A serious auto collision occurred in the afternoon of Tuesday, November 7, 2023, in Chesterfield County, South Carolina. The crash involved a minivan and a tractor trailer, and it resulted in the death of one person. Reports indicate that the crash occurred around 2:10 p.m. close to the North Carolina state line, near the intersection of Airport Road and Coon Creek Road.
The driver of a 2004 Chrysler minivan was taking a left turn onto Airport Road when a 1997 International tractor trailer traveling north. The tractor trailer crashed into the minivan and killed its driver, whose identity is unknown at this time. The driver of the tractor trailer wasn’t injured, and no further injuries have been reported at this time.
The state’s Department of Public Safety data reflects a concerning trend of roadway fatalities in South Carolina. As of November 13, 2023, South Carolina has witnessed 837 deaths due to road accidents in 2023. In 2022 alone, 1,093 fatalities were recorded in South Carolina, highlighting the importance of exercising caution on the roads and buckling up.
Pursuing a Personal Injury Claim After Being Hit by a Semi-Truck in South Carolina
Getting into a trucking accident in South Carolina is a terrifying and frustrating situation to find yourself in. However, if you understand your legal rights and how to pursue compensation, at least you can move toward getting your medical bills and lost wages covered so you’re not burdened financially by a reckless driver’s actions.
Semi-truck accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities because of the sheer size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. The laws and regulations that apply to trucking accidents can be complex, and the typical trucking accident case typically involves digging into some of the following issues:
- Immediate Action Post-Accident: Seek medical attention promptly. Your health is paramount, and a medical record immediately following the accident can be pivotal in a personal injury claim.
- Police Reports: Ensure that a police report is filed. This document is a vital piece of evidence as it contains an objective account of the accident.
- Gathering Evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photos of the scene, witness statements, and the truck driver’s details, along with any cargo information.
- Understanding Liability: In South Carolina, liability may not solely rest on the truck driver. Trucking companies, contractors, employers, and insurance companies might also share responsibility.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Exercise caution when speaking to insurance adjusters. Their primary goal is to minimize the payout, and they are skilled in eliciting statements that could undermine your claim.
- Statute of Limitations: South Carolina law stipulates that you have three years within which you can file a claim. It's imperative to act within this period to preserve your right to compensation.
- Legal Representation: Enlist a seasoned personal injury attorney who handles semi-truck accidents. Your lawyer can help you navigate the complex laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry and truck drivers.
- Claim Assessment: Your attorney can help you make sure that you’re seeking compensation for all the economic and non-economic damages you’re entitled to under South Carolina law.
- Settlement Negotiations: The bottom line is that most cases don’t end up in a courtroom; they’re typically settled through negotiations and/or mediation. Your lawyer can work to get you a settlement offer that satisfies your goals.
- Litigation: Sometimes the insurance companies simply refuse to be reasonable, and this is where a case may end up proceeding toward trial. In this situation, your lawyer can represent you in court to try and get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
