Common Causes of South Carolina Truck Accidents

Jackknifed rig on its side on a highway

Since more than 20,000 trucking companies call South Carolina home, all drivers are at risk of being in an accident or collision with a semi. The weight and size of 18-wheelers, their high travel speeds on interstates, and their hazardous loads compound the consequences of these crashes. According to the National Safety Council, fatal accidents involving large trucks have reached their highest number in 10 years.

The attorneys at Bell Legal Group are familiar with handling claims for commercial truck wrecks in South Carolina and beyond. We understand the seriousness of overturned semis and underride crashes, and we also know that these accidents can happen for a myriad of reasons. That’s why Bell Legal Group handles truck accident claims with a team of dedicated legal advocates and investigators familiar with these seven causes:

1. Driver Fatigue

Drowsy and fatigued drivers are unsafe in any vehicle, and especially in multi-ton trucks. Unfortunately, driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck wrecks throughout the Carolinas. Over-the-road semi drivers do not keep traditional 9-to-5 hours, and the odd schedules, long daily driving limits, and extended workweeks can leave truckers exhausted. Though South Carolina is a common thoroughfare for interstate carriers, this state’s accidents aren’t caused only by long-haul drivers. Local carriers serving a familiar area or memorized route become fatigued by the routine and may drive faster than posted speeds with less regard for their surroundings.

2. Inattentional Blindness

Both experienced and inexperienced truck drivers are equally susceptible to inattentional blindness. This occurs when a driver is hyper-focused on one thing, like finding an exit or an opportunity to pass, and misses a hazard in plain sight. When cars, pedestrians, or road debris fade into the background, they can be hit by semi trucks whose drivers cannot brake or change lanes in time. The impact of a loaded commercial vehicle causes substantial damage to anything—or anyone—in its path.

3. Distracted Driving

South Carolina ranks in the top 10 for instances of distracted driving, and all drivers, including commercial truckers, contribute. Though commercial vehicle drivers are prohibited from cell phone use while driving, not all operators abide by these rules. Texting or reading an email are top distractions for semi drivers, but reaching for an object in the cab, adjusting clothing, eating or drinking, and reading billboards or people-watching are other common causes of accidents. When a person loses focus, they easily drift, swerve, speed, or miss a traffic signal; due to the weight and size of a commercial vehicle, any of these actions can cause a catastrophic accident.

4. Vehicle Defects

South Carolina trucking laws mandate that vehicles be inspected and in good working order before hitting the road. Still, you won’t need to travel far on South Carolina’s interstate to find a commercial vehicle pulled to the side due to a mechanical failure or defect. Whether it’s worn tires or burned-out brake lights, improperly maintained equipment changes how a vehicle operates and reduces safety for the driver and anyone sharing the road.

5. Cargo Issues

Semis haul heavy loads, and shifting payload during transit can throw off the truck’s balance and cause a jackknife accident or spin-out. Vehicles nearby may be struck with debris or collide with the trailer as it leaves the roadway. Material handlers and freight haulers must be trained to load goods in ways that prevent shifting or spillage. When they don’t, commercial truck wrecks can happen and a Bell Legal Group attorney can hold them and others at the freight company liable.

6. Inadequate Training

The level of training for freight drivers varies, but a driver whose preparedness ended in obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) can be a major liability on the roads. It isn’t difficult to enroll in trucking school, earn a CDL, and be on the road within weeks—but that doesn’t mean a driver is ready. It takes time to understand how various loads, weather, and road conditions affect a commercial vehicle, and this isn’t learned during entry-level training. Sharing the road with a semi-truck driver hired by a company that doesn’t prioritize ongoing safety or training may put you in danger. Bell Legal Group has handled plenty of commercial truck wrecks caused by freight companies putting more value on the number of trucks on the road than on the quality of their drivers.

7. Impaired or Improper Driving

When truckers operate while impaired, drive aggressively, or take risks without regard for other motorists, they cause serious, life-changing accidents. Even trained, experienced freight haulers can make unsafe choices, like an improper lane change, turning without signaling, or using drugs or alcohol while behind the wheel. Anyone harmed by a preventable commercial truck wreck like this should contact an attorney from Bell Legal Group to hold the driver and the company accountable.

When oversized vehicles collide with cars or pedestrians, the outcomes are devastating. Determining the cause of the accident can be a challenge, especially in cases with multiple vehicles or severe damage. Turn to Bell Legal Group, a  South Carolina law firm specializing in commercial truck wrecks, for support when facing corporate freight companies. After being harmed by a distracted, negligent, or reckless truck driver, you deserve to see the responsible parties held liable, and we’re here to help.