Recent South Carolina Trucking Accidents Provide Basis For Discussion Of Industry As A Whole

Recent South Carolina Trucking Accidents Provide Basis For Discussion Of Industry As A Whole

Your Charleston, South Carolina attorneys at Howell Law are all too familiar with the dangers 18-wheelers, semis, tractor-trailers, or whatever you like to call them present to drivers in smaller, everyday vehicles. The trucking industry is extremely valuable to our local economy; trucks are constantly moving goods from Charleston area ports to the interior of the Palmetto State and beyond. But as this industry continues to thrive and grow, accidents involving these behemoths of the road and everyday driver have become more and more common. In recent weeks there have been two serious car accidents involving semis and have caused a death, as well as send numerous people to the hospital.

First, a Walterboro driving his pickup along South Carolina Highway 311 near Cross, South Carolina collided with an 18-wheeler. The trucking accident happened some time ago (January 25, 2012), but the man remained alive at Medical University Hospital for nearly a week before passing on due to the serious injuries suffered as result from his crash with the 18-wheeler. The Post and Courier’s brief report of the wreck noted that the South Carolina Highway Patrol’s investigation into the incident is ongoing. Thus, there is no information as to which party, the 56-year-old Walterboro man or the unspecified truck driver, was at fault in the fatal accident.

While the first incident involved a man from Walterboro, this second tractor-trailer accident occurred near Walterboro, South Carolina. According to a Post and Courier report, an 18-wheeler caught fire struck two cars after they had collided on a bridge near mile marker 55 on Interstate 95. The collision caused the two vehicles to enter the path of the semi. After striking both vehicles the semi veered off the Interstate and into the median. Upon leaving the road the truck hit several trees, causing the refrigerated trailer containing fresh vegetable to rip open and spill onto the roadway. Additionally, the turn overturned and the cab caught fire.

Fortunately, members of Colleton County Fire and Rescue crews responded quickly to the accident scene and were able to extinguish the blaze. In total, eight people were taken to the Colleton County Medical Center for treatment to (thankfully) non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler suffered minor injuries, but declined to be taken to the hospital, according to reports.

If you are looking to find out more information about the trucking industry, particularly economic and accident related statistics, your personal injury attorneys in Charleston, South Carolina suggest taking a look at truckinfo.net. There you will find an abundance of interesting information, facts, and figures on trucking.

Of particular interest to your lawyers in Charleston, SC is the fact that individuals in the everyday passenger vehicles such as pickups, minivans, and cars account for 98% of the nearly 5,000 people killed each year in trucking accidents. By contrast, it is those in the passenger vehicles that are most often found at fault in these accidents. According to the numbers, more than 75% of truck driving accidents are due to the driver of the everyday passenger vehicle. Thus, it is highly important for all drivers to be particularly careful around the big trucks and trailers that dominate the road when traveling along South Carolina highways and interstates.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you seriously injured due to a trucking accident, regardless if you represent the statistic mentioned above, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced and recognized Charleston car accident lawyer. Because trucking companies usually have experienced legal teams and are experienced in negotiating settlements with victims, they will often less than you deserve, and leave you with high medical bills and lost wages that are not appropriately covered in the settlement.