Common Causes of Truck Accidents in South Carolina

Most drivers, who are not also truck drivers themselves, probably have an ambivalent relationship with large, commercial trucks. From one perspective, they are a vital link in our complex system of commerce as they transport tons of goods around the country. From the perspective of the drivers of passenger vehicles, large trucks pose a tremendous obstacle and safety hazard both on the highways and local roads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,964 people who lost their lives and 95,000 people were injured in 342,000 crashes involving large trucks in 2013. In 2015 so far, there have been 601 people killed in traffic accidents according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

While every truck accident is different, there are some causes in common among most crashes. The most common cause of all accidents regardless of the size or type of vehicle is human error. The driver’s error takes many forms along with the other factors that contribute to trucking accidents, which include:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk / drugged driving
• Speeding
• Driver fatigue
• Illegal maneuvers
• Road rage / aggressive driving
• Defective equipment
• Unbalanced loads

The importance of finding the cause of a truck accident

Due to the massive size of commercial trucks, accidents with passenger vehicles can cause catastrophic injuries to the occupants of the other vehicles. NHTSA data points out that 74 percent of those who were killed in large truck accidents were the occupants of another vehicle, and only 16 percent were occupants of the trucks. The same goes for the injuries from trucking accidents: 71 percent of those injured in truck accidents were passengers of other vehicles.

The devastating injuries sustained in trucking accidents cause tremendous pain and suffering with long term consequences and even death. Getting to the cause of the accident helps injury attorneys and the insurance companies ascertain what and who caused the accident and who is at fault, so they can be held liable for the injuries, property damage, financial losses and the wrongful death of those who perished in the accident.

A trucking accident attorney who is experienced and knowledgeable about South Carolina law will help make sure that your rights are protected and that you get the appropriate settlement. If you have been injured in a truck accident, or if you lost a loved one in an accident, you may contact the experienced medical malpractice attorneys at McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC today to schedule a consultation.