Personal Injury Law

Fatal Combine - Tractor Trailer Collision

By Michael Jeffcoat, Esq.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate a collision between a tractor trailer and a John Deere combine on Highway 178 in Lexington County on June 9. The combine was traveling east when its driver pulled over to let cars pass. The driver of a Freightliner rig attempted to pass, but struck the combine. The truck then left the roadway and slammed into trees. The truck caught fire and the driver did not escape. Authorities have not released the identity of the driver, but have stated he was a 44 year-old from Florence, SC. The Highway Patrol indicated the tractor trailer driver was driving too fast for conditions.

Drivers on rural highways should remember that in South Carolina and most other states, farming machinery may legally be driven on the roadways. Through summer and the fall harvest, you may expect to see more of these vehicles on the road. Extra care is required when you encounter these and other slow-moving vehicles because their size makes estimating their speed and your closing distance difficult. Farm implements may have projecting parts that are difficult to see, so give these farmers some extra room when passing.

Full post as published by Truck Accident Lawyer Blog on July 29, 2008 (boomark / email).