Mechanical Issues for Semi-Trucks in South Carolina: Can They Lead to Injury Lawsuits?
In December of 2025, Count on News 2 reported that “mechanical issues” had caused a semi-truck crash in South Carolina. While the exact nature of the mechanical issues is not clear, they were enough to flip the semi-truck onto its roof and cause “severe injuries” for the driver inside. Unfortunately, these kinds of stories are all too common in South Carolina. What if your semi-truck accident was caused by mechanical issues? Is a lawsuit possible?
Mechanical Issues Could Be a Sign of Negligence
If crash scene investigators determine that the crash was caused either entirely or partially by mechanical issues, this could be a sign of negligence. Under federal transport laws, trucking companies are legally required to keep their vehicles in safe, well-maintained condition. If they fail to carry out routine inspections and maintenance, this may represent a violation of federal law.
Note that both trucking companies and individual truckers may be responsible for regular maintenance and inspections. Generally speaking, truckers should conduct a visual check before beginning their journeys. This can help identify any potential issues, such as loose wheels or malfunctioning lights.
Examples of Mechanical Issues That Can Cause Semi-Truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents can be caused by various issues. Many accidents have involved wheels that fall off semi-trucks on the highway. These wheels subsequently strike smaller vehicles and cause devastating damage. Some of the incidents have been fatal in the past.
Another common example of a mechanical issue is brake failure. The brakes on an average semi-truck are already much less effective than those on smaller vehicles. It is therefore imperative that trucking companies keep brakes in excellent condition. Brake failure on the road can have terrible consequences, potentially leading to multi-vehicle accidents.
How Do I Gather Evidence of Mechanical Issues?
Every trucking company must keep detailed and up-to-date records on the maintenance history of its semi-trucks. After an accident, you and your lawyers can access these records to search for any potential signs of negligence. If a trucking company fails to hand over this evidence, you can order them to comply during the pre-trial, discovery phase of a lawsuit.
Law enforcement agencies may also help gather these records, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Sometimes, trucking companies hand over the records, but they are forged. These fraudulent records often cover up serious negligence, and your truck accident lawyer may be able to help expose this misconduct.
Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in South Carolina Help Me?
A South Carolina truck accident lawyer may be able to help if you believe your injuries were caused by mechanical issues. With legal assistance, you may be able to access records that prove the trucking company failed to carry out necessary maintenance. This could help you pursue success in your truck accident lawsuit, thereby leading to compensation for your injuries. Contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today for further guidance.
Source:
counton2.com/news/driver-severely-injured-after-semi-truck-experiences-mechanical-failure-on-colleton-county-road/
