Eight people, including six children, were injured on Easter Sunday in a crash involving a semi-truck and an SUV on Interstate 95 in Colleton County, South Carolina.
According to Colleton County Fire Rescue, the collision occurred near the northbound Exit 53. Authorities reported that the SUV overturned following the impact. Emergency responders treated the injured at the scene before transporting them to Colleton Medical Center. Fortunately, none of the injuries were reported as life-threatening. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash.
When I hear about a crash where an SUV overturns after a collision with a semi-truck, I think about the questions investigators need to answer before they can fully understand what happened. That includes questions about the truck’s speed, positioning, and the condition of the driver. In my experience, a careful investigation is the only way to uncover why this accident happened.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Affected the Truck Driver’s Response?
In crashes involving commercial trucks and smaller passenger vehicles, one of the first factors investigators should consider is whether the truck driver was fully alert at the time of the collision. Long shifts, early morning starts, or overnight hauls can all contribute to fatigue, which reduces reaction time and decision-making ability.
Investigators should review the semi-truck driver’s hours-of-service logs, rest breaks, cell phone data, and any available dash cam or in-cab video to determine whether distraction or fatigue may have influenced the driver’s actions leading up to the impact.
Could the Condition of the Truck Have Impacted the Outcome?
Semi-trucks require longer stopping distances and careful control, particularly when maneuvering near smaller vehicles like SUVs. Investigators should examine whether the truck’s braking systems, tires, and other safety-critical components were functioning properly at the time of the crash. If the semi-truck was carrying a load, the weight and balance of that cargo could also play a role in braking effectiveness and handling.
What Kinds of Evidence Might Be Relevant?
Gathering a full set of evidence is critical to understanding what happened here. The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can provide valuable data on speed, throttle input, and braking activity in the moments before the crash. Investigators should also examine the scene for physical evidence like skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle positioning. If traffic camera footage or dash cam recordings are available, they may further show how the vehicles approached one another and whether evasive action was attempted.
Why It’s Important to Ask These Questions
Crashes involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles often come down to timing, spacing, and operator awareness. From my experience with truck accidents, determining what really happened requires more than just surface-level observations. A full investigation helps uncover whether the crash was avoidable, whether driver behavior or equipment issues played a role, and ultimately provides answers to those affected by the crash.