Trucker Cited After Hitting Patrol Car in South Carolina

In late March of 2026, ABC News 4 reported that a truck driver in South Carolina had been cited for hitting a Highway Patrol trooper’s patrol car on I-95. The accident highlights the reckless nature in which many truckers operate their vehicles. If you were injured by an equally reckless trucker, you might want to speak about your legal options with a South Carolina semi-truck accident attorney.

Truckers Often Violate the “Move-Over” Law

Like many states, South Carolina has a “move-over” law. This law states that if a driver sees an authorized emergency vehicle (such as a police cruiser, ambulance, or tow truck) on the side of the road, they must move over into a “non-adjacent” lane. In other words, the approaching driver must put as much space between themselves and the stationary vehicle as possible.

The purpose of this law is obvious: When a driver speeds past an emergency vehicle, they put first responders at risk. These people might include firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, police officers, and many others. Injured or confused drivers might also be in harm’s way, perhaps after exiting their disabled vehicles.

If switching to a non-adjacent lane is impossible, the approaching driver must slow down and proceed with caution. A driver who does neither of these things is breaking the law, and the aforementioned case involving the semi-truck shows how dangerous the consequences can be.

Is Failing to Move Over Trucker Negligence?

Like all traffic violations, failing to adhere to the move-over law in South Carolina is a form of negligence. Not only will the guilty trucker face fines and misdemeanor charges, but they will also become liable for any injuries they cause as a result of the traffic violation. This means that if you were injured by a trucker who failed to follow the move-over law, you can probably sue them and the company they represent.

Since this law applies to authorized emergency vehicles, many of these people who sue under these circumstances will be police officers, paramedics, tow truck drivers, firefighters, and other first responders. It is important to remember that although workers’ comp claims are possible under these circumstances as well, a truck accident lawsuit generally has the potential to provide greater levels of compensation to victims.

These incidents may also lead to wrongful death claims, as a speeding truck that strikes first responders on foot can easily cause fatal injuries. Wrongful death lawsuits can provide compensation for funeral expenses, missed earnings, unpaid medical bills, and other damages.

Can a South Carolina Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Help Me?

A South Carolina semi-truck accident attorney may be able to help if you were injured by a negligent trucker. The recent accident involving the police car shows that truckers often violate traffic laws meant to save lives, such as the state’s “move-over” statute. Contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today to learn more about your potential legal options.

Sources: 

abcnews4.com/news/local/truck-driver-cited-after-tractor-trailer-hits-sc-troopers-patrol-car-on-i-95-shoulder

scdps.sc.gov/drivinginsc/move-over-law