Every day, we see big rigs and semi-trucks on the road. They’re a vital part of our economy, but they can also be very dangerous. Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and deadly accidents on the road. Every year, truck crashes lead to thousands of injuries and deaths. Victims of truck accidents often suffer severe injuries.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Columbia truck accident attorney can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. They will be able to advise you on what to do next and help you file a claim against the driver at fault. We offer free consultations. Contact Peterson & Associates, P.C. today to get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbia
Truck accidents are unfortunately all too common on our roads. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and the results can be devastating when they collide with smaller passenger vehicles. Some of the leading causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:
Distracted Driving
Truck accidents can be caused by several factors, but one of the most common is distracted driving. Distracted driving is when a driver takes their attention off the road for any reason. This can include texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, and using electronic devices. When drivers are distracted, it can lead to several dangerous situations, such as lane departures, running off the road, and rear-end collisions.
Drunk Driving
One of the leading causes of tractor-trailer accidents in Columbia is drunk driving. When you get behind the wheel after drinking, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Alcohol slows down reaction time. The size and weight of a truck also make it much harder to stop quickly. This can lead to severe accidents. The consequences of these collisions can be catastrophic.
Improperly Secured Loads
When a truck is carrying a heavy load, it’s essential to make sure that it’s properly secured. This can be done by using ropes or straps to attach the load to the truck and adequately balancing the load’s weight. If the load isn’t secure, it can easily fall off or even cause the truck to lose control.
Speeding
One of the common causes of truck accidents in Columbia is speeding. When a truck driver is going too fast, they have a much harder time stopping or steering the truck, which can lead to an accident. It’s essential to be aware of the speed limit in Columbia and to drive the speed limit. This will help keep everyone safe on the road.
Poor Weather Conditions
When it’s raining or snowing, it can be difficult for drivers to see and navigate the roads safely. Truck drivers are especially susceptible to these conditions, as they can often be traveling at high speeds and need to make quick decisions. Truck drivers must take all the necessary precautions before hitting the road, such as checking the weather forecast and ensuring their vehicle is correctly equipped for bad weather.
Equipment Malfunctions
Equipment malfunctions are one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Columbia. This can include anything from a blown-out tire to an engine failure. Driving with a faulty truck can be extremely dangerous for everyone on the road, so it’s always best to consider any potential problems before they become a more significant issue.
Failure to Obey Traffic Regulations
This includes things such as driving too fast, driving while tired, and not following the rules of the road. These types of accidents can often be avoided if drivers take the time to ensure they are aware of the rules and regulations governing truck driving and also take into account their limitations. Making safe decisions while behind the wheel can often make the difference between a safe trip and one that ends in disaster. It is also important to drive safely and obey all traffic laws. This will help keep you and other drivers safe on the road.
Truck accidents often occur due to driver error. If you’ve been injured due to a truck driver’s negligence in Columbia, you may have legal options available to you. To learn more about your legal options, contact our experienced Columbia truck accident attorneys.
Who Can be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can lead to fatalities and catastrophic injuries. When these accidents occur, it’s essential to know who can be held liable. In most cases, there are several potential at-fault parties. Some of the potential at-fault parties in a truck accident include:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver is the most likely person to be at fault in a truck accident. Truck drivers are professional drivers and are expected to know the rules of the road and how to operate their vehicles safely. If a truck driver causes an accident by violating a traffic law or driving recklessly, they can be held liable for the damages caused. As a truck driver, it’s crucial to stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and to be aware of any potential problems. If you notice something wrong, don’t hesitate to pull over and fix the issue.
The Trucking Company
The truck driver’s employer may also be held liable if the driver was acting on the employer’s behalf. The trucking company is responsible for the safety of its drivers and the equipment they use. If something goes wrong, they can be held liable. The trucking company might also be liable if they hired a driver who was not fit to operate a commercial vehicle. This could be due to factors such as a poor driving record or drug and alcohol abuse.
The Manufacturer of the Truck
The truck manufacturer can also be held liable for a truck accident. If it can be shown that the truck or a component was defective and contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held liable.
The Cargo Loader
The cargo loader can be held liable for damages if it can be proven that they were negligent in their duties. This could include failing to properly secure the cargo or overloading the truck. In some cases, the cargo loader can also be held liable if the cargo causes an accident. For example, if hazardous materials are not properly labeled and they end up causing an accident, the cargo loader may be held liable. The loader may be considered an employee of the trucking company. If this is the case, the trucking company can be held liable for any accidents. However, if the loader is an independent contractor, then the cargo loader will be held liable.
Truck accidents can be complex, and oftentimes, several parties can be held liable. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s vital to have an experienced attorney on your side. A Columbia truck accident attorney will be able to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. Contact our experienced truck accident lawyers at Peterson & Associates, P.C. to help you determine who is at fault now.
What to Do After Being Involved in a Truck Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there are a few things you need to do to protect yourself and your legal rights. Here are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself:
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been involved in a truck accident, your priority should be seeking medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, can take time to show symptoms.
File a Police Report
After being involved in a truck accident, it’s important to file a police report. This is especially true if you were injured in the accident, as the police report will help with your insurance claim. Even if you weren’t injured, it’s still a good idea to file a report. The police report will help identify who was at fault in the accident and can be used as evidence in any legal proceedings that may arise.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
In the aftermath of a truck accident, exchanging information with the other driver is important. This includes name, address, insurance information, and vehicle registration information. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information as well. They may be able to provide valuable information about the accident. Having this information will help you when you’re filing a claim.
