Your Charleston truck accident attorneys came across an article in Monday’s Post and Courier concerning a single tractor-trailer wreck that ultimately took the driver’s life. The fatal accident occurred late Saturday afternoon around 6:00 p.m. in Jasper County. According to reports, the 1995 Freightliner went up into flames after the truck crossed the life side of the Interstate-95 median, colliding with several trees.
As of today, investigators are still looking into the incident to determine exactly what happened leading up to the truck’s going off the interstate. Also, due to the intense blaze, the driver’s body was burned beyond recognition and the Jasper County Coroner’s Office is working to identify the driver. More than likely the coroner will cross-reference the driver’s teeth with dental records to determine his or her ID.
The article did not mention, and it may yet to be determined, as to the exact cause of death in this accident. Investigators and officials from the coroner’s office will probably be looking to see if colliding with the roadside trees caused some form of lethal head injury or body trauma, or if the subsequent fire caused fatal burn injuries, or it could be the case that a combination of collision and burn was the cause.
In total this weekend, nine people died in motor vehicle accidents across the State of South Carolina. According to the S.C. Department of Public Safety, three of deaths were the result of motorcycle accidents and at least three of the others who died were not wearing their seatbelt.
Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents can happen to the best of drivers, and everyone should be prepared to do the right things in the event of an accident. Your experienced attorneys at Howell and Christmas know that many legal troubles can arise from accidents that could have been avoided had those involved knew what they should do.
In the event of an accident where someone is seriously injured, make arrangements for a doctor to come to the scene of the accident or call an ambulance. It is always best not to move an injured person; good intentions on your part may result in further injury to the victim.
Unless injuries make it necessary for you to leave the scene of the accident, remain there until you have completed all of the following procedures; call the police or highway patrol, assist the injured, move your vehicle to the side if obstructing traffic, identify the other driver(s) by getting names, addresses, and statements of witnesses, and jot down some notes and make a diagram of the accident.
South Carolina law requires drivers or owners of cars involved in an accident to report the incident within fifteen days to the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The investigating officer will give you a form (FR-10) to fill out to prove that you have the proper liability insurance.
Finally, make sure and report the accident to your insurance company. Failure to make a prompt and correct report may affect your rights. If you were injured, notify the company providing the applicable insurance (accident insurance, hospitalization, etc.) After the accident you have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company; however, you have no duty to give statements or sign any forms given to you by any of the other drivers’ insurance companies.
