Columbia, South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents are devastating, and Columbia’s congested highways are filled with an ever-increasing volume of freight-carrying trucks. Confusing interchanges and congested streets and highways during rush hour are a recipe for deadly accidents. The last thing you need when you are coping with debilitating injuries is a fight with a wealthy insurance company for the compensation you deserve.
Expertise
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Content written by Samuel Meirowitz
Samuel Meirowitz is “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” and an accomplished personal injury lawyer, trial attorney and relentless advocate for his clients. Previously, he served the State of New York for four years as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorney’s office. Mr. Meirowitz is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida State Courts.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Quick Links
- Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Columbia, South Carolina
- How a Local Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
- Meirowitz & Wasserberg Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts
- What Our Truck Accident Clients Are Saying
- Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Columbia, South Carolina
- Why Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents Different Than Car Accidents?
- Evidence Needed in a South Carolina Truck Accident Claim
- Who Is Liable After a Columbia 18-Wheeler Crash?
- Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
- What is the Time Limit To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
- Contact Our Experienced Columbia, SC Truck Accident Lawyers
Our compassionate Columbia, South Carolina truck accident lawyers are dedicated to leveling the playing field between the average person and some of the most influential and largest corporations in America. You can count on us to fight for the maximum compensation available while treating you like family. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Serving Columbia, South Carolina
We are an award-winning law firm in Columbia, South Carolina, with over $500 million in verdicts and settlements. We have the resources, ability, and stamina to stand up to large trucking companies and get the types of results you might have thought you could only get from large firms. As our client, you will receive friendly, personalized attention from local lawyers who care.
Large trucking companies and their insurers only care about profits, but our mission is to give a voice to the voiceless, so injured individuals have a fair chance to recover fair compensation. Our founders are nationally recognized for their outstanding work. Sam Meirowitz is a member of the National Trial Lawyers’ Association’s Top 100, and Dan Wasserberg is designated a Top 100 Civil Litigator. Together, Sam n’ Dan have built a strong track record and a reputation for getting results.
How a Local Columbia Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Claim
When you choose us, we will take the burden off your shoulders so you can concentrate on healing. Here is what we will do for you:
- Visit the accident site with forensic experts to determine who is liable
- Deal with the insurance company
- Collect evidence and build a trial-ready case
- Collaborate with your doctors and medical experts to calculate the lifetime costs of your injuries
- Negotiate for the settlement you deserve and refuse to accept a penny less
- Represent you in court if the insurance companies refuse to compensate you fairly
- Help you find a doctor, so you receive the best care available
- Answer your calls and keep you up-to-date about your case
Meirowitz & Wasserberg Truck Accident Settlements and Verdicts
We understand how devastating truck accident injuries can be, and we work tirelessly to maximize compensation for every client. Here are a few examples of our results:
- $725,000 for a pedestrian who was folding a tarp and was run over by a commercial truck, leading to a fracture of the lower leg and needing a cervical fusion surgery.
- $100,000 for a wheelchair bound client riding in a transportation commercial ambulette that got into an accident, causing the client to fall on the floor and suffer from lacerations on the face, a fractured vertebra, and head injuries.
- $100,000 for a young client who was coming home from school on his skateboard when he was struck by a passenger truck while in the crosswalk by a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign, resulting in a thoracic spine injury.
What Our Truck Accident Clients Are Saying
Our client testimonials show the type of compassion and commitment we bring to every case:
“During my truck accident, Meirowitz and Wasserberg were able to help me during this difficult time. They made the process seamless as I was getting over my injuries from the accident, and that is all I could ask for. If you are ever in nee,d I would highly recommend them.”
“ The lawyers here helped out immensely after I was involved in a truck accident this fall. The process was simple and made this stressful situation much better.”
“ Thanks to the efforts of Meirowitz and Wasserberg, I was able to achieve a favorable outcome in my truck accident case. I am deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and would highly recommend their services to anyone in need of skilled and compassionate legal representation for a truck accident or any other personal injury case.”
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia roads are known for many conditions that are less than ideal, including potholes, overly complex intersections, and congested downtown traffic. There were 113 fatal traffic collisions in South Carolina in 2023, which killed 125 people and seriously injured 132 others. Most truck accidents occur on major highways and interstates.
The most dangerous location is the interchange between Interstates 20, 26, and 126, notoriously known as “Malfunction Junction.” The confusing, outdated design brings about abrupt lane changes, confusing exits and entrances, and dangerous bottlenecks in areas with extreme truck traffic. Truck rollovers and collisions are common here. In 2021, the Carolina Crossroads Project began to widen I-26, replace the outdated cloverleaf loops, add shoulders, and replace exits with safer ones. The project is expected to be completed in the 2030s.
Although many dangerous road conditions are present in Columbia, most accidents are caused by driver error.
Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving has many of the same effects as drunk driving: slow reaction times, lowered alertness, and impaired judgment. Even worse, drivers may fall asleep at the wheel. It is a common problem for truck drivers because they often work long hours. Federal hours-of-service regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving more than 11 hours in a shift. These long shifts are enough to cause fatigue, but pressure from trucking companies sometimes pushes drivers to violate these restrictions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any mental or physical activity that directs a driver’s attention away from driving. The South Carolina Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act bans cell phone use while driving and makes it a serious offense for commercial drivers to use them. Two convictions can disqualify a commercial driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle for 60 days.
