When driving on South Carolina roadways, you’ll come across various vehicles ranging from small and quick motorcycles to large and in-charge 18-wheelers. Due to their stature and length, semi-trucks can raise anxiety and caution even in the most confident drivers, and for good reason.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, more than 5,000 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash in 2021, a nearly 50% increase in the last 10 years.
Our skilled commercial truck accident attorneys understand the dangers of sharing the road with large trucks and are here to help. Keep reading as we guide you through the most common truck accidents in South Carolina, and how our Charleston law firm can help you seek compensation.
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
18-wheelers, big rigs, cargo trucks, and tractor-trailers all have one quality in common: they are all classified as commercial vehicles. Vehicles in this category are divided into eight different classes, accounting for the engine, body, passengers, and cargo the truck is transporting.
According to the federal government, a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is any self-propelled or towed vehicle used in interstate commerce, or intrastate commerce in South Carolina. A commercial vehicle must satisfy one of the following conditions to be classified as a CMV:
- The vehicle has the capacity or is used to transport 16 or more passengers
- The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds
- The vehicle has the capacity or is used to transport 9 or more passengers for compensation
- The vehicle is responsible for transporting hazardous materials
Eight Most Common Types of Trucking Accidents in South Carolina
Truck accidents occur for different reasons, from brake failure to driver fatigue. Here are some of the most common types of trucking accidents in South Carolina. If you have found yourself on the receiving end of a collision with a commercial vehicle, contact a truck accident lawyer near you immediately.
Truck Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a truck driver loses control of their vehicle, causing the truck to slide and roll. This type of accident is one of the most catastrophic and can be a result of reckless driving or unevenly loaded cargo.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents have the ability to be a life-altering or fatal accident. When a truck jackknifes, it forms a 90-degree angle with the cab and the trailer, essentially folding in half. The truck can drift into other lanes of traffic and block parts of the road, leading to further accidents.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a jackknife accident, contact a commercial truck accident lawyer at Hoffman Law Firm today.
Wide Turns
Given their length and size, commercial trucks need ample space to make turns. When our commercial truck accident attorneys look into cases, wide turns are some of the most common incidents that can get people hurt. These accidents happen when a truck doesn’t have enough space to make a turn or fails to check their blind spot for passenger vehicles.
While these accidents often don’t cause much damage, you are still eligible to receive compensation with the help of a South Carolina trucking lawyer.
Rear-End Collisions
Large trucks, like tractor-trailers and cargo trucks, are much slower to maneuver than an everyday sedan. Due to their weight and size, professional drivers are taught that these trucks need more time–and distance–to slow down, or else a rear-end accident could leave devastating consequences for the passenger vehicle and its driver.
T-Bone Accidents
A T-bone accident happens when one driver runs a red light or stop sign at an intersection, causing a collision with a vehicle that has the right of way. This collision creates a “T” shape, hence the name. Also known as side-impact crashes, these wrecks can be detrimental to drivers or passengers located on the side of the vehicle that absorbs the impact of the crash.
Equipment Issues or Failure
From brake failure to tire blowouts, there is no limit to the technical issues truck drivers can face on the road. Brake failure is rare in trucks, given their high standards for maintenance and training protocols. However, improper installation, or overheating from high speeds can lead to multiple at-fault parties if an accident occurs. Many times after a collision, trucks are inspected to determine if equipment failures contributed to the crash.
Head-On Collisions
Many factors contribute to collisions, including fatigue from long hours on the road or losing control on an incline. When drivers are negligent or lose control, they can begin to shift out of their lane and straight into oncoming traffic. This puts the driver and others around them in danger.
Spilled Cargo Loads
When cargo trucks are loaded with materials, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure everything is placed securely and evenly. If a load is improperly secured, things can fall out of the truck and hit other vehicles.
How a Truck Accident Attorney Near You Can Help
Trucking accidents can be damaging, not only to your vehicle but to your health and wellbeing. Having an experienced Charleston truck accident lawyer on your side can help you navigate the road to compensation.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our qualified team of trucking accident lawyers in South Carolina have handled accident cases from beginning to end, helping victims receive full compensation and peace of mind moving forward.
Our Charleston law firm is happy to offer free consultations, so contact us to schedule yours today.
Have you Gone Head-to-Head with a Commercial Truck? Contact Hoffman Law Firm Today
The aftermath of a trucking accident can be stressful and scary, leaving you with unanswered questions and potential injuries. Navigating the legal system can be a difficult road to venture on alone–which is why choosing a skilled commercial truck accident attorney can make all the difference.
At Hoffman Law Firm, we believe trucking companies should be held responsible in the worst-case scenario. We will work with you to ensure that responsibility is taken, and that full compensation is awarded so you can focus on what’s important–recovery and your future.
Schedule your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Hoffman Law Firm today.
Plus, you only pay us if we win your case.
Our personal injury law firm offers trusted legal representation right here in the Lowcountry, including these practice areas:
Other Helpful Accident Blogs:
Driving Safely with Commercial Trucks on the Road in South Carolina
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Dump Truck Drivers
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in South Carolina
Who’s To Blame For A Commercial Truck Accident in South Carolina?