South Carolina Container Truck Accident Attorney

Semi Truck Wreck Injury Lawyers Serving Charleston, SC

The United States is a significant player in global trade, and container trucks facilitate the movement of goods to and from ports. They help connect domestic industries with international markets, supporting imports and exports essential to the U.S. economy. While crucial for transporting goods, container trucks pose several significant dangers. Collisions involving container trucks can result in devastating consequences, including fatalities and severe injuries.

Accidents involving container trucks in South Carolina are typically complex and require the assistance of an experienced truck accident attorney. The truck accident lawyers at the Steinberg Law Firm have a long history of successfully representing accident victims throughout South Carolina. Contact our team’s container truck accident lawyers by calling 843-720-2800 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn about your rights and remedies. 

Why Are Container Trucks Dangerous?

A container truck, also known as a container chassis or container trailer, is a specialized type of truck or trailer designed to transport shipping containers. These containers are typically used for transporting goods via sea, rail, or road and come in standard sizes and dimensions.

According to CloudTrucks, the top 3 industries that rely on trucking are agricultural products, dairy, fruit and vegetable products, and pharmaceutical products. Several factors contribute to the inherent risks of container trucks, including the following:

Size and Weight

Container trucks are massive vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds in the United States, making them significantly larger and heavier than typical passenger vehicles. Their sheer size increases the potential for severe accidents and catastrophic outcomes in collisions. 

Driver Fatigue

Long-distance container truck drivers frequently face demanding schedules and extended driving hours. This can lead to driver fatigue, impairing their alertness and reaction times, which increases the risk of accidents. 

Maintenance Issues

Inadequate vehicle maintenance, such as worn-out brakes or faulty tires, can result in equipment failures that lead to accidents. 

Cargo Shifts and Spills

Poorly secured cargo within containers can shift or spill during transit, creating dangerous road conditions and potentially causing accidents.

Blind Spots

Container trucks have extensive blind spots, making it challenging for drivers to see nearby motorcycles and passenger cars. This can result in collisions when drivers change lanes or make turns.

High Center of Gravity

Container trucks have a high center of gravity, making trucks vulnerable to rollovers when negotiating sharp turns or encountering uneven terrain.

Road Infrastructure Damage

The excessive weight of container trucks can cause damage to road infrastructure, necessitating costly repairs and posing safety risks for other motorists.

While container trucks are vital for global commerce, addressing these dangers requires stringent regulations, improved safety measures, driver training, and ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks associated with these large and powerful vehicles.

Rate of Container Truck Accidents

A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) refers to any motor vehicle used for transporting goods, property, or people, whether within a single state or across state lines. Since container trucks are used for the transportation of goods and are often operated by trucking companies for profit, they fall under the category of commercial vehicles.

Recent data from South Carolina revealed several noteworthy statistics about CMVs, including the following:

• CMVs were involved in 142 fatal traffic collisions, accounting for 12.8% of all fatal traffic collisions.
• They were also involved in 3,187 traffic collisions, making up 2.2% of all traffic collisions.
• CMVs contributed to 19.3% of total fatal traffic collisions in incidents involving both CMVs and non-CMVs, with non-CMV vehicles contributing to 74.6%.
• In total traffic collisions between CMVs and non-CMVs, CMVs were responsible for 38.8%, while non-CMVs contributed to 56.3%.
• The primary vehicle uses of CMVs in fatal traffic collisions were for transporting property, construction/maintenance purposes, and personal use.
• The largest age group of CMV drivers involved in fatal traffic collisions fell between the ages of 45 and 54, while non-CMV drivers in fatal collisions were typically between 55 and 64 years old.
• Out-of-state CMV drivers accounted for 45.5% of CMV drivers involved in traffic collisions, with the majority (58.1%) hailing from North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

In case of lawsuits or legal actions related to truck accidents, accurate and comprehensive accident data can serve as valuable evidence in court, aiding in determining liability and the pursuit of justice. According to TruckInfo, truck accidents involving a spinal cord injury resulted in lawsuit payouts of up to $3.5 million. Although seeking medical attention is a crucial first step, the next best thing a container truck accident victim can do is speak with an experienced South Carolina truck accident attorney to discuss their legal rights and next steps. 

Challenges with South Carolina Container Truck Accidents 

Lawsuits involving container trucks can present unique issues and challenges due to the distinct characteristics of these commercial vehicles and the circumstances surrounding their operations.

Interstate Commerce

Container trucks frequently engage in interstate commerce, transporting goods across state lines. This can raise jurisdictional and regulatory complexities, as federal and state laws may apply differently to these cases.

Federal Regulations

Federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) heavily regulate the trucking industry. Compliance with complex federal regulations, such as hours-of-service rules and maintenance standards, can be a critical issue in these cases.

Multiple Parties

Container truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, and maintenance providers. Determining liability and the degree of responsibility for each party can be intricate, which is why it’s best to speak with an experienced truck accident injury lawyer. 

Maintenance and Equipment

Inadequate maintenance or equipment failures, such as brake or tire issues, can contribute to accidents. Determining whether maintenance records were adequately maintained and inspected is crucial. Cargo-related problems, such as improper loading, overloading, or container cargo shifts, can lead to accidents. 

Evidence Gathering

Collecting evidence in container truck cases can be challenging. This may include obtaining black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and expert opinions on accident reconstruction and causation. Container truck cases often require expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists, cargo securing experts, and engineers, to provide opinions on the technical aspects of the case.

Insurance Complexity

Container trucking companies typically have substantial insurance coverage. Dealing with insurance companies, especially in cases of disputed liability or coverage issues, can be complicated.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensuring that the container and truck comply with safety standards, especially when transporting hazardous materials, adds a layer of complexity to these cases.

Due to these unique issues and complexities, individuals involved in container truck accidents should seek experienced legal counsel with experience in trucking and transportation law to navigate establishing liability in these cases. 

Speak with an Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today

If you or a loved one was recently injured in an accident with a container truck or other large commercial vehicle, the Charleston truck accident attorneys at the Steinberg Law Firm are here to help. For more than 95 years, our lawyers have been standing up for the rights of accident victims and helping them recover compensation for what they’ve been through. We have three conveniently located locations in Charleston, Goose Creek, and Summerville, and we offer free consultations to all prospective clients. To learn more and to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today, give the Steinberg Law Firm a call at 843-720-2800. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.