Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer

Columbia Truck Accident Attorney

Most drivers in the Columbia area are used to seeing large trucks on I-20, I-26, and on smaller local roads. While accidents involving commercial trucks are less common than passenger car accidents, they can be devastating in their effects. If you were hurt in such an accident, you need to consult a Columbia truck accident lawyer at your first opportunity to determine your recovery options.

Representing Truck Accident Victims in Columbia, SC

The personal injury team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has more than 100 combined years of experience providing legal representation to injured accident victims in the Columbia area and throughout South Carolina. We know that you are likely to have many difficult legal questions in the aftermath of your accident, and we will do everything we can to help you make sense of your difficult situation.

When you hire a truck accident lawyer to represent you, you are not only more likely to succeed with the recovery efforts you attempt but also more likely to maximize the compensation you obtain for your damages. Our firm’s goal is to help every injured client secure as much compensation as possible for their damages, but you will need to reach out to our firm at your first opportunity to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case.

Recovering From a Truck Accident in Columbia

According to the National Safety Council, there were 114,552 large trucks involved in accidents resulting in nonfatal injuries throughout the United States in 2023, and that same year, there were 5,375 large trucks involved in fatal crashes. The majority of the victims of commercial truck accidents are occupants of smaller vehicles, and these accident cases can raise very difficult questions of liability.

Truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons that passenger vehicle accidents happen, such as speeding or driving too fast for conditions, distracted driving, and moving violations like improper lane changes. However, these accidents can also happen when trucking companies or other employers fail to follow trucking industry regulations, such as hours-of-service rules meant to prevent fatigued driving and rules for securing truck cargo.

Before you are able to recover compensation for your damages, you must prove fault for the accident. Your Columbia truck accident lawyer at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can gather the evidence you need to prove the exact cause of the accident, identify the party or parties responsible for causing the crash, and help you calculate the full extent of your claimable damages.

Your first option for recovering from any vehicle accident in South Carolina is usually to file an auto insurance claim. South Carolina requires all drivers to have auto insurance, and truck drivers are usually covered by commercial auto insurance policies that provide more coverage than what you could expect from a standard individual policy. However, it does not mean you should expect filing your claim to be easy.

Most insurance carriers will try to avoid paying out settlements as much as possible. Your truck accident lawyer in Columbia can help you file your insurance claim and verify that the insurer handles it appropriately. If you encounter any disputes, your attorney can be ready to resolve them for you.

Your attorney can also help you file a personal injury case if necessary to ensure maximum compensation for your damages. In a personal injury case, the injured plaintiff has the right to claim repayment of any financial losses they suffered because of the defendant’s actions. The plaintiff can also seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress the defendant caused.

Ultimately, you may have more legal options available to you than you realize at first, and you must hire a truck accident lawyer to maximize the results of your case. The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., knows how to help you navigate this difficult situation effectively, so reach out to our team at your first opportunity to learn how we can help.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Truck Accident Laws

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in Columbia?

Liability for a truck accident in Columbia may fall to the truck driver, their employer, the driver of another vehicle, or a combination of multiple parties. Your Columbia truck accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need to correctly identify the party responsible for causing your damages, and they can also resolve any disputes regarding liability that arise.

How Much Recompense Can I Claim for a Truck Accident in Columbia?

The recompense you can claim for a truck accident in Columbia depends on the severity of the harm the defendant caused. You may have grounds to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repair costs you experienced. Your attorney can help you accurately calculate your economic damages and fight for maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.

What Happens if I Share Fault for Causing My Truck Accident?

If you share fault for causing your truck accident, South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule applies to your case. You will have a fault percentage assigned, and as long as you are found less at fault than the defendant, you can still recover damages. However, your case award will be reduced by your fault percentage, and shared fault can also complicate an auto insurance claim.

Why Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a truck accident lawyer to have a better chance of maximizing your recovery. Your attorney can help you prove fault for the accident, guide you through the insurance claim filing process, and help you build a comprehensive personal injury case if necessary to ensure the fullest possible recovery. You’re more likely to secure a favorable outcome in your case with an attorney’s help.

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has the skills, experience, and professional resources you need on your side in the aftermath of a commercial truck accident in Columbia. We know you have lots of difficult legal questions in this situation and want to provide the guidance and support you need in this challenging time. Contact us today and schedule your free consultation with a Columbia truck accident lawyer you trust with your case.