A truck wreck in Lexington, South Carolina can change your life in an instant. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car on I-20 or US-1, the injuries are often catastrophic, the medical bills pile up fast, and the trucking company’s legal team starts building its defense before you even leave the hospital. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck crash in or around Lexington, SC, you need a personal injury lawyer who knows South Carolina law and who will fight to hold every responsible party accountable. At Steinberg Law Firm, we have been standing up for injured people across the Lowcountry and the Midlands for nearly 100 years, and we are ready to stand up for you.

Table of Contents

• Why Truck Crashes in Lexington, SC Are So Dangerous
• Federal and South Carolina Laws That Govern Truck Accident Claims
• Common Causes of Truck Wrecks in Lexington, SC
• Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lexington Truck Crash
• What to Do After a Truck Crash in Lexington, SC
• Your Right to Compensation and the Filing Deadline in South Carolina
• Steinberg Law Firm’s Car Accident Case Results in South Carolina
• FAQs About Lexington Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Truck Crashes in Lexington, SC Are So Dangerous

Lexington County sits at the crossroads of some of South Carolina’s busiest freight corridors. Interstates 20 and 26 run directly through or adjacent to the county, funneling heavy commercial traffic from Atlanta through Columbia and on toward the coast. US-1, US-378, and SC-6 add even more truck volume through residential and commercial areas that were never designed to handle this level of freight activity.

According to the most recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), South Carolina recorded 3,167 large truck crashes in 2024, a figure higher than both 2022 and 2023. That number reflects a state-wide pattern, and Lexington County contributes a significant share of those crashes.

Nationwide, a total of 5,340 people died in large-truck crashes in 2024, and while that number decreased 2.5% from 2023, it is still up 30% over the last ten years. The trend is moving in the wrong direction, and Lexington residents feel that reality every day on roads like Augusta Highway, Sunset Boulevard, and the interchange near Lake Murray Boulevard.

The majority of deaths in large-truck crashes are occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (17%), and non-occupants such as pedestrians and bicyclists (13%). In plain terms, when a big rig crashes, it is almost always the people in the smaller vehicle who pay the highest price. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal organ trauma are common outcomes. These injuries require long-term medical care, and the financial burden on survivors and their families is enormous.

The FMCSA estimates the average cost of a truck crash involving injuries at $200,000, a figure that can double or triple when fatalities occur. That number does not capture the full human cost, but it does illustrate why trucking companies and their insurers fight so hard to minimize what they pay. You need someone fighting just as hard on your side.

Federal and South Carolina Laws That Govern Truck Accident Claims

Truck crash claims are governed by an overlapping framework of federal and state law. Understanding which rules apply, and how violations of those rules support a negligence claim, is critical to building a strong case.

At the federal level, commercial trucks operating in South Carolina must comply with FMCSA regulations covering Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), vehicle maintenance requirements, driver qualification standards, and cargo securement rules. Violations of these regulations can provide powerful evidence of negligence in a truck crash claim.

The FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules set firm limits on how long a driver can be behind the wheel. Truck drivers cannot drive for more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, cannot be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours before taking a mandatory break, must take a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of driving, and cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. When a carrier pressures a driver to push past those limits, and a crash results, that violation becomes direct evidence of negligence.

Under South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1260, any driver involved in a crash resulting in injury or death must immediately notify local law enforcement, the county sheriff’s office, or the nearest South Carolina Highway Patrol office. Under S.C. Code Section 56-5-1270, if law enforcement does not investigate, the vehicle owner or operator must file a written report with the Department of Motor Vehicles within 15 days when injuries, deaths, or property damage of $1,000 or more occur.

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule: an injured person may recover compensation only if they are less than 51% at fault, and any recovery is reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault. Trucking companies often try to shift blame onto the injured driver to reduce or eliminate their liability. Having an attorney who understands this tactic, and knows how to counter it with evidence, makes all the difference.

South Carolina Code Section 56-5-4190 governs commercial vehicle weight limits on state roads. When a truck exceeds those limits, it causes greater stopping distances, increased road damage, and a higher risk of catastrophic crashes. Weight limit violations can support a negligence claim against both the driver and the carrier.

Common Causes of Truck Wrecks in Lexington, SC

Truck crashes rarely happen for a single reason. Most involve a combination of driver error, carrier negligence, and regulatory violations. Knowing the most common causes helps you understand what your attorney will investigate after a wreck.

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of serious truck crashes. The I-20 corridor through the Midlands sees fatigue-related crashes particularly during overnight hours when long-haul truckers push through between Atlanta and the coast. A driver who has been awake for 20 hours has impairment comparable to a driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.08%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Distracted driving is another major factor. A truck driver checking a phone or adjusting a GPS at highway speed travels hundreds of feet before reacting. On a crowded stretch of US-378 near downtown Lexington or on the interchange ramps at I-20 and I-26, that kind of inattention is enough to cause a multi-vehicle pileup.

