We see tanker trucks on the road nearly every day. While many commercial vehicles carry necessary goods for everyday use, tankers carry liquids, including gas or oil, to support Columbia’s essential functions. Since there is no avoiding Columbia tankers, we must learn to navigate the world with them, and that includes protecting our rights with a Columbia tanker truck accident lawyer when an accident happens.
If an accident like this has injured you, the results can be catastrophic. Tanker accidents can be much more devastating simply based on size and weight. If you or a loved one has been injured and killed by a Columbia tanker, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Columbia truck accident lawyer to fight for your rights to compensation.
Complexities of a Tanker Truck Accident Case
Commercial vehicle accidents are immediately more complicated than collisions between personal vehicles because of the parties involved. In a personal vehicle collision, two drivers or owners and their insurance companies may be the only parties involved. A tanker truck accident adds multiple parties to the deal, and multiple parties may assume liability for the accident, which is why it is smart to talk to a Columbia personal injury lawyer.
Truck Driver
The truck driver is involved simply because they were directly involved in the accident. They will be speaking with police and may have sustained injuries that could be paid for by the responsible insurance policy. They also may be at least partially responsible for the accident.
Insurance companies
When you are in an accident, you should inform your insurance company, as well as the insurance company of the other parties. Typically, this will just be you and the other driver. In the case of a tanker truck accident, though, there may be yours. The driver may have their own coverage, and the company will typically hold a policy as well.
Trucking Company
The trucking company will typically get involved because they may employ the driver. If the driver is a contractor, they may hold a basic responsibility for ensuring the contractor is appropriately licensed and safe to perform the duties in the contract overall. They may also own the truck and may, therefore, be responsible for appropriate maintenance and safe functioning of the vehicle.
When an accident occurs, it is not uncommon for the company to have a team that can immediately begin investigating it. This team frequently includes lawyers, making it all the more critical for you to reach out to our tanker truck accident attorney in Columbia quickly. The trucking company’s team will immediately begin taking steps to protect them, and you deserve representation that will do the same.
Conditions of a Lawsuit for a Columbia Tanker Truck Accident
The primary premise for any personal injury case is proving negligence, and meeting this obligation can be done by establishing a few things:
- Establishing a legal duty to others: It is important to follow traffic laws or Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to keep others safe.
- Proving that the defendant breached those duties: Perhaps the truck ran a stop sign.
- Proving that the plaintiff has been injured: The plaintiff’s medical records may provide proof of injury.
- Proving that the defendant’s injuries caused the harm: police reports, witness statements, and pictures of the scene may support this.
While almost nothing is black and white when it comes to the law, having these pieces clear and proven may set you up for a desirable outcome in your case. In addition to this evidence, you must be aware of additional limitations to your case. In South Carolina, the statute of limitations on a personal injury case is three years.
Injuries in a Columbia Tanker Truck Accident
Even the most mild tanker truck accident can be devastating. The Federal Highway Administration reports that South Carolina allows trucks to weigh up to 80,000 lbs. The state also allows many exceptions to this rule, meaning they could sometimes weigh more than that. Most personal vehicles weigh under 10,000 lbs, making the likelihood of catastrophic injury much higher when colliding with a tanker truck.
Some of the many injuries seen in a collision with a commercial vehicle are:
- Spinal cord injury
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Crush Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Wrongful death
Many of the injuries a tanker truck accident can cause may require weeks, months, or years of recovery. In a minor accident, this may mean a brief visit to the emergency room. In more severe accidents, it could mean prolonged hospital stays, multiple surgeries, or even years of follow-up with outpatient services.
Damages in a Columbia Tanker Truck Accident
The damages you claim in your case will depend upon your specific injuries and costs. Working with our Columbia tanker truck accident attorney, you can determine the most fair and appropriate damages to claim in your case. Some of the damages that may be claimed consist of the following:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Future medical costs
Many of these damages will fall under the category of economic damages, which can be easily calculated by looking at receipts to recoup costs. Some less direct costs are non-economic damages and cover the less tangible things relating to quality of life. Money can’t take away your injury or disability, but with the help of Shelly Leeke Law Firm, it may provide resources to get your quality of life closer to where it was before the accident.
Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm Today
Recovering from an accident can leave you tired, overwhelmed, and sometimes financially drained. You may not be aware of all the options available to you, and that is something our tanker truck accident lawyer in Columbia can help with. If you are uncertain about whether you want to retain an attorney for your accident, do not delay in calling to explore options.
Calling us for a free case consultation will allow you to ask any questions that give you pause. It may also help you understand what to expect from the process and give you the information you need to decide on the next steps. With over a decade of experience, you are in good hands with Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
