What Causes Semi-Trucks to Flip Over in South Carolina?

In April of 2025, a semi-truck overturned in South Carolina, injuring the driver. The accident blocked several lanes of Highway 31 for hours, and it prompted an extensive response from first responders. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said that they were investigating this single-vehicle crash, but there was no word on what caused this heavy commercial vehicle to flip over. What causes these kinds of accidents? Can you pursue compensation if you were injured by an overturning semi-truck in South Carolina?

Trucks May Overturn Due to Driver Negligence 

Semi-trucks may overturn due to driver negligence. For example, a truck driver might doze off behind the wheel momentarily before regaining consciousness. This might cause the trucks to panic and turn sharply before overcorrecting and losing control of the truck. The trucker’s log book may clearly show that they drove for too long without taking breaks.

A trucker might also become distracted by their phone before making the same mistake. You may be able to prove this type of negligence by gaining access to the trucker’s cell phone records.

 Wind Can Cause Semi-Trucks to Flip Over 

As unbelievable as it might sound, heavy wind can topple semi-trucks. Their trailers may act like sails, capturing the energy of the wind and causing the truck to fall into its side. Although one might dismiss this as an act of nature, truckers should avoid driving in extreme weather.

 Mechanical Issues Could Cause Trucks to Overturn

 A mechanical issue might also cause a truck to overturn. For example, the trucker or the trucking company may have failed to properly maintain the vehicle. This might lead to an issue with the brakes or tires, causing the truck to flip over onto its side. Your truck accident lawyer can access the trucking maintenance records and prove that this type of negligence occurred.

 Other Drivers Could Cause Trucks to Roll Over 

The trucker may not be completely to blame for the accident. For example, they may have attempted to veer away from a negligent driver before the vehicle overturned. This might have been a drunk or speeding motorist, and the trucker may have been trying to do the right thing by avoiding the collision.

In this situation, it may make more sense to file a claim against the at-fault driver. However, the trucker might still be partially to blame for losing control of their vehicle – and it may be possible to hold both drivers accountable. Ultimately, this is something you’ll need to discuss with your injury attorney.

Can a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer in South Carolina Help Me? 

A semi-truck accident lawyer in South Carolina may be able to help if you were injured by a commercial vehicle. If the semi-truck overturned, it may be necessary to determine why. Although semi-trucks can flip over for various reasons, negligence is a common factor in these types of accidents. Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC can help you investigate your crash – so get in touch with us today.

Sources: 

wpde.com/news/local/1-injured-in-overturned-vehicle-incident-on-hwy-31-wednesday-horry-county-fire-rescue-blocked-highway-501-officials-investigating-south-carolina-highway-patrol

fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations