Considering that Interstates 95, 26, 77, and many other busy highways run through South Carolina, you probably expect that truck accidents occur frequently. It may seem like positive news to learn that truck collisions comprise just four percent of all traffic crashes in the state, but the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports a disturbing statistic: Almost 25 percent of truck accidents lead to at least one fatality or injured victim.
Liability in Truck Crash Cases
Large rigs share the road with many other users, so some of the same factors that cause other collisions may lead to truck accidents. Examples of driver negligence include speeding, running traffic signals, drunk driving, and failure to yield. However, there are numerous causes that are unique to truck crashes. For instance, the truck operator might fail to comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations or take turns too quickly with a heavy load. In addition, truck accidents may be the result of misconduct by other parties.
Examples include:
- Improperly loading and securing the cargo;
- Employer negligence in vetting, hiring, and training the truck driver;
- Failing to conduct inspections of the truck tractor, trailer, systems, parts, and components;
- Manufacturing and design defects.
