Columbia Truck Accident Attorney

Injured in a Truck Accident in Columbia, SC?

Truck accidents can be devastating and life-changing. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you need an experienced and skilled attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Mann Blake & Jackson Law, we specialize in truck accident cases and have helped numerous clients in Columbia, SC, and the surrounding areas. Our team of dedicated attorneys understands the complexities of truck accident cases and works tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome.

Call (803) 525-1645 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

A truck accident refers to a collision or incident involving a large commercial vehicle, typically a truck or tractor-trailer, and other vehicles, pedestrians, or objects. These accidents can have serious consequences due to the size and weight of the trucks involved.

Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road, tight schedules, and demanding delivery deadlines can lead to driver fatigue. Tired truck drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Speeding: Trucks require longer distances to come to a stop compared to smaller vehicles. When truck drivers exceed speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions, they may not be able to stop in time to avoid collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Just like any other drivers, truck drivers can become distracted by using their phones, adjusting the radio, eating, or engaging in other activities while driving. Distraction diverts their attention away from the road.
• Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use can impair a truck driver's ability to operate their vehicle safely. Even over-the-counter or prescription medications can cause drowsiness or impaired judgment.
• Inadequate Training: Some truck accidents result from insufficient training of truck drivers. Proper training in handling a large commercial vehicle is crucial for safe operation.
• Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Trucks that are overloaded or not loaded properly can become unstable or have difficulty maneuvering, leading to accidents.
• Mechanical Failures: Truck accidents can occur due to equipment failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent these issues.
• Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Unsafe Following Distances: When trucks follow other vehicles too closely, it limits their ability to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic conditions.
• Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, and road rage can lead to accidents involving trucks.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and poorly marked construction zones can contribute to accidents involving trucks.
• Inadequate Lighting: Trucks may have blind spots where they cannot see smaller vehicles. Inadequate lighting or missing reflectors can make it difficult for other drivers to see and avoid the truck.
• Failure to Yield Right of Way: Truck drivers or other motorists failing to yield the right of way at intersections or during lane changes can lead to collisions.
• Inexperienced or Inattentive Drivers: Sometimes, inexperienced truck drivers or drivers who are not paying proper attention to their surroundings can cause accidents.
• Fatigue from Shipment Delays: Pressure from shipping companies to meet delivery deadlines can lead to drivers pushing themselves beyond their limits, resulting in fatigue-related accidents.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability in a truck accident can be a complex matter, and it typically depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Several parties may be held liable for a truck accident, and liability can be shared among multiple parties.

Here are some of the parties that can be held liable in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: The truck driver is often the first party considered for liability. If the driver was negligent or violated traffic laws (e.g., speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted driving), they can be held liable for the accident.
• Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver can also be held liable. If the trucking company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if they encouraged unsafe practices like excessive hours on the road, they may share liability.
• Truck Owner: If the truck is owned by a separate entity from the trucking company and is leased to the company, the truck owner might share liability if there were maintenance issues or other factors related to the truck's condition that contributed to the accident.
• Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident resulted from mechanical failure or a maintenance issue, the company responsible for maintaining or repairing the truck could be held liable.
• Cargo Loading Companies: Companies responsible for loading cargo onto the truck must ensure it is properly secured and balanced. If improper loading causes an accident, the loading company may be liable.
• Manufacturers: In cases where a defective truck part or component played a role in the accident, the manufacturer of that part (e.g., brakes, tires) may be held liable for product liability.
• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a poorly maintained road or inadequate signage, the government agency responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, other drivers on the road may have contributed to the accident through their own negligence. They can also be held partially or wholly liable.
• Insurance Companies: In many truck accidents, insurance companies will be involved to cover damages. They may be responsible for compensating victims and may later seek reimbursement from the liable parties.
• Passengers: If a passenger's actions or interference with the truck driver contributed to the accident, they may be held liable.

How Our Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our Columbia truck accident lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients recover from their injuries and get back on their feet. They handle all aspects of the case, including negotiating with insurance companies, filing lawsuits, and representing our clients in court. They work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Columbia, SC, contact the experienced attorneys at Mann Blake & Jackson Law today at (803) 525-1645. We offer a free consultation, and we don't get paid unless we win your case.