Accidents Caused by Semi-Truck Hitting Overpasses in South Carolina

 Across North America, semi-trucks seem to be hitting overpasses at alarming rates. There are few things more shocking than watching a commercial vehicle hitting an overpass bridge at full speed – and the consequences can threaten everyone nearby. If you were injured because a semi-truck hit an overpass in South Carolina, you might be wondering about your legal options.

What Causes Semi-Trucks to Hit Overpasses? 

Various experts within the trucking industry attribute these accidents to poor planning. A professional trucking company always plans out its routes ahead of time – taking into account weight, height, and other factors. When choosing the most effective route, trucking companies must analyze the heights of various overpasses on those roads. This information is publicly available and easy to access.

Unfortunately, many trucking companies prefer to complete their hauls as quickly as possible. Planning safe routes takes time, and time is money. Many of these organizations prefer to endanger the public rather than accept losses – and this is one of the key factors that leads to overpass crashes.

It is easy to simply blame the driver for overpass strikes. While it’s true that the trucker should shoulder some of the blame, these individuals also rely on their employers for routes and instructions. If truckers are told to take a particular route, they might assume that proper planning has already occurred.

What Kinds of Accidents Can Overpass Strikes Cause?

 Drivers following behind trucks are most at risk for overpass strikes. If you were directly behind a truck that crashed into an overpass, you might rear-end the truck at high speed. This can cause catastrophic injuries or even fatalities. Slamming into the back of a semi-truck that stops abruptly can cause your vehicle to “underride,” slipping underneath the trailer and shearing the top section away. These are some of the most dangerous collisions, and they can potentially decapitate victims.

An overpass strike can also indirectly affect other drivers. With the overpass blocked, traffic may suddenly grind to a halt – and “chain-reaction” crashes become likely. An overpass strike might also trigger a fire or explosion, affecting everyone within a certain radius. Pedestrians often walk across overpasses, and an impact from a semi-truck underneath can cause them to suffer all kinds of serious injuries.

Can I Sue a Trucking Company for an Overpass Strike? 

If you were injured in an overpass strike, you can probably sue the trucking company directly. As previously noted, these accidents are often caused by poor planning. Trucking companies should be aware of overpass heights, and they should plan their routes accordingly.

Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in South Carolina Help? 

A truck accident lawyer in Charleston may be able to help if you were injured in an overpass strike. It is difficult to refer to these as “accidents,” as they represent serious mistakes that can easily be avoided. If you were injured by this gross negligence, you are fully within your rights to take legal action. Contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC to work with experienced truck accident lawyers in South Carolina.

Sources: 

governor.sc.gov/sites/governor/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/Directing-Action-to-Replace-Collapsed-Bridge-and-Request-Federal-Relief.pdf

wspa.com/news/local-news/tractor-trailer-hits-bridge-on-i-26-in-spartanburg-county/