Why Truck Accidents Near Summerville Are So Devastating

The I-26 corridor running through Summerville and Dorchester County carries a massive volume of commercial truck traffic daily — tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, and delivery vehicles moving goods between Charleston’s port and destinations across the Southeast. Combined with heavy local traffic on US-17A, Berlin G. Myers Parkway, and US-78, the result is a dangerous mix that produces serious trucking accidents with alarming frequency.

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — compared to the average passenger car at roughly 4,000 pounds. When these vehicles collide, the physics are devastating. Truck accident injuries are almost always severe, and fatalities are tragically common. The most frequent causes of truck accidents in the Summerville and Dorchester County area include:

Driver fatigue — Despite Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations, many trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed legal driving limits. Fatigued truck drivers have reaction times comparable to drunk drivers and cause thousands of crashes nationwide each year.
Distracted driving — Truck drivers using phones, GPS devices, dispatch systems, or eating while driving are a constant danger on I-26 and surrounding highways.
Speeding and aggressive driving — Tight delivery schedules push truck drivers to speed, follow too closely, and make unsafe lane changes, particularly on the congested I-26 corridor between Summerville and Charleston.
Improper loading and overweight trucks — Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers and jackknife accidents. Overweight trucks have longer stopping distances and put excessive stress on brakes and tires.
Inadequate vehicle maintenance — Trucking companies that cut corners on brake inspections, tire replacement, and mechanical maintenance put everyone on the road at risk. Brake failure is one of the leading causes of catastrophic truck accidents.
Impaired driving — Despite mandatory drug and alcohol testing requirements, some truck drivers operate commercial vehicles under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs.
Blind spot accidents — Large trucks have massive blind spots (no-zones) on all four sides. Drivers who fail to properly check mirrors or use turn signals cause devastating sideswipe and merge accidents.

Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases. They involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, commercial insurance policies worth millions, and trucking companies that deploy rapid response teams to the accident scene to protect their interests — not yours. You need attorneys who understand this landscape. Crantford Meehan serves truck accident victims throughout Summerville, Ladson, Jedburg, Ridgeville, St. George, North Charleston, and all of Dorchester County. Call (843) 376-4030.

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Compensation Available in Summerville Truck Accident Cases

The severity of truck accident injuries translates to massive financial, physical, and emotional losses for victims and their families. Commercial trucking companies carry insurance policies ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more, reflecting the enormous damages these crashes cause. South Carolina law entitles truck accident victims to full compensation for:

Medical Expenses — Past and Future

Truck accident injuries typically require extensive medical treatment: emergency trauma surgery, ICU stays, spinal fusion procedures, orthopedic reconstruction, traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, burn treatment, and years of physical therapy. Many victims require lifelong medical care. Your claim must account for every dollar of future treatment, including specialists, medications, assistive devices, and home health care.

Lost Wages and Lifetime Earning Capacity

Catastrophic truck accident injuries frequently end careers. Whether you’re unable to work for months during recovery or permanently disabled and unable to return to any employment, you deserve compensation for every dollar of income you’ve lost and will lose in the future. Economic experts can calculate the full lifetime impact on your earning capacity.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Trauma

South Carolina does not cap pain and suffering damages in truck accident cases. Victims who suffer chronic pain, PTSD, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life are entitled to substantial non-economic damages. The psychological impact of being hit by a commercial truck is often as debilitating as the physical injuries.

Permanent Disability and Disfigurement

Paralysis, amputations, severe burns, traumatic brain injuries causing cognitive impairment, and permanent scarring are tragically common in truck accidents. Compensation for permanent disability accounts for the lifelong impact on your independence, relationships, daily activities, and emotional wellbeing.

Punitive Damages

When a trucking company’s conduct is especially reckless — such as knowingly allowing fatigued drivers to operate, falsifying driver logs, ignoring maintenance requirements, or hiring drivers with disqualifying records — South Carolina courts may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter similar behavior. These damages can significantly increase the total recovery.

