The Top 7 Causes of Trucking Accidents in South Carolina

Trucking accidents devastate lives in ways that ordinary car crashes don't.

When a fully loaded commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. In South Carolina, these crashes happen with alarming frequency on major routes like I-95 and I-26, with the state accounting for 2.4% of all large truck accidents in the U.S. in 2021.

Understanding why trucking accidents happen is the first step in preventing them. Here are the leading causes of truck accidents in South Carolina.

Substance Abuse Behind the Wheel

The law imposes strict regulations and testing requirements on truck drivers. However, some still operate under the influence.

Long-distance drivers may take stimulants, alcohol, and other substances to stay awake, but these substances also have the unintended effects of impaired judgment and reduced reaction time. These consequences are predictable and tragic.

Fatigue

Tired truck drivers cause cause nearly 13% of commercial vehicle crashes. This risk has grown alongside South Carolina's expanding traffic — vehicle miles traveled jumped 19% between 2000 and 2016, from 45.5 billion to 54 billion miles.

More miles mean more tired drivers pushing their limits to meet schedules, sometimes falsifying logbooks to drive longer than legally allowed. The results are predictable: slowed reaction times, impaired judgment, and sometimes, drivers literally falling asleep at the wheel.

Distracted Driving

A driver checking their phone at 65 mph travels the length of a football field blind. For a truck weighing up to 80,000 pounds, that's an eternity.

Distracted driving kills eight people and injures another 1,095 daily across America. South Carolina's situation is particularly dire, ranking seventh worst for driving safety nationally and first in fatality rates per mile traveled.

A distracted driver is one who looks away from the road, lets go of the steering, or is mentally absent — and texting encompasses all three characteristics.

Texting behind the wheel is illegal in South Carolina, with fines starting at $25; however, even legal activities like operating the radio or eating can lead to fatal mistakes when operating a commercial truck.

Unroadworthy Vehicles

Some trucking accidents happen before the vehicle even starts moving.

Worn brake pads, bald tires, and faulty steering systems turn trucks into rolling hazards. Federal regulations require regular inspections, but some companies cut corners on maintenance to save money. A failed brake line or a blown tire can send a truck spinning out of control.

Inexperienced Drivers

The average trucker is 46 years old, and many are retiring. Companies need approximately 1.2 million new drivers in the next decade just to keep up.

As a result, trucking companies are putting undertrained drivers behind the wheel before they're ready, desperate to fill seats. These inexperienced drivers struggle with basics, raising the rate of trucking accidents.

Retention is another problem, with poor hours and pay driving experienced drivers away. This leads companies to fill spots with newer, less seasoned replacements. Experienced drivers are also leaving long-haul routes for seemingly easier last-mile delivery jobs, further depleting the pool of reliable highway truckers.

Speed and Recklessness

A loaded tractor-trailer requires significantly more distance to stop than a car. Even so, some drivers speed, tailgate, and make unsafe lane changes. This kind of aggressive driving becomes lethal when it takes place in a vehicle that weighs 20–30 times more than the cars around it.

Overloading

An overloaded trailer or one with poorly distributed weight can jackknife or roll over during normal maneuvers. Securing cargo properly takes time and expertise, and rushing this process can present deadly risks.

FAQ

What Should I Do Immediately After a Truck Accident?

First, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Then, document as much as possible— take photos, collect witness information, and contact a truck accident lawyer who can help preserve critical evidence before it disappears.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Truck Accident in South Carolina?

South Carolina's statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting to take action makes it harder to compile evidence and build a strong case.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and even parts manufacturers. A qualified truck accident attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties.

Get the Support You Need After a Trucking Accident

When you're up against trucking companies and their insurers, you need experienced representation. The veteran truck accident lawyers at Clore Law understand the complexities of these cases and how to protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.