and how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
• PERSONALIZED ATTENTION: We treat every case with the care it deserves, ensuring our clients receive dedicated legal representation. You won’t be just another case number—we prioritize your unique needs.
• STRATEGIC APPROACH: Our firm uses aggressive legal strategies tailored to each case. We thoroughly investigate every accident case to build the strongest possible claim.
• RESOURCES TO WIN: We have access to top accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and industry specialists. These resources help us prove negligence and maximize your compensation.
• CLIENT-CENTERED PHILOSOPHY: Your best interests always come first. We fight tirelessly to get the results you deserve while keeping the process as stress-free as possible.
• PROVEN RESULTS: We have a track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for truck accident victims. Our firm’s success speaks for itself.
• TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATION: You will always know what’s happening with your case. We provide clear, honest updates so you never feel left in the dark.

General Information on Truck Accidents in Columbia

Truck accidents in Columbia can result in severe injuries and significant financial losses. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these collisions are often more tricky than standard car accidents, requiring thorough investigations and strong legal representation.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Several parties may be responsible for a South Carolina truck accident, depending on the cause of the accident. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, or impaired, they may have contributed to the accident and can be held accountable in a truck accident lawsuit.
• Trucking Company: If the company fails to properly train drivers, enforce safety regulations, or force unrealistic schedules that lead to driver fatigue, they may be liable. A truck accident attorney can help investigate these violations.
• Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Provider: Defective truck tractors or poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other parts can cause serious crashes. The truck manufacturer or maintenance provider may be held responsible if mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
• Cargo Loading Company: Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to tip, jackknife, or lose control. If cargo shifts or spills during transit, the loading company may be liable for the damages.
• Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, lack of proper signage, or hazardous conditions can lead to truck accidents. If a South Carolina government agency responsible for road maintenance neglected necessary repairs, they may be liable.
• Third Parties: Other drivers, pedestrians, or companies contributing to the accident—such as negligent passenger vehicle drivers or subcontractors responsible for truck tractors—can also be held accountable.

The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents include a variety of factors that can lead to devastating crashes. The most common cause of the accident often involves:

• Mechanical Defects: Issues like faulty brakes or worn tires, especially in truck tractors, can lead to accidents.
• Fatigue: Long hours on the road cause exhaustion, reducing reaction time and increasing the risk of crashes.
• Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and reckless maneuvers contribute to severe SC truck accidents.
• Driver Error: Failing to check blind spots, improper lane changes, or confusion on new tour routes can result in collisions.
• Severe Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, fog, ice, and poorly maintained roads make large trucks harder to control.

Types of Truck Accidents in Columbia

Truck accidents can happen in many ways, often leading to severe injuries and property damage. Below are some of the most common types:

• Rear-End Collisions: Occur when a truck crashes into the vehicle in front, often due to brake failure, driver fatigue, or distracted driving.
• Jackknife Accidents: Happen when a truck tractor and trailer fold into a 90-degree angle, usually caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
• Rollover Accidents: A truck can tip over due to high speeds, improper loading, or sharp turns, endangering other motorists.
• Blind Spot Accidents: Large trucks have significant blind spots, making lane changes risky if drivers don’t check properly.
• Tire Blowouts: A sudden tire failure can cause a driver to lose control, leading to multiple vehicle crashes.
• Wide-Turn Accidents: When a truck swings wide to make a turn, it can collide with nearby vehicles or force them off the road.
• Lost Cargo Accidents: Improperly secured cargo can fall onto the road, creating dangerous obstacles for other drivers.

You can check out The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) Highway Statistics page for more information on specific statistics.

Common Types of Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents We See

Here are some of the most common injuries truck accident victims may suffer:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries from impact can cause concussions, memory loss, or permanent brain damage.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
• Broken Bones: High-impact crashes often cause fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs, leading to life-threatening conditions.
• Burns: Fires or explosions from fuel leaks can cause severe burns requiring extensive medical treatment.
• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impact can strain muscles, ligaments, and vertebrae, causing chronic pain.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Sharp debris or shattered glass can lead to deep cuts and bruising.
• Psychological Trauma: Many victims experience PTSD, anxiety, or emotional distress after a severe accident.

Don’t let the trucking company or insurer undervalue your claim. Call us now at 912-214-3123 or contact us today for a free case review.