Wrongful Death

If a family member was killed in a truck accident, surviving relatives can pursue wrongful death compensation under South Carolina Code Section 15-51-10, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our attorneys fight aggressively for families who’ve lost loved ones to negligent trucking operations.

Don’t let a trucking company’s insurance team control the narrative. Call Crantford Meehan at (843) 376-4030 to level the playing field.

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Why Crantford Meehan Is the Right Choice for Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident litigation is among the most complex areas of personal injury law. Unlike a standard car accident where you’re dealing with one driver and one insurance company, truck accident cases can involve the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loading company, the truck manufacturer, maintenance providers, and multiple insurance carriers — each with their own legal teams working to minimize their exposure.

At Crantford Meehan, we know how to navigate this complexity. We immediately preserve critical evidence by sending spoliation letters to the trucking company to prevent destruction of electronic logging device (ELD) data, driver qualification files, drug test results, maintenance records, and dispatch communications. We work with accident reconstruction experts, trucking industry specialists, and economists to build airtight cases that maximize our clients’ recoveries. When trucking companies see the caliber of preparation we bring to the table, they know we’re serious — and that produces better results. Call (843) 376-4030.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Summerville

1. Call 911 Immediately

Truck accidents are almost always serious. Call 911 so police and EMS can respond. A police report is essential evidence, and you need immediate medical evaluation even if you think your injuries are minor — the adrenaline from a truck crash can mask severe trauma including internal bleeding, organ damage, and spinal injuries.

2. Document Everything You Can

If physically able, photograph the truck (including the company name, DOT number, license plate, and any visible damage), the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, your vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Note the truck driver’s name and the trucking company name.

3. Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company or Their Insurance

Trucking companies often send rapid response teams and insurance adjusters to accident scenes within hours. Their goal is to gather evidence that protects the company — not to help you. Do not give any statements, sign any documents, or agree to any recordings. Anything you say will be used against you.

4. Get Comprehensive Medical Treatment

Go to Summerville Medical Center, Trident Medical Center, or MUSC for a full evaluation. Follow every treatment recommendation. Attend all follow-up appointments. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries aren’t serious.

5. Call Crantford Meehan Before Evidence Disappears

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Electronic logging device data can be overwritten, dashcam footage gets recorded over, and trucking companies begin building their defense immediately. Call our truck accident attorneys at (843) 376-4030 as soon as possible so we can preserve evidence and begin fighting for your rights from day one.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Summerville

Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Multiple parties may share liability in a truck accident. This can include the truck driver (for negligence, fatigue, or impairment), the trucking company (for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules), the cargo loading company (for improper loading), the truck or parts manufacturer (for defective equipment), and maintenance providers (for negligent repairs). Our attorneys investigate every potential source of liability to maximize your recovery.

How are truck accident cases different from car accident cases?

Truck accident cases involve federal FMCSA regulations, commercial driver’s license requirements, electronic logging device data, driver qualification files, drug and alcohol testing records, and commercial insurance policies with much higher limits. They also typically involve more severe injuries and higher damages. Trucking companies deploy legal teams and accident reconstruction experts immediately after a crash — you need attorneys who can match that level of preparation and resources.

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

The statute of limitations is three years from the date of the accident (Section 15-3-530). However, critical evidence in truck accident cases — ELD data, dashcam footage, GPS records, and driver logs — can be destroyed or overwritten within days or weeks. It’s essential to contact an attorney immediately so we can send preservation letters and secure this evidence before it disappears.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies sometimes classify drivers as independent contractors to try to avoid liability. South Carolina courts look beyond the label to determine the actual level of control the company exercised over the driver. In many cases, the trucking company is still liable even when the driver is technically classified as an independent contractor. Our attorneys know how to pierce these corporate structures.

What does it cost to hire Crantford Meehan for a truck accident case?

We handle all truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Given the complexity and expense of litigating against trucking companies, having attorneys who advance all costs and assume all financial risk is critical. Call (843) 376-4030 for a free case evaluation.

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