Columbia Truck Accident Attorney

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Local Reviews from Our Incredible Clients

Overall, very satisfied with the communication and dedication of Mr. Sturkie's services. Team is quick to respond and truly cares about his clients. His empathy and compassion to help other is greatly appreciated and noticed throughout the community. I will recommend him to anyone! He also has helped many of my friends and family.
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Timothy Clardy represented me for Social Security Disability. I could not have asked for a more confident and determined attorney. Mr. Clardy exuded professionalism. His determination to win my case is greatly appreciated as I started receiving SSD in May 2020. Thank you all so much for your service. Zana Powell
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A car came through a stop sign and ran into the side of my Jeep. McCravy Law Firm helped deal with the insurance company and get my car fixed. They also helped me with another accident claim even though the driver didnโ€™t have insurance. If you were in an accident, this is the best place to call and get someone to represent you. The people are great, and theyโ€™re fair. Everyone in the office was sweet. Iโ€™d recommend them to anybody. Theyโ€™ll take care of what you need, and they donโ€™t take long.
Zachary Norman
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I was stressed out figuring everything out. I walked in one day, and a paralegal told me I definitely had a case. From that moment on, itโ€™s been a big uplift. They kept me updated, and Mr. Clardy walked me through each step. He stepped up to the plate and went into action. I even told my brother to come speak with Mr. Clardy. Iโ€™d tell anybody to go to him.
Rebecca Robinson
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When I sustained an injury to my head, I saw some Emergency Room physicians but wasnโ€™t seeing the results I needed. My dad recommended the McCravy Law Firm. They jumped right on the case and said Iโ€™d get the care and treatment I needed. Everyone in the office was always helpful. Mr. Newlon and Mr. Sturkie were in my corner the whole time. They were able to reach a great negotiation in my favor, and we settled the case. Everything was taken care of on my medical end. Within a couple weeks of our negotiations, I received the final settlement. Now that theyโ€™ve helped me get the medical treatment I needed, Iโ€™ve been on the road to a great recovery.
Rhonda Grimes
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Mr.Clardy was amazing in sticking to facts related to my case. His compassion and dedication shows he cares genuinely about his clients. He will do all he can to help you . Very professional and as I said will work for you the client.
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My arm was broken when a door slammed close during a storm. I just want to express the compassion and love I felt from the office staff. I was having such a hard time just trying to use my arm again. They were so wonderful, compassionate, and kind that it really touched my heart. They treated me like a human being and understood the pain I was going through. I would recommend this law firm to anyone and everyone whose had a personal injury.
Vicki Davix
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Mr. McCravy and his staff were exceptional when handling my case. They were very compassionate and helpful through a very difficult time. His Paralegal Angie made sure was constantly in loop. She stayed in top of every detail in my case ensuring I was taken care of. If I ever needed an attorney again I would call Mr. McCravy and his staff without hesitation!
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Get Help Today Speak with McCravy Law Firm About Your Case

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Columbia is a hub for transport trucks and other large commercial vehicles. Drivers of trucks often use the I-26 and Augusta Highway to transport the goods consumers in the city use every day. As trucks use these highways and interstates to make their deliveries, though, they must share the road with other drivers of smaller passenger vehicles. Most of the time, truck drivers arrive at their destination safely, and without hurting anyone else. Sadly, this is not always the case.

Truck drivers, just like other motorists, can cause an accident. However, when they are involved in a crash, victims suffer injuries that are much more severe. If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident, you can hold the negligent party liable. Truck accident cases are much more complex than other types of personal injury claims. Our Columbia truck accident attorney can help you overcome the challenges these cases present.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbia

Any negligent, or careless, action can cause a truck accident. There are some causes of truck accidents that are more common than others. These include:

  • Traffic violations: Truck drivers owe a very high duty of care to other motorists. Ignoring traffic signs and signals, speeding, and improper lane changes are just a few of the traffic violations that can cause a truck accident
  • Fatigued driving: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road and can become very tired. Fatigued driving can cause truckers to lose focus, or even fall asleep at the wheel
  • Distracted driving: Truckers must manage many systems within their vehicle. They may also eat, drink, and speak to other truckers on the radio. All of these are distractions that can take a truck driverโ€™s focus from the road and cause a crash
  • Impaired driving: Many truckers believe that consuming drugs or alcohol will help them stay awake behind the wheel. Instead, they only impair a driverโ€™s judgment and ability to control their vehicle
  • Improper training: Trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure they properly train their drivers so they have the skills and experience necessary to operate a large truck
  • Improper hiring: Just as trucking companies must ensure they properly train drivers, they must also make sure they are only hiring capable drivers. Hiring inexperienced drivers, drivers with previous driving violations, or failing to conduct background checks can all result in a crash involving a truck
  • Improper truck maintenance: Commercial trucks are made up of hundreds of moving parts. All of these parts must be properly inspected and maintained to prevent a dangerous truck accident
  • Improperly loaded cargo: The cargo a truck carries must be securely loaded. When it is not, it can cause the entire truck to become imbalanced and make it much more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle
  • Defective trucks or truck parts: Manufacturers have an obligation to ensure any truck or truck part they produce is safe and free of defects. When any part of a truck is defective, it can easily result in an accident

