Truck Accident in Lexington County
The driver of a log truck was killed in a crash August 13th in the afternoon in Lexington County, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Troopers responded to the wreck around 2 p.m. on East Effingham Highway at Friendfield Road. Cpl. Sonny Collins with SCHP said a 2015 Nissan was stopped at a stop sign on Friendfield Road but failed to yield the right-of-way and pulled out in front of the log truck that was travelling on Effingham Highway.
The two vehicles collided and the log truck ran off the road and into a ditch embankment, Collins said. Lexington County Coroner Keith von Lutcken identified the log truck driver as Christopher Lee Chappell, 39, of Timmonsville.
The driver of the Nissan was taken to the hospital with injuries. The crash remains under investigation by SCHP.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents make up a very small percentage of automobile accidents. However, they can result in devastating injuries and extensive property damage due to the large size, high speed, and strong forces of the truck. Consider some of these ways to prevent truck accidents and to avoid the types of damage that truck accidents can cause.
Truck accidents often result from blind spots on trucks, which was probably a factor in this case. Trucks are so massive that they have numerous blind spots, or places where a driver cannot see. There are blind spots in front of the truck cab, below it, behind the driver side door, on the right side of the cab, and on the back of the trailer. Even if a driver tries to check these areas, he or she is likely to be unsuccessful simply because of the positioning and structure of a large truck. Avoid tailgating and driving directly behind a truck, as the driver may not be able to see you. Also avoid staying in one of the blind spots alongside the truck, as the driver may attempt to change lanes and cause a side impact crash.
Other Things You Can Do to Avoid Truck Accidents
One of the most common causes of truck accidents, caused by truck drivers or by automobile drivers, is driver fatigue or driver distractions. Avoid driving when you’re fatigued as it can slow down your reflexes and reaction time. Fatigued drivers have a harder time reacting to what’s happening on the road, may have reduced reaction time, may not notice obstacles or other vehicles, or may have other faults caused by lack of sleep. And certainly avoid driving in a distracted fashion. Using cell phones, applying makeup, or even eating while driving can cause accidents related to driving distractedly, similar to accidents caused by driving under the influence.
You Need a Good Attorney
Truck accidents implicate many areas of law, including governmental regulatory law, personal injury law, and criminal defense law. Although many individuals may sign up to take up your truck accident case, the subject is not for beginners. You need an experienced professional at your side. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Columbia truck accident lawyers at The Stanley Law Group for help with your case.
Resource:
wmbfnews.com/2019/08/13/troopers-respond-deadly-crash-florence-county/
https://www.thestanleylawgroup.com/top-eight-facts-about-truck-accidents-in-south-carolina/
