Causes of South Carolina Truck Accidents
Commercial vehicles and 18-wheelers are a common sight on South Carolina roadways and are responsible for transporting everything from food, produce, and livestock to hazardous materials and toxic chemicals. These vehicles, which can weigh 20 times more than the average car without any permits for oversized weight, are crucial for our economy, but are inherently dangerous. In fact, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that in a single year, there were a total of 41 fatal crashes involving tractor trailers, resulting in 47 deaths.
Tractor trailer and semi-truck accidents are almost always preventable. The following considers some of the top causes of truck accidents in our state– if you are involved in a commercial truck crash, contact the experienced South Carolina truck accident attorneys at Peake & Fowler.
Truck Driver Errors
In a Large Truck Crash Causation Study published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver error was a leading cause of truck crashes. Driver error was the “critical reason” for the crash in 87 percent of crashes recorded. The FMCSA further categorized driver error into four subcategories of crash causes, including:
- Non-performance – falling asleep behind the wheel or suffering from serious physical impairment;
- Recognition – driving while distracted or inattentive, or failing to observe and assess driving conditions;
- Decision – driving too fast for conditions, following another driving too closely, misjudging the speed of other vehicles, etc.; and
- Performance – Overcompensating to correct an error, panicking, or exercising poor control of the vehicle.
In addition to the above, making illegal maneuvers, being unfamiliar with the roadway, using over-the-counter drugs, or using illegal drugs or alcohol were also reported causes of truck accidents by the FMCSA. It should be noted that both truck drivers and the drivers of standard passenger cars may be to blame for negligent behavior that causes a collision.
Vehicle Problems
Another cause of truck accidents in South Carolina are vehicle problems. Vehicles problems may include defects with the vehicle itself, such as defective brakes or tires, or cargo problems (improperly loading of cargo or improper securement) that leads to cargo shifts. Vehicle problems contribute to many truck accidents, and are almost always avoidable. Those who may be held liable for a vehicle problem could include the trucking company for failing to maintain the truck, a repair company for failing to properly fix a truck defect, the manufacturer of the truck or defective part, or a shipper or loader of cargo. Often times, a vehicle problem leads to a crash that the truck driver, even when acting diligently and responsibly, cannot mitigate.
Environmental Hazards
Sometimes, neither the driver nor the vehicle (or rather, the party who is responsible for a defect with the vehicle) are to blame for a truck accident. The cause of the accident may be a problem with the environment. For example, wet or slippery roadways, animals or debris in the road, or other roadway problems, such as potholes or inadequate/incorrect signage may cause a truck accident. In some cases, there be no one to blame – for example, an animal darting into the road is impossible to predict. In other cases, a company or government entity may be responsible. For example, if a dangerous road surface condition contributes to the accident, and the party responsible for maintaining the roads knew of the condition yet failed to repair it in a reasonable amount of time, they may be held liable.
Who Is Liable for My Truck Accident?
Driver errors, vehicle problems, and environmental hazards are the top three causes of truck accidents in South Carolina. While truck accidents are less common than are accidents involving standard passenger cars, they do happen, and can have catastrophic effects for those involved. If you have been involved in a truck accident that you believe was the fault of another party, you need our experienced South Carolina commercial truck accident attorneysto open an investigation, analyze evidence, and build your claim.
We are experienced in representing clients who have suffered significant losses in truck accidents in South Carolina. To schedule your free consultation with the knowledgeable truck accident attorneys at Peake & Fowler and learn more about proving liability and seeking recovery after a crash, contact us today. We are available to talk at (803) 788-4370, or can be contacted through the online form on our website.
