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Truck Accidents in Columbia, SC: What You Need to Know

February 28, 2022

Category
: Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Attorney
Sharing the road with large trucks can be scary for some drivers — and, unfortunately, truck accidents do happen. But, even though they occur on the road, truck accidents are a bit more complicated than run-of-the-mill traffic accidents.
In case you’ve recently suffered injury from one, or you’re involved in one in the future, here’s everything you need to know about truck accidents in Columbia, SC.
Are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Yes, for a couple of reasons. First of all, large trucks have more weight and force (at least 25x more than a typical car), which can often result in greater damage in the event of a collision. This can lead to serious, lifelong injuries and emotional suffering for survivors — or, even worse, it could lead to death
Also, large trucks carry a variety of materials, some of which can be hazardous or flammable. This can also make the impact of the collision more severe.
Finally, truck accidents involve professional drivers who are held to higher standards on the road. These drivers are usually associated with employers who are governed by federal law and will often bear the responsibility for any accidents that occur. This makes the litigation process a bit more complicated.
All that said, truck accidents are usually much more complex than car accidents, and are therefore treated differently in the eyes of the law.
What Is Considered a “Large Truck”?
The term “large truck” can be rather subjective, but in the legal world, it includes the following vehicles:
  • Tractor-trailer
  • 18-wheeler
  • Large freight truck
  • Delivery truck
  • Tanker truck
What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
There’s an infinite number of things that can lead to a truck accident. However, some of the most common causes are:
  • Employer negligence
  • Employer liability
  • Truck driver fatigue
  • Inexperienced or untrained truck drivers
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Truck equipment failure
  • Weather conditions
  • Improper loading
It’s important to understand the causes of truck accidents because many of these can be used to prove your case and assign fault in a personal injury claim. For your personal injury claim to be valid, someone other than you needs to be at fault. Understanding what caused the accident can help you determine if it’s the employer, the trucker, the truck manufacturer, and so on.
What to Do If You’re in a Truck Accident in Columbia, SC
If you’re involved in a truck accident in Columbia, SC, you should first examine yourself for any medical attention you may need. If you don’t need immediate medical treatment, you should do the following:
  • Check your passengers and the truck driver to make sure they’re safe.
  • Call the police, inform them of the incident, and request medical attention.
  • Obtain the truck driver’s insurance and contact information. Ask them if they’re employed by a trucking company, work as an independent contractor, or operate the vehicle under a lease.
  • Take photos of the accident and any damage with your phone. Try to capture any logos on the truck.
  • Make note of the road conditions, weather conditions, or any other conditions that could have contributed to the crash.
  • Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Once you leave the scene, you should also get in contact with a Columbia, SC truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. They’ll help you sort out the details of your case, advocate for your needs in court, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to for your injuries.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, you’ll need trustworthy attorneys by your side to help you recover what you’ve lost. Contact Bernstein & Bernstein and we’ll help you through the process.

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