Columbia Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer

Columbia Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney

Driving is something most of us do without giving it a second thought. Because road travel is such an essential part of modern life, it is easy to forget how dangerous it can be. People who have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer know this all too well. If you live in the Columbia area and need to file a claim, you could benefit from the help of a seasoned Columbia tractor-trailer accident lawyer.

About the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

When you are injured, you want someone experienced and knowledgeable advocating on your behalf. The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III has been serving the people of South Carolina for three decades. We tirelessly pursue justice and favorable outcomes for our clients, walking with them through some of the most difficult times in their lives. We are available by phone or email, and our office in Sumter is convenient for our Columbia clients.

Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents are, unfortunately, not uncommon. In 2022 alone, there were more than 116,000 accidents involving a tractor-trailer reported in the United States. In 2023, 87 people in South Carolina were killed in tractor-trailer accidents. Like other road accidents, there are many potential contributing factors for tractor-trailer crashes. Some of the most common are as follows: 

• Distracted driving. Tractor-trailer drivers are human and can be distracted just as easily as any other person driving a vehicle. With technology increasingly integrated into our lives, many drivers find it difficult to resist using their devices while behind the wheel.
• Driving tired. Many tractor-trailer drivers travel very long distances over several days. While there are rules that dictate how long a driver can go without a rest, those rules are not always followed, and drivers can get tired, slowing their reaction time and dulling their senses.
• Mechanical failure. Tractor-trailers are large and mechanically complicated vehicles. Blown tires and brake failure are commonplace and can easily cause accidents.
• Weather and environment. Some accidents are caused by weather conditions that make driving dangerous, such as rain, snow, and ice. These conditions are especially hazardous in states like South Carolina, which typically does not get significant snow or ice.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Tractor-Trailer Accident in South Carolina

If you are hit by a tractor-trailer, the first thing you should do is seek any emergency medical care you need. You should also call the police and report the accident. If you can do so, you should attempt to get the other driver’s insurance information as well as contact information for any witnesses who may be able to provide statements about what happened.

The next step is to file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. You can usually do this by calling the insurance company and providing basic information about yourself and the accident. Since South Carolina is an at-fault state for car accidents, the insurance company will wait for the police report findings before it proceeds with paying any claim.

Why You Should Hire a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer

If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, it is always a good idea to hire a tractor-trailer accident lawyer. Insurance companies generally try to save money in any way they can. Unfortunately, this means they sometimes deny claims they should accept, or they underpay for damages they should cover.

Your attorney can help you by communicating with the insurance company on your behalf. The lawyer can help you file your initial claim and push back if the claim is denied or underpaid. If your case should go to court, your attorney can help you build your case and present it for you in front of the judge. No matter how far your case goes, enlisting the help of a lawyer results in a higher likelihood of a favorable outcome.

FAQs About Tractor Trailer Accident Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer in Columbia?

The cost to hire a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in Columbia can vary significantly from case to case, depending on the complexity of the case and the individual fees set by attorneys. However, many lawyers who take these kinds of cases work on a contingency basis. Rather than taking a fee up front, they take a percentage of any settlement they secure for their client.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim for a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

According to Section 15-3-530 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, you have three years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury claim. This is called a statute of limitations. After that three-year window, the injury victim is no longer allowed to take legal action to recover damages.

What Damages Can I Collect for a Tractor-Trailer Accident Injury?

Compensation for a tractor-trailer accident injury should cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The compensation for medical bills should include the cost of immediate medical care, such as emergency room visits or surgery, as well as ongoing medical care, such as physical therapy or adaptive equipment. Compensation for lost wages should offset the income loss from being unable to work.

How Are Pain and Suffering Calculated?

Pain and suffering are calculated by using one of two methods: the per diem method and the multiplier method, or a combination of both. Under the per diem method, pain and suffering are calculated based on the injured person’s typical earnings. Using the multiplier method, the total of the financial losses suffered by the victim is multiplied by a number chosen based on the overall impact of the injury on the victim’s life.

Hire a Trusted Attorney – Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III

If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, you may be feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the pain of the injury, mounting medical bills, and future uncertainty. You don’t have to navigate the unknown alone. Contact the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III today to learn how we can help you.