Tractor-trailer accidents are increasingly common across South Carolina, often making headlines for causing major road closures or resulting in serious injuries. Since the beginning of 2025, South Carolina has already seen several serious tractor-trailer accidents, some “only” resulting in road closures, others tragically ending in the loss of life for drivers and passengers.
Tractor-trailer collisions can happen for many reasons, such as driver fatigue, mechanical failure, or poor road conditions, which helps explain why these serious accidents are on the rise. If you’ve been a victim of a tractor-trailer wreck, this guide is for you.
Why a Tractor Trailer Accident Isn’t Like Other Wrecks?
You may feel well-prepared for what to do after a typical car crash, but wrecks involving tractor-trailers are different from large truck collisions. Due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers — even compared to large trucks — the damage they cause is often far more severe. This can result in more serious injuries and potentially higher compensation.
However, one major obstacle often stands in the way of receiving that compensation: determining who is liable. Unlike a standard car accident, where fault is typically narrowed down to one of the two drivers, tractor-trailer accidents involve far more variables. The driver might be at fault, but so might the trucking company, their employer, the vehicle’s owner, other drivers on the road, or even the manufacturer of the truck or its components.
In complex cases, there may be multiple claims involving several potentially liable parties — for example, if a defective vehicle part contributed to the accident. These situations often require detailed investigations, including accident reconstruction, to determine what happened and who is legally responsible.
Don’t Forget to Claim Your Workers’ Comp after a Tractor Trailer Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer while performing your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, even if you were the one who caused the accident. South Carolina’s workers’ comp system is no-fault, meaning injured workers don’t need to prove who was responsible for the collision. This protection isn’t limited to truck drivers; it can also extend to coworkers, delivery drivers, or anyone injured in the accident while on duty. Note that exceptions apply in cases involving intoxication, intentional harm, or fighting on the job.
Workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina can cover a wide range of needs, from medical treatment and wage replacement to vocational training if you’re unable to return to your original job. If a truck driver loses their life in a work-related accident, their surviving dependents may also qualify for compensation, including wage benefits for up to 500 weeks and up to $12,000 in funeral and burial costs. It’s important to file your workers’ comp claim promptly and seek authorized medical treatment to ensure full coverage.
What to Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, the steps you take immediately after the crash can significantly impact your health, your recovery, and your legal options. Here’s what to do:
- Assess the Situation: If you are able to move and it’s safe to do so, try to get your vehicle out of traffic. Secondary accidents are common, so it’s best to avoid further risk. Call 911 immediately to report the accident, providing details about the scene and any injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Collect Evidence: While waiting for authorities to arrive, gather as much evidence as possible. Take clear photos of the damage to all involved vehicles. If your injuries are severe, ask a friend or family member to take pictures. Document the other driver’s information, including license, registration, and insurance details. If possible, try to get a written or recorded statement from the other driver and potentially from bystanders who may have witnessed the collision and stayed to help. This information can be crucial for your case later.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident before calling a tow truck. For minor accidents, you can file the report before the police arrive, but for more serious incidents, it’s often best to wait until after speaking with officers at the scene. Stick to the facts when reporting the accident, don’t speculate or elaborate on the details.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine or only have minor bruising, don’t skip medical care! Injuries from tractor-trailer accidents can be hidden at first and may worsen over time. Seek medical attention right away, and keep detailed records of all doctor visits, tests, diagnoses, and treatments. If the other driver is at fault, their insurance should cover your medical costs.
- Contact a Lawyer: Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. Even if it’s just for a consultation, a lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and provide guidance on how to proceed. Accident cases, especially those involving tractor-trailers, can be complex, and having an experienced attorney at your side ensures that you are protected from insurance bad faith. Bring all your documentation to the consultation so your attorney can review the details of your case.
After a Tractor Trailer Wreck, You Deserve to Be Heard and Protected
When you’re recovering from a tractor-trailer accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is navigating insurance claims or being pressured into a quick settlement. These cases are often complicated — and the companies involved have teams of professionals protecting their interests.
At Bluestein Attorneys, we’re here to make sure someone is looking out for you. Our legal team has handled serious injury cases involving commercial vehicles, and we know how to hold trucking companies, insurers, and manufacturers accountable when their actions cause harm.
If you or a loved one was injured in a tractor-trailer accident, reach out today. We’ll review your case and help you understand what steps to take next—with no pressure and no obligation.