Determining Liability for a Truck Accident

One of the most complicated aspects of any truck accident claim is determining who is liable, or at fault, for the crash. Unlike in other auto accidents that involve two or more passenger vehicles, there are many potentially liable parties for a truck accident. They are as follows:

  • The truck driver: It is natural to assume that truck drivers are at fault for all truck accidents, but that is not the case. However, when truck drivers act negligently by speeding, driving while impaired, or otherwise not properly operating their vehicle, they can be held liable
  • The trucking company: Trucking companies have a legal obligation to ensure they are hiring competent, capable, and experienced truck drivers. They also have a duty to make sure their trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. When the trucking company fails in any of these regards, it can be held liable for a crash. Trucking companies can also be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees, including truck drivers
  • Shipping companies: Companies who ship products have a legal duty to warn trucking companies, truck drivers, and any other hazards the cargo contains. When they fail to do this, they may be responsible for paying damages
  • Inspection and maintenance companies: Inspection and maintenance companies are required to perform their duties properly. When they fail to notice or correct a problem, they may be at fault for a crash
  • Government entities: When a road condition, such as poor design or potholes that were not repaired causes a crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining that road can be held liable

How Do Truck Accidents Differ from Car Crashes?

The fact that a truck accident may involve multiple liable parties is one way in which these crashes differ from other auto accidents. There are others as well, though. These include:

  • Severity of injuries: Transport trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when they are fully loaded. The force of that weight in a crash will cause injuries that are much more serious than an accident involving two passenger vehicles. When a truck is traveling at a high speed, the injuries will be even more serious. It is not uncommon for a truck accident to cause catastrophic injuries or even death
  • Different laws: When two passenger vehicles are involved in a crash, state law typically applies to the case. When a transport truck is involved in a crash, however, state and federal laws will apply. For example, truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to comply with the federal hours of service rule, which limits the amount of time a driver may stay on the road at one time
  • Larger insurance policies: The insurance policies trucking companies and truck drivers carry are much larger than what is required of drivers of passenger vehicles. While this is good news for accident victims, as they may be able to obtain more compensation, it also presents a challenge. Due to the large amount of damages available in a truck accident case, liable parties are even more likely to defend their case aggressively, trying to deny victims the full compensation they need
  • Complicated investigations: All auto accidents require a thorough investigation, but this is also more complicated in truck accident cases. These investigations require the black box to be obtained, log books to be analyzed, and more. These are all very difficult for accident victims to obtain on their own. A Columbia truck accident lawyer can subpoena these items to give you the best chance of obtaining the maximum damages you deserve

It is critical to work with a truck accident lawyer in Columbia after any crash with a commercial vehicle. These claims are much more complex than other types of auto accidents and without legal advice, the compensation you are entitled to could be in jeopardy.

Call Our Truck Accident Attorney in Columbia for a Free Consultation

Truck accidents cause some of the most severe injuries and afterwards, you will face a complex claims process. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our Columbia truck accident attorney can handle the legal details of your case while you focus on making a full recovery. Call us today at 866-MCCRAVY or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a lawyer?

The best way to know if you need a lawyer is to ask. If you have injuries that you received medical attention for, itโ€™s worth having a legal consultation. Your consultation is where you can decide if you want to hire a lawyer. Weโ€™ll explain the pros and cons and how a lawyer may help you

How much is my case worth?

Case values vary. Your losses and the strength of the legal case are the primary factors. The ability to collect compensation is important, too. There are things you can do to maximize the value of your case. Our lawyers can help.

Will my case settle?

Most cases settle. Building a strong case and negotiating effectively can help you reach a settlement. Weโ€™ll evaluate your case and the factors that make a case likely to settle. When we represent you, weโ€™ll work towards your goals. That includes a settlement, if you choose.

What happens if I have to file a lawsuit?

Sometimes, you must file a lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Even most cases that are filed still result in settlement. Filing the case makes the defense respond and it moves the claim forward. As your lawyer, we take care of the filing documents and legal procedure.

Should I speak with the insurance company before hiring a lawyer?

No. The insurance company can use your statements against you. They may try to confuse you or pressure you to accept a low offer. This is true even if you havenโ€™t hired a lawyer yet. We can start representing you as soon as you sign up. Then, we speak to the insurance company for you.

Should I allow an insurance company access to my medical records?

Insurance companies like broad disclosures of medical records. Theyโ€™re looking for things that might embarrass you or things they can use to minimize compensation, like pre-existing conditions. Our lawyers can help you respond to a request for medical records.

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