A fatal trucking accident on July 27th, 2014, left one woman dead after a collision between a car and an eighteen-wheeler in Charleston County. According to the police Monica Bailey, 34, was driving a Lincoln Town Car east on Guerins Bridge Road towards Highway 17 at around 2 a.m. when she attempted to cross the southbound lanes of the highway. Ms. Bailey was hit head-on by a semi-truck travelling south on Highway 17. Ms. Bailey was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi is reported to have suffered no injuries. As of yet, no charges have been filed against the driver of the eighteen-wheeler.
Truck Accidents in South Carolina
In 2010, South Carolina reported a total of 2,126 nonfatal and 62 fatal trucking accidents in the state. In addition, a total of 1,012 of those accidents reported injuries for over 1,500 people. More than ten percent of all fatal accidents in South Carolina involve a large truck or eighteen-wheeler. Because these types of vehicles routinely carry up to forty tons of product when fully loaded, the resulting injuries and deaths are more devastating than the typical automobile accident.
Common Causes of South Carolina Trucking Accidents
There are many factors that can be the root cause of a trucking accident. An experienced attorney should be able to reconstruct the accident and work with trucking experts to determine the ultimate cause of the accident as well as the truck driver’s liability. The most common causes of trucking accidents include:
· Speeding;
· Fatigued driving;
· Distracted driving (text messaging or checking a cell phone);
· Inadequate truck maintenance;
· Full capacity or overweight cargo;
· Road rage;
· Brake failure;
· Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs;
· Not checking blind spots;
· Failure to use safety measures (turn signals or full stops);
…and other dangerous driving tactics of semi-trucks that cause accidents with other vehicles.
South Carolina Truck Accident Compensation
Many parties can be liable for the injuries sustained in a trucking accident. For example, the truck driver, truck manufacturer, trucking company, contractors,
employers, and insurance companies can all be responsible for compensating your injuries. The severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, or wrongful death that comes from a semi-truck accident can take a toll on every aspect of your life. Damages that can be recovered from a trucking accident include:
· Past, present, and future medical expenses;
· Scarring and disfigurement;
· Permanent disability;
· Lifestyle changes;
· Long-term or in-home care;
· Pain and suffering;
· Lost wages;
· Impairment of earning;
· Funeral expenses;
…and other costs that are reasonably related to the injuries or death caused by the trucking accident.