Drunk or Impaired Driving
Impaired driving increases the likelihood that the driver will engage in risky driving behaviors like speeding, aggressive driving, and disobeying traffic signals. It slows reaction times, causes poor judgment, and endangers all drivers. A CDL driver is considered impaired if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 or higher while driving a commercial vehicle.
Speeding
Speeding increases stopping distances, makes it harder to control a vehicle, and causes a larger impact when a crash happens.
Unbalanced Loads
Loading cargo is a significant responsibility that requires careful planning. A load that is heavier on one side or top-heavy can cause a truck to overturn. An overloaded truck or a truck with too much weight toward the rear can affect the truck’s traction and cause the driver to lose control.
Defective Vehicle Parts
Defective vehicle parts can cause a truck driver to lose control or fail to stop in time. Defects in the following truck parts are especially dangerous to the driving public:
- Tires
- Brakes
- Airbags
- Accelerators
- Steering components
- Suspension
- Lights
Why Are Tractor-Trailer Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Tractor-trailer accidents are different from car accidents because they involve larger vehicles that can cause maximum damage. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer in South Carolina can weigh 80,000 pounds , while most passenger vehicles weigh 6,000 pounds or less. Such a large vehicle can penetrate even the most sturdy passenger vehicle’s crumple zone and impact drivers and passengers directly.
A higher severity of injuries is enough to make an accident claim more complicated, but this is only one of many factors. Truck accident claims are also more complex because of the following factors:
- Trucking regulations affecting drivers, truck maintenance, and routes
- The potential for a larger number of liable parties
- The involvement of trucking companies with deep pockets to fight claims
- Higher insurance coverage, which incentivizes insurers to fight claims
- The need for a more detailed forensic investigation due to sophisticated truck technology
Handling a truck accident claim requires specific knowledge, stamina, and extensive financial resources. At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, standing up to multi-million dollar corporations is what we do. Contact us today to start your claim.
Evidence Needed in a South Carolina Truck Accident Claim
You will need concrete evidence to prove that the other parties were at fault and that you were injured because of their negligence. Your evidence must also prove the financial and emotional costs of your injuries. You will most likely need the following types of evidence:
- A statement from an accident reconstructionist about the causes of the crash
- Photographs of skid marks, vehicle damage, and the accident scene
- Video footage of the crash, if available
- Black box data from the truck and your vehicle
- Truck inspection and maintenance records
- The driver’s electronic time logs
- A map showing the truck route
- Toxicology records of the driver at the time of the crash
- Your medical records
- Expert medical witness statements about your injuries and prognosis
- Testimony from loved ones about how your injuries affect you
- Employment and earnings records
The good news is you don’t have to get all of this evidence yourself. Our skilled Columbia personal injury lawyers can determine what evidence you need and get it for you.
Who Is Liable After a Columbia 18-Wheeler Crash?
Identifying all of the liable parties in a truck accident requires familiarity with trucking regulations and the common practices within the industry. At Meirowitz & Wasserberg, we can investigate all parties involved and determine whether the driver or trucking company violated any laws. We often find the following parties liable:
- Truck drivers
- The trucking company
- Cargo loading companies
- Truck maintenance and repair shops
- Manufacturers of trucks and truck parts
- Government entities that build and maintain roads
Potential Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
You may be entitled to substantial compensation for your financial and emotional losses following a truck accident. The average truck accident settlement is $100,000 to $500,000, but some cases are worth millions. The amount you recover will depend on your case details, such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, and the skill of your lawyer. Compensation is often higher in truck accident cases because trucking companies carry higher insurance coverage than drivers. Your compensation may include the damages discussed below.
Medical Expenses
Eligible medical expenses usually include past, present, and future costs brought on by your accident, such as the following:
- Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Wheelchairs
- Medications
- Skilled nursing care
- Home health care
Incidental Expenses
Miscellaneous expenses, such as childcare, housekeeping assistance, and transportation to the doctor, may also be covered when your injuries require it.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Lost wages are hourly pay, salaries, benefits, paid time off, promotions, business income, and any other money you lose because of missed work days. If your injuries cause long-term or permanent disabilities, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earning capacity, based on your life expectancy and the income you likely could have earned were it not for the accident.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Pain and suffering damages are compensation for emotional losses that cannot be measured in dollars. Their purpose is to provide comfort for the emotional costs of your injuries, such as the following:
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of society
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Humiliation
What Is the Time Limit To File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
You generally have up to three years from the date of the accident or the death of a loved one to file a Columbia truck accident lawsuit. However, every case is different, and exceptions may apply. It is important to contact a reputable truck accident law firm like Meirowitz & Wasserberg as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline. Involving a lawyer early will also ensure your lawyer has access to the best evidence in your case before it disappears.
Contact Our Experienced Columbia, SC Truck Accident Lawyers
We know a truck accident can change your life in an instant, but you do not have to fight this battle alone. Our compassionate team is here to listen, guide you, and fight for you every step of the way. Call (800) 726-6326, ext. 123, or contact us online today for a free consultation.
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Notable Results
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$900,000
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