When the front or back of one car slams into another’s side, it is called a side impact collision. These kinds of crashes can be serious because a vehicle’s side offers less protection to the driver and passengers.
It is even more dangerous when one of the involved vehicles is a truck. These wrecks can result in severe injuries or death. When you or a loved one were involved in a side impact truck accident in Columbia, it is essential to know your options for compensation.
A complex, time-intensive legal case can feel anxiety-inducing when you are facing medical bills and recovery. Hiring a seasoned tractor-trailer crash attorney to handle the process for you will relieve you of a lot of stress. Seek justice and accountability with the help of our team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda.
Common Causes of T-Bone Truck Collisions
There are many reasons why side impact, or T-bone, truck crashes happen. For example:
- Fatigue
- Roadway defects
- Talking with passengers
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Being distracted by a phone or GPS
- Poor visibility and weather conditions
- Not adhering to traffic signs and signals
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Making a left-hand turn without yielding the right of way
- Wrongly expecting other drivers to yield or slow down
It is crucial to prove what caused the accident, but even more importantly, that it was not primarily because of your own negligence. A Columbia lawyer with experience in T-bone truck crashes could analyze the facts of your case and hire experts to determine its likelihood of success.
Compensation After a T-Bone Crash With a Truck
Injured individuals can seek compensation in court or through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company. These claims can hold several parties accountable, such as truck mechanics, manufacturers, or government entities.
An experienced personal injury lawyer could advocate for you to secure financial compensation, which may include the following:
- Medical expenses (e.g. ambulance fees, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, etc.)
- Property damage or replacement costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and psychological distress
- Loss of consortium
- Physical disabilities or permanent injuries
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence model. This means that a plaintiff can recover damages if they are no more than 50% at fault for the crash that caused their injuries. A plaintiff cannot recover damages if found to be more than 50% at fault.
It is critical to collect all necessary evidence to demonstrate that the other driver or the company was responsible for the accident. A seasoned Columbia lawyer could collect sufficient evidence to prove that you were not the primary cause of your side impact crash with a truck. Reach out to our law office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Speak With Our Team After a Side-Impact Truck Accident in Columbia
To minimize the risk of collisions, people must remain alert, follow traffic laws, and practice defensive driving, especially near trucks. Unfortunately, no matter how careful someone is, no one can control the actions of other motorists.
As a result, it is essential for an injured person to be compensated after someone else’s recklessness or negligence causes a crash. Contact Whetstone Perkins & Fulda to explore your legal options. We will advise you on the next steps after a side-impact truck accident in Columbia.
