1 Injured After Train Hits Tractor-Trailer on South Carolina Highway

The Details:

On Wednesday, April 12, a train hit a tractor-trailer stopped on the tracks leading to one person being sent to the hospital. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at a South Carolina traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 25 South, or White Horse Road, at S.C. Highway 20, east of I-185.

The tractor-trailer came up behind a Nissan sedan stopped at the light. According to Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, as the tractor-trailer tried to cross the railroad tracks, the flatbed did not clear the tracks.

When a Norfolk Southern train approached the intersection, the driver of the tractor-trailer tried but failed to push the Nissan forward. According to Ridgeway, the train hit the tractor-trailer’s flatbed, causing it to jackknife and strike a utility pole.

The falling lines from the utility pole fell on a Hyundai sedan and injured one person in the car, who was sent to the hospital.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was cited for improperly starting from a stop and blocking an intersection, according to Ridgeway.

A Personal Injury Lawyer’s Perspective:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the person injured in this horrible accident.

This accident was completely preventable had the truck followed the rules of the road. At Hammack Law Firm, we advocate for truck safety and hate when such reckless behavior results in unnecessary injuries. We are glad to hear that the truck driver has been cited for his unsafe driving practices, which clearly established fault in the accident. Because of this, the injured party would have the necessary evidence to file a personal injury suit to be compensated for the medical bills, lost wages, or any other damages they suffered as a result of their injury.

Additionally, if the driver of the tractor-trailer worked for a company, they may also have a Worker’s Compensation claim to pursue if injuries were sustained. In South Carolina and many other jurisdictions, liability does not matter for Worker’s Compensation matters. Under South Carolina law, the driver of the tractor-trailer may be entitled to a settlement claim, especially if the injuries resulted in permanent impairment.

Our team of attorneys at The Hammack Law Firm are experienced in trucking accidents. These accidents often involve several parties in a lawsuit, including the driver, the trucking company, and their insurance. We know the complexities that these cases can entail and can help you navigate the process so you can focus on healing, and we can focus on winning your case.
No matter your needs, we are here to help you if you or a loved one was involved in an accident due to negligence. Call us today for a FREE estimate! (864) 754-0498.