In the United States, truck accidents affect not only the people involved in the collision but also other drivers. In 2021, there were 5,788 fatalities and an estimated 154,993 injuries from traffic accidents involving large trucks. In fatal traffic crashes, 81% of large trucks involved involved multiple vehicles, compared to 63% of passenger vehicles.
Many studies identify the South Carolina locations that are susceptible to truck accidents based on data collected from various sources, including the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and truck drivers' experiences.
Interstate 26 in South Carolina was on the list; between 2010 and 2016, there were 286 collisions on the route that led to 325 fatalities. Since Interstate 95 is the main east coast route for truck traffic, truck accidents there are also frequent. Additionally, Interstates 77, 85, and 20 are important truck routes.
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 68% of truck accident fatalities occurred on rural roads in 2020, while 32% occurred in urban areas. This suggests that rural roads, which may have less infrastructure, faster speeds, and fewer traffic volumes, could be dangerous.
Furthermore, the data shows that intersections account for a sizeable portion of truck accident fatalities—16% in rural and 33% in urban areas. This highlights how important it is to drive cautiously and within the law at intersections, particularly for people who share the road with large trucks.
A variety of injuries are possible from truck accidents, and these injuries are frequently more serious than those from collisions involving smaller cars. There is a chance for serious and varied injuries because of the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks as well as the force produced during an impact. Following up with the appropriate actions as soon as possible after the accident is essential for your safety, health, and future legal and insurance claims.
Commercial truck lawsuits can be filed when truck accident involves a negligence factor, causing harm to the victims. South Carolina truck accident law works on modified comparative fault. Even if a truck accident lawsuit in SC holds more than one defendant, the legal proceeding will follow based on modified comparative fault.