Improper cargo loading and securement failures also cause wrecks. When freight shifts during transit, it can destabilize a trailer and cause a rollover. Under FMCSA regulations, both the carrier and the cargo loader share responsibility for securing loads correctly.

Poor vehicle maintenance rounds out the list of top causes. FMCSA regulations require trucking companies to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure brakes, tires, lights, and other components are in safe working condition, maintain detailed records of truck maintenance and repairs, and remove trucks with critical safety violations from service immediately. When a carrier skips inspections or ignores known defects to keep a truck on the road, and that defect causes a crash, the company is liable.

Speeding is a consistent factor as well. Under S.C. Code Section 56-5-1520, all drivers must operate at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for road conditions. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling at 70 miles per hour on a wet US-1 near the Lexington town center has far less ability to stop than its driver may realize.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lexington Truck Crash

One of the biggest differences between a truck crash claim and a standard car crash claim is the number of parties who may share liability. Identifying every responsible party is essential to recovering full compensation, because each party may carry separate insurance coverage.

The truck driver is the most obvious defendant. If the driver was fatigued, distracted, impaired, or speeding, their negligence is the starting point for any claim. But the driver’s employer, the trucking company, is often the more important defendant.

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, an employer is liable for the negligent acts of an employee committed within the scope of employment. All commercial vehicle operators must follow traffic laws, and their employers can be held liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior when drivers cause crashes while performing job duties.

The cargo loading company can also be held liable when improperly secured freight contributes to a crash. If a third-party logistics provider loaded the trailer and failed to follow federal cargo securement standards, that company shares responsibility for the resulting injuries.

The truck manufacturer or a parts supplier may be liable when a mechanical defect causes or contributes to a wreck. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering defects that stem from a manufacturing error or a design flaw can support a product liability claim separate from the negligence claim against the driver and carrier.

Finally, distribution centers may be liable when they impose unrealistic delivery schedules that pressure drivers to speed or exceed hours-of-service limits, overload trucks beyond weight limits, improperly secure cargo, or fail to maintain safe loading dock operations. Lexington County’s growing logistics corridor, including major warehouse and fulfillment operations along the I-20 corridor, makes this type of liability increasingly relevant in local cases.

Working with a truck accident lawyer who investigates all of these potential defendants, and who acts quickly to preserve electronic logging device data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records before they are overwritten or destroyed, gives you the best chance at full recovery.

What to Do After a Truck Crash in Lexington, SC

The steps you take in the hours and days after a truck wreck directly affect the strength of your legal claim. Acting quickly and carefully protects both your health and your right to compensation.

Call 911 immediately. Under S.C. Code Section 56-5-1260, crashes involving injury or death must be reported to law enforcement right away. In Lexington County, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department both handle crash investigations depending on where the wreck occurred. The resulting crash report documents the scene, identifies the truck and driver, and records the responding officer’s observations.

Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine. Internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries do not always produce immediate pain. Delaying treatment gives the trucking company’s insurer a basis to argue that your injuries were not caused by the crash. Lexington Medical Center on Augusta Road is the primary emergency care option for serious injuries in the area.

Document everything you safely can. Photograph the truck’s company name, USDOT number on the cab door, trailer number, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and your visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses. These details cannot be recreated later.

Do not speak to the trucking company, its insurer, or any insurance adjuster before you speak with an attorney. This applies even to your own insurance company. Recorded statements made in the aftermath of a crash are routinely used to undermine injury claims. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 first.

Your Right to Compensation and the Filing Deadline in South Carolina

South Carolina law allows truck crash victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. When a crash is fatal, the victim’s family may bring a wrongful death claim to recover for their own losses, including loss of financial support, companionship, and the grief of losing a loved one.

These claims are paid from settlement proceeds negotiated with the at-fault parties and their insurers. The amount you recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of your legal representation.

Time is a critical factor. Under S.C. Code Section 15-3-530, personal injury victims have three years to bring an action for assault, battery, or any injury to the person. For wrongful death claims, the same three-year deadline applies, and the statute of limitations starts running on the date of the victim’s death. Missing that deadline almost always means losing your right to compensation entirely.

Three years may sound like plenty of time, but truck crash cases require immediate action. Electronic logging device data, dashcam footage, and dispatch records can be overwritten or deleted within days. Maintenance logs and driver qualification files must be obtained through formal legal process. Witness memories fade. The sooner you contact Steinberg Law Firm, the better positioned you are to preserve the evidence that wins your case.

Steinberg Law Firm’s Car Accident Case Results in South Carolina

Steinberg Law Firm has recovered millions of dollars for people seriously injured in car accidents and truck crashes across South Carolina. Our car accident results reflect our commitment to fighting for full and fair compensation for every client we represent. The following are representative results from cases handled by Steinberg Law Firm in South Carolina.