Take Pictures of the Damage
If you are involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to take pictures of the damage. This will help with the insurance claim process and make it easier to prove that the accident caused the damages. It will help with any legal proceedings that may take place.
Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Filing a claim can be very complicated. It is vital to have an experienced attorney on your side. Our experienced attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. will help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. We can help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
Being involved in a truck accident can be traumatizing. At Peterson & Associates, P.C., we understand that this time is difficult for you and your family. We will work tirelessly to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. We have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex truck accident cases. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may have legal rights. Contact our experienced attorneys now to discuss your legal rights and learn more about what to expect.
What to Do After Sustaining an Injury in a Motorcycle Accident?
If you’re a motorcyclist, you know that a motorcycle accident can be incredibly dangerous. In the blink of an eye, you can be thrown from your bike and end up with serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take steps to protect your rights and prevent further damage. Here are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself after being injured in a motorcycle accident:
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the most important things you can do after a motorcycle accident is to seek medical attention. If you have injuries, the earlier you start treatment, the better your outcome is likely to be. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s essential to get checked out by a doctor. You may have internal injuries that aren’t easily noticed. So please, don’t wait to see a doctor right away.
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information with the Other Driver Involved
This will let you know if the other driver has insurance in case of compensation. Exchanging contact information will also help ensure that both drivers have accurate records of what happened.
Take Photographs of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
If you can, it’s essential to take photographs of the accident scene. This will help you immensely down the road. It is also important to take pictures of your injuries. This can also help if you decide to take legal action, as it will provide visual evidence of the damages you suffered.
Speak with Witnesses and Get Their Contact Information
If you can, speak with any witnesses and get their contact information, and if you’re able to, it’s also important to take photographs of the accident scene. This can help provide evidence later on if you decide to take legal action. They could be a valuable asset in this case.
Hire an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
An attorney will help protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. An attorney will also ensure that all of your medical expenses are taken care of, as well as any property damage. They will also be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure you receive a fair settlement.
Motorcycle accidents can be very serious. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact an attorney today. An experienced Columbia motorcycle accident lawyer at Peterson & Associates, P.C. will guide you through the process and make sure you receive the best possible outcome.
What are the Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Claim?
If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, you may be able to file a truck accident claim and recover compensation for your damages. Some of the different types of damages truck accident victims can recover include:
Lost Wages
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your lost wages. This type of damage compensates you for the wages that you have lost as a direct result of the accident. This includes not only the wages that you have missed since the accident but also future wages that you will miss as a result of your injury. To recover lost wages damages, you will need to provide evidence that you have missed work as a direct result of the accident. This evidence can take the form of pay stubs, letters from your employer, or any other documentation that shows that you have not been able to work because of your injury.
Medical Bills
Medical expenses are one of the most common forms of damage in personal injury cases. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to recover the costs of your medical treatment and related expenses. This may include the cost of ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, prescription drugs, and physical therapy. You may also be able to recover money for the cost of future medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Pain and Suffering
Victims of truck accidents in Columbia can recover compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is a term that refers to the physical and psychological harm that you have suffered as a result of the accident. This type of damage can be challenging to quantify, which is why it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you seek the maximum amount of compensation possible. Some factors that may be taken into account when calculating pain and suffering damages include the extent and severity of your injuries, how long your injuries will last, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life.
Emotional Distress
You can also recover for damages that are not physical. This includes things like emotional distress, which can be incredibly damaging in and of itself. Emotional distress can be caused by many things, such as the traumatic experience of the accident itself, the fear of ongoing injuries, or the stress of dealing with the insurance company. It can be incredibly damaging to your mental health and quality of life, and you deserve to be compensated for that.
Property Damage
One of the most common types of damages recovered in a truck accident claim is property damage. This includes damage to your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. To recover compensation for property damage, you will need to provide evidence that the damage was caused as a direct result of the accident. This can be done by providing photographs of the damage, obtaining repair estimates, or providing testimony from witnesses.
Wrongful Death
If you’ve lost a loved one in a truck accident, you may be able to recover wrongful death damages. This type of compensation is designed to help those who have lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence. There are a few different types of wrongful death damages that you may be able to recover, including funeral expenses, the costs of medical care leading up to the death, loss of the decedent’s financial contributions, lost wages, loss of consortium, and emotional distress.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious. Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to make the victim whole, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for reckless conduct. These damages are awarded to prevent others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. They are not available in every case, and the amount that can be recovered is typically capped. However, they can be a significant part of a truck accident claim when available.
If you are injured in a truck accident in Columbia, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries. The damages available to you will vary depending on the facts of your case. To learn more about what damages you may be able to recover in a truck accident claim, contact our Columbia truck accident lawyers today.
Contact a Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is crucial to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. It would be best if you had someone who would fight for you, and that’s precisely what our truck accident lawyers will do.
Our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. will help you fight for your rights. We will help you pursue justice and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have the experience and knowledge to get you the best settlement possible. We will help you gather evidence and build a strong case. We offer free case evaluations. Contact a Columbia truck accident attorney by calling (816) 307-2978 to discuss your legal rights.