On March 22, South Carolina Highway 121 southbound was closed while officials cleaned up a diesel fuel spill. A fatal truck vs. car accident caused the spill. Authorities say that one person died, another was taken to an area hospital. A third individual reportedly exhibited no signs of injury at the time of the crash.
A passenger vehicle occupied by two women was heading north on the highway while a tractor-trailer was headed south. For some reason, the northbound vehicle crossed into the opposing lane directly in the path of the semi truck. The car and the truck collided head-on.
The driver of the truck reportedly did not suffer any injuries. However, the 23-year-old driver of the car had to be flown by helicopter to an area hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries. Despite being properly restrained, her passenger suffered fatal injuries and did not survive the accident.
Due to the fact that someone died and a commercial truck was involved, the South Carolina Highway Patrol and State Transport both sent teams to the scene to conduct an investigation. At the same time, crews were brought in to clean up the fuel spill. Other departments helped divert traffic.
At the conclusion of the investigation, criminal charges could be filed against the hospitalized driver. Further, the family of the deceased passenger has the right under our state laws to file a wrongful death claim in connection with the car accident. If the driver’s actions are proved negligent, the family may be awarded damages that could potentially cover the financial losses incurred due to this tragedy.
Source: foxcarolina.com, Deputies: Road closed after fatal accident, hazmat issue, Brittany Vollmer, March 22, 2014
Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.