Columbia Employer Negligence / Liability Lawyers
Columbia trucking companies and employers are responsible for hiring and training drivers to operate vehicles carefully and professionally while they transport goods. Sadly, some Columbia trucking companies do not put a high priority on providing their employees with the training they require. As as a result, serious accidents can occur and cause extensive damage to everyone involved.
The Columbia employer negligence lawyers know firsthand the severity of injuries and property damage that trucking accidents cause. If you have been involved in such an accident, we want to provide you with the legal representation that you need to hold the responsible trucking company liable successfully. At Goings Law Firm, LLC, our Columbia lawyers know that you may be facing a challenging recovery process, and we are committed to helping you and your family through this difficult time.
Call us at (803) 350-9230 right now for your free consultation to learn more about our services and how we can help.
Types of Employer Negligence
Truck accidents in Columbia can result from a variety of types of employer negligence. Some of the most common employer liability cases that our Columbia attorneys of Goings Law Firm, LLC handle include:
- Hours of Service Violations – Truck drivers are only allowed to spend a certain number of hours on the road during each shift. Employers who encourage their employees to drive longer than the maximum amount of hours to stay on schedule and make more money put other motorists in danger. These truckers could become fatigued and cause an accident.
- Negligent Hiring – The hiring process should involve extensive background checks into a new driver’s employment history, training, licensing, and other qualifications. Employers should also review previous accidents, criminal records, and traffic citations. Staffing shortages and difficulty retaining good employees can lead to employers hiring anyone they can find, regardless of their experience.
- Failure to Train / Inadequate Training – Trucking companies must provide training to their truck drivers. Operating a commercial truck is complicated and requires a thorough knowledge of handling one in adverse weather and other dangerous situations. Failing to provide necessary training could put an unprepared driver on the road.
- Failure to Inspect Vehicles – Commercial trucks contain various moving parts and systems that must function correctly at all times. Defects and damage could prevent the driver from controlling their vehicle. An out-of-control vehicle can cause an accident. The company should ensure regular inspections of the fleet and fix any problems they find promptly.
- Improperly loaded cargo – All cargo must adhere to the weight and size limits for the specific truck or trailer a driver uses. They should also use suitable securement systems, so items don’t shift during transport. Cargo loads can move around in the trailer and throw a vehicle off balance if they’re not tied down properly.
These instances of negligence are unacceptable and can easily cause extremely dangerous situations on the road, putting many Columbia families at risk. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates trucking companies and how they’re supposed to operate, many of them violate federal regulations. This puts other drivers at risk of harm when truckers drive recklessly.
Goings Law Firm, LLC Will Handle the Investigation
The Columbia employer negligence lawyers of Goings Law Firm, LLC know how to investigate cases like yours and locate crucial evidence to prove someone else was at fault for your injuries. The trucking company’s actions led to an accident, and they should be liable for the expenses you incurred.
When you hire us, we will perform a thorough investigation and obtain the evidence we need to strengthen your case. Some of this evidence might include:
- Photos from the accident scene
- Eyewitness statements
- Trucking company’s hiring procedures
- Maintenance, inspections, and repair logs
- Truck driver’s employment history
- Crash report
- Video surveillance
- Damage estimates of all vehicles involved in the accident
- Your medical records and medical bills
Proving the trucking company was negligent in causing an accident can be challenging. That’s why it’s vital that you hire an experienced attorney to represent you. If you attempt to handle your case alone, you could face obstacles that delay the progress of getting your expenses covered or result in a denied insurance claim. We know how to build a strong case for our clients and recover the maximum compensation available.
Compensation You Deserve After A Truck Accident
South Carolina uses a traditional fault system to determine liability after an accident. That means the party that causes the crash becomes financially responsible for the injured victim’s losses. Fortunately, the large insurance coverage trucking companies must purchase for their drivers means you might be able to cover your total losses.
These losses could include:
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
The minimum required liability limit for truck drivers is $300,000. Coverage can go all the way up to $5 million, depending on the size of the truck and the type of cargo the driver is carrying.
Deadline for Filing A Lawsuit
Filing an insurance claim with the trucking company’s insurance company isn’t your only option for seeking compensation. You could sue for recovery of your losses. South Carolina requires following a three-year statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is the timeframe for initiating legal action against another party if they were at fault for your injuries.
This is a strict deadline you must adhere to if you want to hold the trucking company accountable for their negligent behavior in court. The three-year period begins on the date of the accident. After the statute runs out, you could lose your right to pursue a monetary award for your losses if you haven’t filed suit by then.
Consult an Employer Negligence Lawyer in Columbia
Unfortunately, many innocent people are injured by reckless truck drivers and dangerous vehicles. If you have been injured in a truck accident due to employer negligence, the lawyers at Goings Law Firm, LLC are prepared to help you through the legal process of seeking compensation. We will exhaust all resources and work hard to hold the trucking company liable for its actions. We know the devastation an accident can cause and want to reach a favorable outcome in your case so you can recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
If you were injured in an accident and a trucking company was responsible for the accident their driver was involved in, do not hesitate to reach out to Goings Law Firm, LLC immediately for legal representation. Call (803) 350-9230 today to speak with an experienced employer liability lawyer in Columbia about your legal options.
