How Common Are Truck Accidents on South Carolina Roads?

The trucking industry is an important part of the U.S. economy, moving about 70% of all freight.

Many commercial truck companies operate out of South Carolina, with the state relying heavily on trucks for the movement of goods from distribution points to retail centers and across state borders. However, this reliance also means a high probability of truck accidents.

Truck Accident Frequency in South Carolina

According to the most recent data from the FMCSA, South Carolina saw 3,167 large truck crashes in 2024, a number higher than that for both 2022 and 2023. Fatal truck crashes are particularly concerning. In 2021, there were 135 fatal crashes involving large trucks, resulting in 154 deaths.

Additionally, from 2021 to 2023, large trucks were involved in about 3,000 crashes each year, causing around 1,800 injuries annually. These figures reveal why improving truck safety is a priority for the state.

High-Risk Areas for Truck Accidents

Some parts of South Carolina see substantially more truck accidents than others, including:

• I-95, which runs through the eastern part of the state
• The I-26 corridor between Charleston, Columbia, and beyond
• I-85 in the upstate area, especially around Spartanburg and Greenville
• Areas near ports and distribution centers, particularly around Charleston

These zones are characterized by constant hazards like heavy truck traffic, highway merges, road construction, and changing terrain. Roads near industrial areas also see more crashes as truck drivers navigate unfamiliar routes.

The Impact of Truck Crashes

When semi-truck accidents occur, the results can be devastating. Commercial trucks are much larger than passenger vehicles, so those in the smaller vehicles usually suffer the worst effects. Common injuries from truck accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Spine injuries (including possible paralysis)
• Broken bones
• Internal organ damage
• Severe cuts and scarring

Truck accidents can also cause major financial problems. Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can quickly become overwhelming for victims and their families.

Why South Carolina Has So Many Truck Accidents

Several factors explain why South Carolina's truck accident rate is so high. For example:

• The state’s location as a southeast transportation hub means lots of truck traffic
• The busy port of Charleston brings many commercial trucks to the roads
• Rural highways often have high speed limits but few safety features
• Driver fatigue can affect commercial drivers on major long-haul routes
• Inclement weather, including tropical storms and fog, can increase overall risk
• The state’s growing population leads to more crowded roads

Trucking companies must follow strict federal rules. Unfortunately, some drivers break these rules by driving too many hours or skipping routine maintenance, leading to preventable accidents.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

An attorney experienced with truck accidents can bring special knowledge to your case. Accidents with semi-trucks are different from car accidents, as they may involve:

• Multiple at-fault parties, potentially including the driver, trucking company, maintenance companies, etc.
• Complex federal and state laws
• Corporate insurance policies with much higher limits
• Teams of company lawyers working to minimize payouts
• Special evidence like driver logs, truck data recorders, and maintenance records

A skilled truck accident lawyer can help level the playing field, collecting and presenting critical evidence while you focus on healing.

FAQ

How Do Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility?

A trucking company may claim that the responsible driver was an independent contractor, blame other motorists, or quickly repair truck damage to hide evidence. They may also pressure victims to settle quickly before they understand their rights.

Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. South Carolina follows modified comparative negligence rules, which means you can still recover damages as long as you're not more than 50% at fault for your accident.

What Types of Evidence Are Unique to Truck Accident Cases?

Evidence in truck accident cases can include electronic logging devices (ELDs), truck "black boxes," driver qualification files, hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and weight tickets. This documentation can disappear quickly if not properly preserved.

Get the Trustworthy Legal Support You Need

The truck accidents attorneys at Clore Law have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case while you focus on recovering. We understand the unique challenges truck accident cases present and the impact they can have on families. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options.