McDougall Law Firm, LLC reports that commercial vehicle collisions along Interstate 95 through South Carolina continue to present significant risks to passenger vehicle occupants, with federal data showing 72 percent of truck accident injuries occurring to occupants of other vehicles rather than commercial trucks themselves.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates the average cost of a truck accident involving injuries at $200,000, with expenses often doubling or tripling when fatalities occur. These figures reflect the economic impact of collisions involving commercial vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.
Interstate 95 serves as the primary channel of interstate commerce connecting the southeast to the northeast and midwest United States, with South Carolina positioned along this critical freight corridor. Routes including I-95 near Bluffton and Trask Parkway experience substantial commercial vehicle traffic daily.
"South Carolina's position along the I-95 interstate commerce corridor creates unique challenges for residents sharing the road with commercial trucks," stated J. Olin McDougall, II, Managing Attorney at McDougall Law Firm. "These cases extend beyond typical vehicle accidents due to federal FMCSA regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Investigation requires obtaining electronic logging device data, maintenance records, and other critical evidence that reveals violations contributing to these accidents."
National statistics demonstrate that 80 percent of large truck fatal crashes involve multiple vehicles, compared to 58 percent for accidents involving only passenger cars. In 45 percent of two-vehicle fatal accidents involving trucks, both vehicles were proceeding straight at the time of impact.
The McDougall Law Firm Beaufort truck accident lawyer team notes that truck accident cases differ fundamentally from standard vehicle collision claims. These cases often involve truck drivers, trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and equipment manufacturers as potentially liable parties. Federal regulations governing hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo securement add layers of complexity requiring specialized legal analysis.
Common causes of truck accidents in the region include driver fatigue from hours-of-service violations, pressure to meet delivery deadlines, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and improperly secured cargo. Investigation processes examine electronic logging devices, driver qualification files, vehicle maintenance records, and black box data to establish liability and document damages.
Annually, 95,000 people suffer injuries in large truck accidents across the United States, with passenger vehicle occupants experiencing catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death. The disproportionate weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles creates devastating impact forces in collisions.
McDougall Law Firm has served the South Carolina Lowcountry for over 15 years, handling complex commercial vehicle accident cases throughout the region. The firm examines federal compliance records, driver logs, and maintenance documentation as part of comprehensive case investigation. As a Beaufort truck accident lawyer practice, the firm analyzes the intersection of state negligence law and federal transportation regulations in commercial vehicle collision cases.
The firm maintains offices throughout South Carolina and handles truck accident cases involving violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, multiple insurance policies, and complex liability determinations involving various commercial entities in the transportation chain.
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For more information about McDougall Law Firm, LLC, contact the company here:
McDougall Law Firm, LLC
J. Olin McDougall, II
8643659959
dhoyt@everconvert.com
115 Lady's Is Cmns
Beaufort, SC 29907