Columbia Truck Driver Error and Negligence Lawyers

Traveling alongside large commercial trucks makes many Columbia drivers nervous because an accident with one of these powerful vehicles can easily result in serious injury and property damage. Although many factors could influence a truck accident, sometimes the cause is traced to simple driver error or negligence. In this case, a Columbia truck driver error lawyer can help victims pursue financial compensation from the negligent driver.

Driver error could involve reckless behavior, such as speeding, disobeying traffic signals, or overloading cargo on the back of a truck. Trucking companies and their employees must comply with federal regulations to ensure the safety of all motorists. Unfortunately, many truck drivers violate certain standards, putting other people at risk of severe injury and even death.

Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other expenses can quickly turn into a financial burden for truck accident victims. The Columbia truck driver error/negligence lawyers at Goings Law Firm, LLC believe your physical recovery should take precedence as our legal team pursues financial compensation to cover any costs on your behalf.

For your free consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney from Goings Law Firm, LLC, call us right now at (803) 350-9230.

Examples of Truck Driver Error and Negligence

When a Columbia truck driver is distracted or driving recklessly, everyone on the road is endangered. Operating a large truck requires experience, focus, and comprehensive knowledge of handling dangerous situations. If the driver isn’t paying attention to the task at hand or makes a mistake behind the wheel, they could lose control of their truck, placing you in harm’s way.

The following are some ways in which a driver could be responsible for a truck accident in Columbia:

• Failure to Signal Turns
• Aggressive Driving
• Driving with Overweight Load
• Driving During Adverse Conditions
• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Failure To Yield the Right Of Way
• Failure To Check Blind Spots
• Improper or Sudden Braking
• Distracted Driving
• Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

Although this is not an exhaustive list, any of these actions could result in someone else’s serious injury on the road. A Columbia truck driver error and negligence lawyer can help you consider your legal options if you have experienced a truck accident that you suspect was the truck driver’s fault.

Common Types of Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks

When a truck driver makes a dangerous error that results in an accident with other vehicles, a range of different kinds of collisions could occur. There are various types of accidents and points of impact, depending on what caused them.

The most common types of truck accidents are:

• Blindspot accidents – Commercial trucks have four large blind spots. They’re significantly larger than the blind spots on passenger vehicles. If a truck driver doesn’t check these areas before changing lanes or turning, they could sideswipe a car or pin someone beneath their trailer.
• Head-on collisions – Crashing head-on into a large truck can have deadly consequences. This type of accident is often the result of distracted driving. The truck driver isn’t paying attention to the road ahead and inadvertently drifts into oncoming traffic, causing an accident.
• Jackknife accidents – A tractor-trailer can jackknife when the trailer and cab swing towards each other at a 90-degree angle. If the driver loads cargo onto the back of the truck incorrectly, brakes suddenly, or takes a turn too quickly, the vehicle could end up jackknifing.
• Rollover accidents – Although commercial trucks are large, they can roll just like a smaller car. They are top-heavy, so a sudden change in the vehicle’s momentum can result in it tipping onto its side. Unfortunately, passenger vehicles around it can become trapped beneath the trailer, crushing the occupants.
• Rear-end collisions – A truck driver following another motorist too closely can lead to a rear-end accident. The car ahead might come to a sudden stop, and the trucker won’t have enough time to react and avoid crashing into the back of the vehicle.

These are some of the most common accident types involving large trucks. However, this isn’t a complete list. If you were in any kind of truck accident due to truck driver error, you should contact Goings Law Firm, LLC, so we can assist you with your case.

Possible Compensation You Could Recover

You probably suffered a range of losses from the truck accident. Accidents with large commercial trucks can cause more than just physical injuries. You might have post-traumatic stress disorder and need to see a therapist to manage the symptoms. If you usually care for your family, but your injury prevents that, that could create stress for everyone. All of these losses are recoverable when you file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

The past and future losses you can pursue includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Mental anguish
• Physical impairment or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Lost enjoyment of life

South Carolina is a “fault” auto insurance state. That means the at-fault driver becomes responsible for the accident victim’s injuries and resulting losses. Typically, the insurance company is the one to provide the compensation needed to cover the financial, emotional, and physical losses suffered from the crash.

Trucking companies have a legal requirement to purchase liability insurance for their drivers. Different limits are available depending on the type of cargo and how much the truck weighs. They include:

• $300,000 for trucks under 10,001 pounds and transporting non-hazardous cargo
• $750,000 for trucks over 10,000 pounds and carrying non-hazardous cargo
• $1 million for trucks containing hazardous freight
• $5 million for trucks with oil and other hazardous materials

These limits are much higher than the standard auto insurance policies purchased by non-commercial drivers. The coverage available from the trucking company should be adequate to compensate you for your total losses. If, for some reason, the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement much lower than you deserve, we might be able to file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

Contact a Columbia Truck Driver Error and Negligence Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Columbia, a truck driver negligence lawyer at Goings Law Firm, LLC may be able to help you. Our Columbia legal team may help you recover the funds you need for expensive medical treatment, property damage repair, and other costs.

You should not bear the burden of someone else’s mistake. A truck driver was responsible for the accident and should be held liable for their misconduct. Goings Law Firm, LLC will advocate for your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

To learn more about how we can help you pursue those responsible for your accident, call our offices in Columbia at (803) 350-9230 today. We will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation and advise you about the available legal options.