Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer
Columbia’s position as a planned community doesn’t protect residents from truck accidents. Commercial vehicles might crash on the highway or in more residential areas, and all truck accidents can have serious physical and financial effects. The good news is that our attorneys at Price Benowitz provide comprehensive legal representation for truck accident victims in Columbia and throughout Howard County.
A skilled Columbia truck accident lawyer from our firm is familiar with the unique characteristics of this community and the legal complications of truck crash claims. We will fight aggressively to secure fair compensation for injured clients, so call today to get started.
Columbia’s Truck Accident Risks
Columbia features a distinctive road layout, and Inner Arbor creates unique traffic patterns. Route 29 borders the community with heavy truck traffic, and Route 32 carries commercial vehicles east-west. Village centers attract delivery trucks, which present specific accident risks.
Columbia’s business parks generate substantial truck activity. Technology companies require equipment deliveries, and distribution facilities operate throughout Colombia. Rush hour traffic compounds congestion and risks of truck accidents, especially if truck drivers become impatient or drive aggressively. Pedestrians are also at risk of being hit by a semi-truck.
What Causes Truck Crashes?
Driver error is the most common cause of truck crashes, as commercial drivers can make mistakes and violate the law just like anyone else. The difference is that commercial drivers are operating huge, heavy vehicles when they make errors, so the consequences can be devastating. Any violation of traffic laws or federal trucking regulations can result in a crash. A Columbia truck accident attorney can investigate these violations to determine fault and pursue compensation for injured victims.
Some common causes include the following.
Speed Limit Violations
Excessive speed causes devastating truck accidents, as speed increases, stopping distances increase exponentially, and reduce reaction times. Truck drivers might speed to make more deliveries faster, and black box data can help prove speed violations.
Improper Lane Changes
Unsafe lane changes are a leading cause of many truck accidents. Trucks have huge blind spots, and drivers must take proper action to check them before changing lanes. Sudden lane changes create dangerous situations and often cause sideswipe accidents.
Negligent Hiring and Training Practices
Trucking companies must properly vet drivers, avoid hiring risky drivers, and conduct all necessary background checks. Negligent hiring can create liability for companies.
Inadequate driver training also contributes to accidents. New drivers need comprehensive instruction, and vehicle-specific training is essential. Training deficiencies can demonstrate company negligence.
Truck Equipment Failures
Mechanical failures cause preventable accidents. For example, tire blowouts lead to loss of control, and brake system problems prevent safe stopping. Improper maintenance can lead to trucking company liability.
Compensation in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
When a truck driver causes an accident, they could face liability for the physical, financial, and emotional damage the crash causes. These damages can be a significant financial drain on injury victims who played no role in the crash. An experienced lawyer could help a Columbia truck accident victim pursue compensation from the truck driver who caused the crash.
Most of the damages available in a truck accident lawsuit are intended to compensate the injured claimant. The most common form of compensatory damages covers the injured party’s medical bills. This can include medical expenses immediately following an accident and future costs. Some other examples of compensatory damages include:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Diminished future earning capacity
- Disability
Pursuing Your Truck Accident Claim
A thorough investigation should begin immediately after the accident. Police reports record official findings and any citations issued to the truck driver. Commercial vehicle investigators might also participate, and an early investigation preserves critical evidence.
Truck accident claims are more complicated than other traffic accidents. You need a truck accident attorney with experience addressing these complicated situations and who is familiar with federal and state regulations. Violations can be important evidence if your attorney is able to identify them.
Further, preservation and analysis of technical evidence is usually necessary. Never delay in starting the process, so your truck accident lawyer can preserve strong evidence for your claim. They can enlist trucking industry experts to interpret complex data.
Truck accident claims also involve challenging insurance claims with corporate insurers, and possibly multiple claims at once. These companies tend to fight high-value claims, which often result from catastrophic truck crashes. Our Columbia truck crash attorneys can handle all communications, negotiations, and challenges from insurance companies. If necessary, we can initiate litigation.
Speak with a Columbia Truck Accident Attorney As Soon As Possible
Truck accidents can lead to the kind of devastating injuries that change your life forever. When these accidents occur through no fault of your own, it is only right for the responsible party to shoulder your accident-related expenses. By filing a civil lawsuit, you could hold a negligent truck driver accountable.
If you are ready to explore the possibility of monetary compensation through an injury lawsuit, there is reason to delay. Contact a Columbia truck accident lawyer right away to schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.
