Two Car Accidents in South Carolina Involve Trailers and Loose Cargo
Two recent car accidents in South Carolina have illustrated the dangers of towing trailers and carrying loose cargo. Both of these incidents were clearly caused by negligence, and they may lead to criminal consequences for both at-fault drivers. However, criminal penalties represent only one example of a potential consequence. At-fault drivers may also face auto accident lawsuits in South Carolina, and a lawyer may be able to assist victims and their families with this process.
Man “Parked Legally” on I-26 Before Being Struck and Killed
In December of 2025, a man was struck and killed by a passing vehicle on I-26. State Troopers say that the man parked his vehicle legally on the entrance ramp before disembarking and working on his trailer. A driver then approached and veered his Ford pickup suddenly off the road, striking the trailer and the victim.
The driver of the Ford pickup suffered only minor injuries, and first responders transported him to a nearby medical facility. The victim, on the other hand, died at the scene. Although the South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the incident, it is difficult to imagine how the pickup truck driver will escape with no consequences. The only plausible excuse for suddenly veering off the road is some kind of medical emergency.
Man Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Charges After Scrap Metal Falls From His Truck
Also in December of 2025, Count On News 2 reported that a man was facing charges of involuntary manslaughter after allegedly causing a fatal crash in North Charleston. Police say that the man “failed to secure” scrap metal that subsequently fell off his pickup truck. The metal debris then scattered across the road, causing a collision that claimed the life of a 33-year-old victim.
Due to the metal debris, the victim lost control of her vehicle and smashed into an 18-wheeler at high speed. The collision was so intense that it caused the semi-truck to leak diesel fuel across the highway, causing a complete mess of scrap metal and flammable material. Needless to say, the road remained closed for several hours while teams attempted to clean up the mess.
Basic Tips for Traveling With Trailers and Loose Cargo
If you need to park in order to adjust or fix your trailer, consider doing so in a safe location. Even if it is legal to park on the side of the road, it might not necessarily be safe to do so. This highlights the importance of double-checking your trailer before you set off, as even a brief stop on the side of a highway could put you in danger.
When it comes to loose cargo, you should always be sure to secure it with the necessary straps and equipment. Loose objects like scrap metal can easily fall out of a pickup truck, even with a slight bump in the road.
Can a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?
If you were involved in a car accident and you believe someone else was to blame, legal action might be possible. These two recent car accidents show how trailers and loose cargo can lead to serious crashes on the road. A South Carolina car accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue accountability, compensation, and justice for you and your family. Contact Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today for further guidance.
Sources:
wltx.com/article/news/local/street-squad/lexington/one-person-killed-in-multi-vehicle-accident-on-i-26-in-lexington-county-airport-boulevard-cayce/101-56866084-f518-4999-8998-a6875c66cd9b
counton2.com/news/man-accused-of-involuntary-manslaughter-in-deadly-crash-near-goose-creek/