• $10,000,000 in a fatal large vehicle accident case
• $3,150,000 in a large vehicle accident case involving an 18-wheeler
• $2,500,000 in a commercial vehicle crash on Highway 52
• $2,000,000 in a large vehicle accident case caused by an improperly trained driver
• $1,600,000 rear-ended by a pickup on Hwy. 61
• $1,500,000 in a large vehicle accident
• $1,450,000 in a fatal automobile collision
• $1,300,000 in a car crash case caused by a drunk driver overserved at a restaurant
• $1,200,000 in a collision between two large vehicles
• $1,150,000 in an I-26 commercial large vehicle accident case
• $1,000,000 in a commercial large vehicle accident on I-26 where our client was initially cited at-fault
• $1,000,000 in a case where a pedestrian was run over by an 18-wheeler
• $1,000,000 in a pedestrian hit by a large vehicle accident
• $925,000 in a motorcycle t-bone collision
• $835,000 settlement for a rear-end car accident during work

Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in your case. Every case is different, and the amount recovered depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. These results are shared to give you a sense of what Steinberg Law Firm has achieved for real clients across South Carolina.

FAQs About Lexington Truck Accident Lawyers

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in South Carolina?

Under S.C. Code Section 15-3-530, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina. For wrongful death claims, the three-year period begins on the date of death, not the date of the crash. Missing this deadline almost certainly means losing your right to pursue compensation. Because critical evidence like electronic logging device data and dashcam footage can disappear within days, you should contact Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 as soon as possible after a wreck.

Who pays for my injuries after a truck crash in Lexington, SC?

Compensation in a truck crash case comes from the settlement proceeds negotiated with the at-fault parties and their insurance carriers. Depending on the facts of your case, that could include the truck driver, the trucking company, a cargo loader, a parts manufacturer, or a distribution center. Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, and multiple policies may apply to a single crash. Your attorney’s job is to identify every available source of recovery and pursue each one.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster after a crash?

No. You should not speak to the trucking company’s insurer, or any insurance adjuster, until you have spoken with an attorney. This includes your own insurance company. Adjusters are trained to gather information that can be used to minimize or deny your claim. A recorded statement made while you are injured and in shock can seriously damage your case. Call Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800 before making any statement to any insurer.

What makes truck accident cases different from regular car crash cases?

Truck crash cases involve federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and far more complex evidence than a standard car wreck. Commercial trucks must comply with FMCSA rules on hours of service, driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these rules serve as evidence of negligence. The trucking company, cargo loader, manufacturer, and distribution center may all share liability. The evidence, including electronic logging device data, dispatch records, and maintenance logs, must be preserved immediately. These cases require an attorney who knows how to investigate commercial vehicle crashes from day one.

What does it cost to hire Steinberg Law Firm for a truck accident case?

Steinberg Law Firm handles truck crash cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. There is no upfront cost and no financial risk to you for pursuing your claim. You can call us at 843-720-2800 for a free consultation to discuss what happened, what your case may be worth, and what the next steps look like. We serve clients in Lexington, the greater Columbia area, and throughout South Carolina.

More Resources for Truck Accident Lawyer – SC (Small Town)

• Rock Hill Truck Accident Lawyer
• Sumter Truck Accident Attorney
• Greer Truck Accident Lawyer
• Florence Truck Accident Attorney
• Spartanburg Truck Accident Lawyer
• Bluffton Truck Accident Attorney
• Aiken Truck Accident Lawyer
• Fort Mill Truck Accident Attorney
• Anderson Truck Accident Lawyer
• Conway Truck Accident Attorney
• Mauldin Truck Accident Lawyer
• Simpsonville Truck Accident Attorney
• Socastee Truck Accident Attorney
• Greenwood Truck Accident Lawyer
• St. Andrews Truck Accident Attorney
• Five Forks Truck Accident Lawyer
• Clemson Truck Accident Attorney
• Ladson Truck Accident Lawyer
• Port Royal Truck Accident Attorney
• Cayce Truck Accident Lawyer
• Orangeburg Truck Accident Attorney
• Boiling Springs Truck Accident Lawyer
• Gaffney Truck Accident Attorney
• Irmo Truck Accident Lawyer
• Little River Truck Accident Attorney
• Garden City Truck Accident Lawyer
• Hardeeville Truck Accident Attorney
• Murrells Inlet Truck Accident Lawyer
• Georgetown Truck Accident Attorney
• Travelers Rest Truck Accident Lawyer
• Camden Truck Accident Attorney
• Darlington Truck Accident Lawyer
• Walterboro Truck Accident Attorney
• Barnwell Truck Accident Lawyer
• Edgefield Truck Accident Attorney
• Ridgeland Truck Accident Lawyer
• Kingstree Truck Accident Attorney
• Bamberg Truck Accident Lawyer
• Allendale Truck Accident Attorney
• Hampton Truck Accident Lawyer
• Elgin Lancaster County Truck Accident Attorney
• Kiawah Island Truck Accident Lawyer
• Elgin Kershaw County Truck Accident Attorney
• Awendaw Truck Accident Lawyer
• Ridgeville Truck Accident Attorney
• Folly Beach Truck Accident Lawyer
• McClellanville Truck Accident Attorney
• Pawleys Island Truck Accident Lawyer