Experienced Advocacy In Commercial Vehicle And Truck Accidents In South Carolina
Sharing the road with tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles and semi trucks creates an immediate imbalance for cars and smaller vehicles like motorcycles. The disparity in size can result in catastrophic accident injuries. If you have been injured in an accident with a semi or an 18-wheeler in Columbia, our truck accident attorneys can help. Koon Cook & Walters, LLC, was founded in 1991. With decades of experience, our personal injury attorneys have proven time and again that they can successfully negotiate settlements that are in the best interests of accident victims and also can fight passionately on their behalf if the case goes to trial.
Semitruck Accidents And A Multitude Of Causes
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry across the nation. It conducted a study that revealed several factors that can contribute or cause 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer and semi truck crashes, including:
- Poor driver decision making: Drivers can make mistakes like misjudging the speed and distance with surrounding vehicles or driving too fast.
- Poor driver recognition: This can include drivers not paying attention to what’s happening around them.
- Driver impairment: Drivers cause accidents when they fail to follow training, were not trained properly or were driving while impaired or distracted.
- Truck maintenance or vehicle issues: Inspections and semi truck maintenance are required by law for commercial vehicles and cargo trucks; dangerous conditions can result if these requirements are not followed.
South Carolina’s accident laws state that whoever is at fault in a motor vehicle accident or crash can be held liable and responsible for any damages that accident caused. Contributory negligence allows for multiple parties to be responsible for an accident. In a truck accident, multiple parties could be liable. The trucking company could be responsible for failing to maintain the commercial vehicle properly. A parts manufacturer could be held liable under product liability principles. Finally, the driver can also be held responsible for mistakes, inattentiveness or impairment. Finding an experienced personal injury law firm with the knowledge, experience and resources needed to get to the bottom of what happened to cause an accident is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
A truck accident can lead to serious injuries and losses. To learn more about how you may have a successful truck accident claim on your hands, it can help to reach out to an attorney. You can find answers to your questions, including the following:
What are the most common causes of truck accidents?
Truck accidents can be caused by a number of reasons, including:
- Substance use by the driver
- Neglect of the vehicle
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Overloaded cargo
- Lack of training
- Mechanical failures
These types of causes can lead to head-on collisions, rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, rollover accidents and sideswipes.
What types of compensation can I seek after a truck accident in South Carolina?
You may be able to recover compensation for several financial losses after a South Carolina truck accident. Damages may be awarded for a successful truck accident case for the following:
- Medical expenses: Hospital stay, surgery, medicine, medical equipment or therapy costs
- Wage loss: Loss of income as a result of injuries or vehicle damages
- Funeral costs: Expenses for the cremation or burial of a loved one
- Vehicle damage: Repair costs or rental costs for a car
- Emotional turmoil: Pain and suffering, depression or loss of enjoyment from life
A lawyer can help you explore your legal options so that you can recover maximum compensation.
How do federal regulations impact truck accident cases?
Federal regulations enforce certain restrictions and standards that trucking companies must meet. If trucking companies neglect to follow rules and regulations, they may be liable for trucking accidents. Victims of trucking accidents may seek compensation from trucking companies for practices that fall below the standard safety regulations.
What evidence is important in building a truck accident case?
A strong truck accident case is built on strong evidence. A police report is an important document used to determine when and how an accident happened, how it may have happened, and who may be liable for damages. A medical report, video evidence and pictures can be used to determine damages. Our attorneys can help you collect crucial evidence.
Free Case Assessments Your Truck Accident
At Koon Cook & Walters, LLC, we offer free, no-obligation initial consultations and case assessments. By understanding the specific circumstances of your motor vehicle accident, we can better evaluate your chance of recovering financial compensation for your accident injuries. Call us today at 803-991-0685 or reach out through our online form to schedule yours today.