What Makes 18-Wheeler Cases Different from Car Wrecks?

Collisions involving 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks often lead to more complicated legal issues than standard automobile crashes.

South Carolina law—combined with federal trucking regulations—creates a unique framework for determining liability, gathering evidence, and pursuing compensation.

Understanding these differences can help injured individuals make informed decisions as they move forward.

Why Truck Accidents Are Treated Differently Under South Carolina Law

While all motor vehicle cases in South Carolina share certain foundational rules—such as the requirements of the state’s negligence laws under S.C. Code Title 15—commercial truck collisions introduce additional layers of regulation and potential responsibility.

These added complexities stem from the massive size of trucks, the presence of commercial carriers, and oversight from both state and federal agencies.

1. Multiple Parties May Be Liable

In a typical car accident, liability usually involves one or two drivers. In contrast, an 18-wheeler collision may involve a range of responsible parties, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Cargo loaders or shippers
• Maintenance contractors
• Manufacturers of defective truck parts

Under South Carolina negligence law, any party whose conduct contributed to the crash may be held responsible.

Determining fault requires careful review of company policies, trip logs, maintenance records, and safety procedures that aren’t typically factors in standard car wrecks.

2. Federal Trucking Regulations Add Extra Legal Duties

Commercial trucks traveling in South Carolina must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which govern nearly every aspect of the trucking industry. These rules cover issues such as:

• Hours-of-service limits (fatigue prevention)
• Required driver qualifications and training
• Vehicle inspections and maintenance schedules
• Weight and cargo securement requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing

Violations of FMCSRs can be important evidence in determining whether a trucking company or driver failed to act with reasonable care.

These additional regulatory considerations make truck accident cases fundamentally different from passenger-vehicle collisions.

3. More Extensive Evidence Must Be Preserved Quickly

18-wheeler wrecks often involve specialized evidence not present in traditional car crashes. That may include:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Engine control module (“black box”) information
• GPS and telematics records
• Driver qualification files
• Dispatch communications

Under South Carolina law, evidence must be preserved when litigation is anticipated, but trucking companies may have policies allowing routine deletion of certain data.

Because of this, prompt action—such as issuing preservation letters—is crucial to ensuring key information is not lost.

4. Commercial Insurance Policies Are Often Much Larger

South Carolina requires certain minimum liability coverage for standard automobiles.

But commercial carriers operating across state lines must comply with federal insurance minimums that are significantly higher.

As a result, the amount of compensation potentially available in a truck accident case can exceed what is typically present in private-vehicle crashes.

Larger insurance policies may also mean more aggressive investigation and defense strategies from insurers or trucking companies.

This can influence how claims progress and what evidence becomes important.

5. Injuries Are Often More Severe

Because of the sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler, crashes with passenger vehicles frequently result in life-altering harm.

South Carolina courts recognize the severity of trucking collisions, and damages may include:

• Medical costs
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long-term rehabilitation expenses

Severe injuries increase the importance of careful documentation, medical evidence, and economic analysis.

6. South Carolina’s Comparative Negligence Law Still Applies

South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under S.C. Code § 15-38-15.

An injured person can pursue compensation as long as their share of responsibility does not exceed 50 percent.

In truck accident cases, trucking companies may attempt to argue that a motorist contributed to the crash to reduce their own financial exposure.

Analyzing fault in these cases often involves accident reconstruction, assessment of federal and state safety rules, and review of commercial driving practices.

7. Litigation May Be More Complex

Truck accident cases in South Carolina can involve more extensive discovery, additional defendants, and technical testimony.

Records from employers, maintenance providers, and federal agencies may become relevant.

This added complexity means cases may move differently through the legal process than typical automobile collision claims.

How to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident in South Carolina

Anyone involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler should consider taking steps such as:

• Seeking immediate medical attention
• Reporting the crash to law enforcement and obtaining the collision report
• Preserving photos, videos, and witness information
• Avoiding discussions with trucking company representatives before understanding your rights
• Keeping all medical records and receipts related to the accident

Given the complexities of these cases, understanding the interplay between state negligence law and federal trucking regulations is an important part of navigating the claims process.

Conclusion

South Carolina truck accident cases differ from standard car wrecks because they involve federal safety rules, larger insurance policies, more extensive evidence, and multiple potential defendants.

These additional layers make 18-wheeler collisions some of the most complicated motor vehicle cases in the state.

Hurt in a Commercial Truck Accident in SC?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck collision in South Carolina, consider speaking with a qualified South Carolina personal injury attorney to better understand your rights and the options available under state law.

A free in-person consultation can help you evaluate the facts of your situation and determine the best steps moving forward.