On Friday, April 17, 79-year-old Charleston resident Bella Cousette died as a result of injuries sustained in a collision with an 18-wheeler.
According to ABC 4 News, officers responded to a crash involving an SUV and an 18-wheeler near Reflectance Drive around 10:50 a.m.
“A preliminary investigation indicates the Hyundai SUV was exiting a parking lot onto Clements Ferry Road and crossed the southbound lane of traffic in front of the tractor-trailer,” ABC 4 News reports. “The 18-wheeler then struck the SUV, causing it to leave the roadway and come to rest on the shoulder.”
The driver of the SUV, identified by the Berkley County Coroner’s Office as Bella Cousette, was transported to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Charleston Police Department Traffic Unit at 843-965-4084 or submit tips online.
Tractor-Trailer Accident Statistics: How Often Are They Occurring on SC Roads?
Police told ABC 4 News, “The crash is the seventh fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the department in 2026. Of those, one involved a single vehicle, one involved a bicycle, three involved pedestrians, and two were multi-vehicle crashes.”
Roadways are teeming with trucks, from 18-wheelers to semi-trucks, as well as other large commercial vehicles. With roughly 7.65 million people employed in the trucking industry and a combined 400 billion miles traveled every year, it should come as no surprise that an 18-wheeler accident can happen.
According to data compiled by the National Safety Council, 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2023, a 43% increase over the last 10 years. The majority of deaths within those collisions involving large trucks were occupants of other vehicles (70%), followed by truck occupants (18%) and non-occupants (12%).
Unfortunately, South Carolina is following similar trends compared to the national level.
According to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, 131 fatal traffic collisions involved commercial motor vehicles (CMV), accounting for 12.9% of total fatal traffic collisions. Diving deeper into the data, commercial motor vehicles accounted for 37.7% of total traffic collisions between a CMV and a Non-CMV, while the remaining 56.8% were contributed by Non-CMVs.
Alarmingly, South Carolina has the highest percentage of CMV drivers by State of Driver’s License involved in traffic collisions, at 55.42%, highlighting the need for safety while sharing the road with large trucks.
Who’s Held Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, receiving compensation starts with identifying the party responsible.
Large truck accidents are often complex, involving many different parties, including:
- The truck driver
- Trucking company
- Manufacturers
- Maintenance and repair shops
- Government entities
- Shippers (in the case of transporting hazardous materials)
In the event of an injury or fatality, trucking companies and their insurance agencies will seek to minimize liability to protect their reputations and avoid penalties or payouts. Going up against so many parties can feel overwhelming when you’re on your own.
When seeking compensation for you or a loved one after a large truck accident, it helps to have a tractor-trailer accident lawyer in South Carolina on your side to fight for your right to fair compensation.
Get the Compensation You Deserve with Help From an 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Near You
The aftermath of a large truck accident is physically exhausting and legally overwhelming. Between managing your injuries and facing off against multi-million dollar trucking corporations, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden alone.
Our legal team understands the specific regulations governing the trucking industry in South Carolina. We are dedicated to uncovering the truth, identifying every liable party – from the driver to the manufacturer – and securing the financial support you need.
As the leading law firm in Charleston and Georgetown, our team at Hoffman Law Firm proudly advocates for accident victims throughout the Palmetto State.
We have established a reputation for success and excellent service! To meet with a distracted driving accident lawyer, schedule your free consultation today!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Attorney advertising. Hoffman Law Firm is licensed in South Carolina.
