South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer

Tractor-trailers are a vital part of the U.S. economy. Goods are being trucked into South Carolina’s coastal cities 24/7. However, our reliance on the trucking industry puts tremendous strain on the individual drivers, who are often pushed to the limit to stay on schedule and meet the demand. When a tired, speeding, or impaired trucker causes a crash that injures a motorist, both the trucker and their employer might be liable for compensating the injured driver.

At Wright Injury Law, we don't back down from the challenges presented by a commercial truck accident case. Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright will take on corporate lawyers, stingy insurance companies, and tight-lipped trucking companies to get you the compensation you deserve after a devasting truck accident in Myrtle Beach.

Safety Tips for Truck Drivers on Highways and Interstates

Driving a truck on highways and interstates requires careful attention and adherence to safety practices. Here are some tips to help truck drivers avoid car accidents:

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Always keep a safe distance between your truck and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Focus on the road and avoid distractions like mobile phones or other electronic devices while driving.
• Observe Speed Limits: Adhere to posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to weather and traffic conditions.
• Use Turn Signals: Always use your turn signals well in advance to indicate your intentions to other drivers.
• Check Blind Spots: Regularly check mirrors and be aware of your truck's blind spots. Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
• Plan Your Route: Know your route ahead of time and be aware of potential hazards or construction zones.
• Conduct Regular Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure your truck is in good condition by regularly checking brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems.
• Rest Adequately: Fatigue is a major risk factor. Make sure to get enough rest before long drives to maintain focus and reaction time.
• Adjust to Weather Conditions: Be prepared to adjust your driving in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog.
• Stay Informed: Use traffic and weather apps to stay informed about road conditions and potential hazards.

By following these tips, truck drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Call Wright Injury Law today to schedule a consultation with Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright in our office, by phone or video. 

Tractor-Trailer Truck Accidents in South Carolina

In South Carolina, the roads where most tractor-trailer truck accidents occur are typically major highways and interstates. Some of the most common roads for these accidents include:

• Interstate 95 (I-95): This is a major north-south highway that runs along the eastern United States, passing through South Carolina. It's a common route for long-haul trucking.
• Interstate 85 (I-85): Another significant interstate, I-85 runs through the Upstate region of South Carolina, connecting cities like Greenville and Spartanburg.
• Interstate 26 (I-26): This interstate runs from the mountains in the northwestern part of the state to the coast in Charleston, serving as a critical corridor for freight and commercial traffic.
• Interstate 20 (I-20): Running east-west, I-20 crosses through Columbia and is a key route for traffic traveling between Georgia and the eastern United States.
• U.S. Route 17 (US 17): Often referred to as the "Coastal Highway," US 17 runs parallel to the coast and is heavily used by trucks transporting goods to and from the ports in Charleston.

These highways are essential for commerce and trade, but they also see a high volume of traffic, which can contribute to the frequency of accidents involving tractor-trailers.

Safety Training Requirements for Trucking Companies

Trucking companies are required to provide safety training to their truck drivers. This is mandated by various regulations and standards that aim to ensure the safety of both the drivers and the general public. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has set forth regulations that trucking companies must follow, which include providing adequate training to their drivers.

Safety training typically covers a range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Proper use of equipment and vehicles
• Compliance with traffic laws and regulations
• Hazard recognition and avoidance
• Defensive driving techniques
• Emergency procedures

The aim is to reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that drivers are well-prepared to handle various situations on the road. It's important for trucking companies to maintain a comprehensive training program and regularly update it to align with the latest safety standards and practices.

Truck Driver Hours of Service Regulations

There is a limit on how many hours a truck driver can drive per day. In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the regulations for hours of service for commercial truck drivers. The primary rules include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.
• 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time if they wish to continue driving.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. The 7/8 consecutive day period may restart after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and ensure safety on the road. For more detailed information, you can visit the FMCSA website.  If you have been injured by a wreck caused by a Truck Driver, Attorney Brooke Eaves Wright can investigate to explore whether the Truck Driver exceeded the applicable driving hour limits.  

Common Types of Tractor-Trailer Collisions

Tractor-trailer collisions can occur in various forms, often leading to severe consequences due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Rear-End Collisions

These occur when a tractor-trailer hits the back of another vehicle. Due to the significant stopping distance required by large trucks, these types of collisions are common in heavy traffic conditions.

2. Jackknife Accidents

This type of accident happens when the trailer swings out from behind the tractor, forming a shape similar to a pocketknife. This can occur due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions.

3. Rollover Accidents

Rollovers can happen when a tractor-trailer takes a turn too quickly or if the load is unbalanced. These are particularly dangerous due to the potential for the truck to crush other vehicles.

4. Underride Collisions

These occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a truck, often resulting in severe damage and injury. It frequently happens in rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes.

5. Blind Spot Accidents

Due to the large blind spots of tractor-trailers, smaller vehicles can often go unnoticed, leading to collisions during lane changes or turns.

Understanding these common collision types can help in developing strategies to prevent accidents and improve road safety for all users.