Truck Accidents
South Carolina Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck Accident Claims in North Augusta and South Carolina
As commonplace as driving is, it is a dangerous activity. One of the most significant risks to drivers is the risk of truck accidents. Trucks are much larger than other vehicles on the road and can cause substantial damage if they are involved in a collision.
At Woron and Dhillon, LLC, our truck accident lawyers in Columbia can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We offer free consultations, during which you can discuss the details of your case and learn more about our services.
If you are interested in speaking with a Colombia trucking accidents attorney, send us a message or call (803) 626-1345 for a free consultation.
What Should You Do if You Are Hit by an 18-Wheeler?
If you are in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, your first priority should be your safety. You should immediately call 911. When you are able, get the driver and their employer’s contact information including their driver’s license, registration, and insurance. Be sure to give a statement to the police and try to collect witness statements from anyone who saw the accident happen as well as their contact information.
It’s recommended that you don’t talk about the accident with the truck driver and avoid discussing the accident with the insurance company. At Woron and Dhillon, LLC we offer free consultations and can discuss the potential of your case with you at no cost.
How Many People Die in Truck Accidents?
Thousands of people are injured in truck accidents in the United States every year. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,136 people were killed in truck accidents in 2018. The majority of the people who were killed in those collisions were people other than the truck driver, including people in other vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
What Are the Different Types of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can occur in ways that are similar to car accidents, but these vehicles also present their own unique dangers to other drivers. A truck accident may involve common vehicle collision issues, such as side-swipe collisions, but may also involve issues that are truck-specific, such as cargo-related issues.
Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Side-swipe collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Override/underride accidents
- Cargo accidents
- Maintenance-related accidents
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What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can result from many different factors. A truck accident may be caused by the truck driver’s behavior, or by factors that could be out of the driver’s control and are caused by a third party’s negligence, such as maintenance issues. Of course, some of these factors can be the result of the driver’s negligence as well.
A truck accident may be caused by:
- Heavy or dangerous cargo
- Maintenance and repair issues
- Reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Hours of service violations/fatigued driving
- Inclement weather
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
In many truck accident cases, the truck driver is liable for the damages. Truckers are responsible for operating their vehicle safely, ensuring they are awake and focused when driving, keeping their truck maintained, and adhering to safety regulations. Third parties who may be liable for a truck accident include mechanics, vehicle manufacturers, road designers and construction companies, and other parties.
To determine who is liable, helpful evidence may include maintenance records, trip logs, traffic tickets, surveillance or dash cam footage, and data from the vehicle’s black box.
Driver Liability vs. Trucking Company Liability
It is common for truck drivers and the trucking companies that they drive for to share liability for collisions. Trucking companies must regularly maintain the vehicles in their fleet, hire competent drivers, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. A driver’s negligence is often the result of a lack of oversight from the trucking company and the business’s failure to meet their responsibilities.
Do I Need A Truck Accident Lawyer?
Recovering proper compensation after a truck accident without an experienced attorney on your side can be very difficult. Trucking companies are often backed by top-tier attorneys who are hired to protect their company, and in turn, keep you from recovering the compensation you deserve. Working with an attorney has many benefits and can, at its core, allow you to focus on recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.
If you have filed a claim and it has been denied, you have been denied the treatment you need, or you have experienced difficulties with the insurance company, you may benefit from consulting a car accident attorney. The attorneys at Woron and Dhillon, LLC are experienced in handling truck accident claims and know what to expect during the entire process. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you.
We Are Available for Free Consultations
The Woron and Dhillon, LLC legal team can take on powerful trucking companies and negligent drivers for you in the aftermath of a truck accident. We will help you understand the complexities of your case and will help you navigate your legal responsibilities when filing a claim. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
Call (803) 626-1345 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our truck accident attorneys in Columbia.
Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer FAQs
If you have recently been involved in an accident with a truck, you may be considering filing a claim with the help of a Columbia truck accident lawyer to represent your case. This is a big decision, so it’s important to ensure you have all the facts. To help you make the best decision for your case, here are five common questions we encounter. If you have more questions, contact a lawyer at Woron and Dhillon, LLC today!
How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a lawyer can vary, depending on the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s fees. Many lawyers charge an hourly rate, while others may offer a flat fee or contingency fee, meaning you pay only if your case is won. During your initial consultation, ask your lawyer to discuss their fees and payment plans in detail so you understand what you will be expected to pay. Some lawyers also offer free consultations and might even work pro bono in some cases. Consider your budget and explore all options before deciding which lawyer to hire.
How Long Will My Case Take?
The length of your case will depend on several factors, such as the complexity of the legal issues, the number of parties involved, and how quickly each party responds. A Columbia truck accident lawyer can give you an estimate of how long your case will take based on their experience with similar cases. Generally, your lawyer will try to settle out of court as soon as possible. However, some cases may take longer if they go to trial. Your lawyer will explain the process of a truck accident lawsuit and what to expect along the way. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and to keep a close eye on your case’s progress.
What if I Am Partly at Fault?
If you are found to be partly at fault in a truck accident, it can still be possible to obtain compensation. South Carolina follows a “modified comparative fault” rule, which means that those who are found to be less than 50 percent at fault can still recover damages. The amount of compensation you receive will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of fault assigned to you. It is important to remember that if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault, then you cannot recover any damages.
Do I Have to Go to Court?
In some cases, filing a claim with a lawyer can be resolved without ever having to go to court. This is often the desired outcome as it avoids the stress and long duration of a court trial. In most cases, your lawyer will work diligently to negotiate an out-of-court settlement with the other party. This may involve presenting evidence that shows fault on the part of the other driver and proving that you suffered losses due to the truck accident. If a settlement cannot be reached, you may be required to go to court and have your case tried before a judge or jury.
Contact a Columbia truck accident lawyer for help at Woron and Dhillon, LLC today.
“I highly recommend Brett Woron. He goes above and beyond for his clients. If you are seeking an attorney, he is the one.”
“I highly recommend Brett Woron. He goes above and beyond for his clients. If you are seeking an attorney, he is the one.”
“I highly recommend Brett Woron. He goes above and beyond for his clients. If you are seeking an attorney, he is the one.”
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