South Carolina residents likely know from reading headlines that accidents involving large or commercial vehicles can be particularly devastating to other drivers. This may be even more so when the commercial vehicle is a tanker truck hauling flammable or noxious substances. Recently, a truck accident on Highway 521 near Andrews created a hazmat situation and resulted in the loss of life.

According to reports, an 18-wheeler tanker truck loaded with bottles of the chemical Acetate crossed the center-line of Highway 521 eastbound and struck another truck. The second truck was an empty log carrier. After striking the log truck, the eastbound truck crashed into a westbound passenger car.

The driver of the passenger car was killed in the accident. Early reports did not disclose the identity of the deceased driver or any additional details about this individual. Reports also do not indicate whether the drivers of either truck sustained any injuries. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is still working diligently to investigate the cause of this crash.

Though charges have not yet been filed in this tragic truck accident, only time and a solid investigation will determine whether such criminal action is taken. In the meantime, the family of the deceased driver may begin to explore the right to seek other legal action against the truck driver, in the form of a wrongful death claim. Under our state’s personal injury laws, the family is entitled to seek monetary damages from any party deemed negligent in a manner that caused or contributed to the fatality. Such damages may include lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as funeral costs and other expenses.

Source: live5news.com, “Highway in Andrews reopens after deadly wreck with chemicals,” March 18, 2013