Semi-truck crashes are a very serious safety hazard in South Carolina. According to the most recent data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), there were nearly 7,000 commercial truck accidents reported statewide in 2022 alone. Given the large size of tractor-trailers, these collisions are disproportionately likely to result in serious or catastrophic injuries.
Truck accidents happen for a wide range of different reasons. A crash should always be carefully investigated to determine what happened. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we handle the full range of truck crash cases. No matter the cause, our legal team can help. Here, our Lexington truck accident attorney discusses the most common causes of semi-truck accidents in South Carolina.
Eight Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina
1. Speeding
Speed limits exist for a reason. It is the fastest speed at which a particular stretch of road can be safely traveled. While speeding is always dangerous, it is especially hazardous when large commercial trucks violate the law. Indeed, excessive speed is one of the most dangerous factors in truck accidents.
Commercial trucks require significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop. Speeding also makes any resulting crash more likely to be serious. The faster a truck is going, the greater the level of force in a crash.
2. Traffic Violations
Truck drivers are expected to follow all road regulations, but violations such as running red lights, making illegal lane changes, or failing to yield frequently cause devastating crashes. These violations often occur when drivers are in a rush to meet delivery deadlines. That can lead to reckless behavior on the road by a trucker. Ignoring traffic laws puts other people at a very serious safety risk.
3. Distracted Driving
A truck driver must keep his or her full attention on the road at all times. There are no exceptions.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of eighteen-wheeler accidents in South Carolina. A distracted trucker is a dangerous trucker. Distractions can come in a wide range of different forms.
With that being said, cell phones—especially texting—are especially dangerous.
4. Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers often push themselves to the limit, logging long hours behind the wheel to meet tight deadlines, sometimes in violation of federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Fatigue impairs reaction time, decision-making, and awareness, increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
5. Poor Driving Training
Commercial truck drivers must undergo extensive training to operate their vehicles safely, but some trucking companies cut corners to get new drivers on the road faster. Inadequate training leaves drivers unprepared for handling large trucks in challenging conditions, such as bad weather, steep inclines, or emergency stops. A poorly trained driver is far more likely to crash.
6. Overloaded/Poorly Loaded Trailers
Improperly loaded trailers pose a major safety hazard, as unbalanced cargo can shift unexpectedly and cause a truck to tip over or jackknife. Overloading a trailer beyond its legal weight limits also increases stopping distances and puts excessive strain on the truck’s braking system. When cargo is not secured properly, it could come loose and end up on the roadway. That can cause a bad crash.
7. Inadequate Truck Maintenance
Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to keep them in safe operating condition. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are common issues that can lead to catastrophic accidents if left unaddressed. Some trucking companies neglect routine inspections to cut costs—that is a negligent practice. Truck companies should be held accountable. They have a proactive responsibility to ensure that their entire fleet of vehicles is well-maintained. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections of large commercial trucks are a must.
8. Truck or Trailer Defects
Manufacturing defects in trucks or trailers can lead to sudden mechanical failures, such as faulty brakes, defective tires, or steering system malfunctions. Even when a truck is otherwise properly maintained, manufacturing/design defects can be dangerous. Defects are dangerous both for the truck driver and for anyone else near the road. In South Carolina, a manufacturer can be held strictly liable for an accident caused by or made worse by a defect.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation after a Crash
In South Carolina, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Depending on the nature and severity of your crash, you may be eligible to recover monetary compensation for the full value of your losses. Of course, big truck companies and their commercial insurers do not make the claims process easy. They want to pay out less. Our Lexington truck accident lawyers can help you fight for the maximum compensation.
Along with other types of damages, you may be able to recover for:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills and other medical costs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power
- Pain and suffering & mental distress
- Long-term physical disability
- Wrongful death of a family member
Why Trust Our South Carolina Lawyers for All Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Hurt in a truck accident in South Carolina? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including your pain and suffering. Unfortunately, truck companies and their commercial insurance carriers can make the claims process challenging. They fight hard to put their own best interests first. At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, we protect your rights. Our case results demonstrate what we can do for injured victims. A consultation with our South Carolina semi-truck accident lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero additional obligations.
Contact Our South Carolina Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney Today
At Smith & Jones Law, LLC, our South Carolina tractor-trailer accident lawyer is a skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced advocate for injured victims. Hurt in a crash? Contact us right away for a free, no-obligation initial consultation. With offices in Mauldin and Lexington, we represent truck accident victims throughout the surrounding region.