Jedburg is a small, unincorporated community in Dorchester County situated along the busy I-26 corridor between Summerville and the rural interior of the Lowcountry. While it may not appear on every map, residents of Jedburg and the surrounding area know all too well how dangerous local roads and the interstate can be. Tractor-trailers, commuters, and construction traffic create a dangerous mix that leads to serious car and truck accidents.
If you have been injured in a crash near Jedburg, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Crantford Meehan can help. Our Summerville office is minutes away, and we have been fighting for accident victims throughout Dorchester County for years.
Why the Jedburg Area Sees So Many Serious Accidents
The stretch of I-26 running through the Jedburg area is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Several factors contribute to the high rate of serious crashes in this area:
- Heavy truck traffic on I-26 — The interstate serves as a primary freight route connecting the Port of Charleston to the Upstate and beyond. Overloaded, speeding, or fatigued truck drivers are a constant hazard.
- Construction zones — Ongoing development in the Summerville-to-Jedburg corridor means frequent lane shifts, reduced speed zones, and confused traffic patterns that lead to rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
- High-speed merging — Vehicles entering and exiting I-26 at interchanges near Jedburg often misjudge speeds, leading to dangerous merge-related crashes.
- Rural road intersections — Where local two-lane roads meet the faster highway system, T-bone and turning accidents are common, especially at intersections without traffic signals.
- Impaired and distracted driving — Like much of the Lowcountry, the Jedburg area sees its share of drunk driving and distracted driving accidents, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Truck Accident Claims Require Specialized Knowledge
Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from standard car accident claims. When a commercial truck is involved, multiple parties may share liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and driver qualifications.
At Crantford Meehan, we know how to investigate truck accidents thoroughly. We act quickly to preserve critical evidence such as:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data showing the driver’s hours
- Black box data from the truck’s event data recorder
- Trucking company maintenance and inspection records
- Driver qualification files, including drug and alcohol testing history
- GPS and dispatch records
This evidence can disappear quickly if not preserved through a spoliation letter sent to the trucking company immediately after the crash.
What Compensation Is Available After a Jedburg Area Accident?
Whether your accident involved a passenger vehicle or a commercial truck, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- All past and future medical expenses related to your injuries
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Loss of consortium for your spouse and family
- Punitive damages in cases involving reckless or egregious conduct
Truck accident injuries tend to be more severe due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multiple fractures are common, and the resulting damages can be substantial.
Do Not Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You
After an accident near Jedburg, you will likely hear from insurance adjusters quickly, especially in truck accident cases where the trucking company’s insurer wants to limit their exposure. Common tactics include:
- Offering a fast, lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Requesting a recorded statement they can use against you later
- Blaming you for the accident or claiming your injuries are pre-existing
- Delaying your claim in hopes you will give up or accept less
Having an attorney from Crantford Meehan on your side levels the playing field. We handle all communications with the insurance companies and fight to ensure you receive every dollar you are owed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 51 percent at fault. Your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
How long will my case take?
Every case is different. Some car accident claims settle in a few months, while complex truck accident cases may take a year or more. We work as efficiently as possible while making sure we do not leave money on the table by settling too early.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Many truck drivers involved in I-26 accidents are from out of state. This does not prevent you from filing a claim. We handle cases involving out-of-state trucking companies and understand the jurisdictional issues involved.
Contact Crantford Meehan for a Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car or truck accident near Jedburg or anywhere along the I-26 corridor in Dorchester County, call Crantford Meehan today at (843) 376-4030. You can also reach us online. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
