Tragedy on U.S. 21: How a Hino 338 Truck’s Centerline Crossing Claimed a Life in Fairfield County

A Preventable Head-On Collision That Should Never Have Happened

The afternoon of February 24, 2026, started like any other for 76-year-old Jerrold Freeman. The Lake Wateree resident was driving his 2025 Kia Sportage southbound on U.S. 21 near Smith Lane in Fairfield County. He was wearing his seat belt. The road was clear. The weather was normal.

Then, without warning, a northbound 2019 Hino 338 truck crossed the centerline and struck Mr. Freeman’s vehicle head-on.

This wasn’t just an accident. It was a preventable tragedy caused by a commercial vehicle operating outside the bounds of federal safety regulations. At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times: a truck driver’s error, a company’s failure to enforce safety protocols, and a family left to pick up the pieces.

Let’s break down exactly what happened, why it happened, and what Fairfield County families need to know about trucking accidents on our highways.

Why This Type of Crash Is So Deadly

Head-on collisions with commercial trucks are among the most catastrophic types of accidents. Here’s why:

The Physics of Destruction

When a 33,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds crosses into oncoming traffic, the energy transfer is catastrophic. The force of impact is equivalent to a car driving off a 10-story building.

The Human Toll

Head-on collisions with trucks often result in:
– Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Even with seat belts, the sudden deceleration can cause the brain to impact the skull
– Spinal Cord Injuries: The force can fracture vertebrae and sever the spinal cord
– Internal Organ Damage: Organs can rupture from the sudden compression
– Amputations: Limbs can be crushed or severed in the impact
– Wrongful Death: The fatality rate in head-on truck collisions is among the highest of all accident types

In Mr. Freeman’s case, the head-on impact was immediately fatal. For families in Fairfield County, this serves as a grim reminder of how quickly lives can change on our highways.

The Hino 338: What We Know About This Truck

The 2019 Hino 338 involved in this crash is a Class 7 commercial truck with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 33,000 pounds. Here’s what Fairfield County residents should know about this type of vehicle:

Hino 338 Specifications

Why This Matters in the Investigation

1. Stability Characteristics: The Hino 338 has a higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles, making it more prone to rollovers if the driver overcorrects after drifting.

2. Braking System: Class 7 trucks typically use air brakes, which require proper maintenance and adjustment. Brake failures are a leading cause of truck accidents.

3. Visibility: The cab-over design of the Hino 338 provides good visibility, but blind spots still exist, particularly on the right side.

4. Maintenance Requirements: Like all commercial vehicles, the Hino 338 requires regular maintenance to ensure safe operation. Neglected maintenance can lead to catastrophic failures.

Legal Rights of the Freeman Family

While the investigation continues, the family of Jerrold Freeman may pursue a wrongful death claim. Here’s what Fairfield County families need to know about their legal rights in similar situations.

Wrongful Death Claims in South Carolina

In South Carolina, wrongful death claims are governed by S.C. Code § 15-51-10. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation when a loved one is killed due to another’s negligence.

Who Can File:
– Surviving spouse
– Children (including adult children)
– Parents (if no spouse or children)
– Heirs at law (if no immediate family)

Damages Available:
– Economic Damages: Lost income, benefits, and services the deceased would have provided
– Non-Economic Damages: Loss of companionship, care, and guidance
– Funeral Expenses: Reasonable funeral and burial costs
– Medical Expenses: Costs incurred before death
– Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct

Potential Defendants in This Case

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may be liable:

1. The Truck Driver: For negligent operation of the vehicle
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
3. The Cargo Owner: If improper loading contributed to the crash
4. The Maintenance Company: If poor maintenance caused a vehicle failure
5. The Truck Manufacturer: If a vehicle defect contributed to the crash
6. Government Entities: If road design or maintenance contributed to the crash

The Role of FMCSA Regulations in Proving Negligence

FMCSA regulations play a crucial role in trucking accident cases. When a trucking company or driver violates these regulations, it can establish negligence per se – a legal doctrine that presumes negligence when a law is violated.

Key Regulations That May Apply:

What Fairfield County Drivers Need to Know

Fairfield County’s location makes it a crossroads for commercial traffic. Here’s what local drivers need to know about sharing the road with large trucks:

1. The Dangers of U.S. 21 and Other Local Routes

U.S. 21 is a primary north-south route through Fairfield County. While we don’t have specific accident statistics for this stretch, rural highways like U.S. 21 present unique challenges:

• Narrow lanes: Many rural highways have narrow lanes that make passing difficult
• Limited shoulders: Reduced space for emergency maneuvers
• Sharp curves: Some rural roads have curves that require reduced speeds
• Mixed traffic: Combination of local traffic, agricultural equipment, and commercial trucks
• Limited lighting: Poor visibility at night

2. How to Drive Safely Around Large Trucks

Do:
– Give trucks plenty of space – they need more room to stop
– Pass quickly and safely – don’t linger in blind spots
– Be extra cautious at intersections – trucks need more space to turn
– Watch for wide turns – trucks may swing left before turning right
– Use your headlights – make yourself visible

Don’t:
– Cut off trucks – they can’t stop as quickly as cars
– Drive in blind spots – if you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you
– Tailgate – you won’t be able to see ahead and the truck won’t see you
– Pass on the right – this is a truck’s largest blind spot
– Assume the truck driver sees you – always drive defensively

3. What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Fairfield County:

1. Call 911 immediately – report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – even if you feel fine, some injuries aren’t immediately apparent
3. Document the scene – take photos of all vehicles, the roadway, and your injuries
4. Get information – collect the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
5. Identify witnesses – get names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash
6. Don’t give statements – don’t speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation
7. Contact an attorney – trucking accident cases are complex and require specialized knowledge

What the Freeman Family Should Do Next

While we don’t represent the Freeman family, here’s what we would advise them to do based on our experience:

1. Preserve All Evidence
   – Request a copy of the police report
   – Gather any photos or videos from the scene
   – Keep all medical records and bills

2. Document Everything
   – Keep a journal of how the loss has affected the family
   – Save all correspondence with insurance companies
   – Document all expenses related to the accident

3. Consult with an Attorney
   – Speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney
   – Understand the legal process and timeline
   – Learn about potential compensation

4. Be Patient
   – Trucking accident cases can take time to resolve
   – Don’t rush into a settlement before understanding the full extent of damages
   – Let the investigation run its course

How Trucking Companies Cut Corners (And How We Prove It)

Trucking companies often prioritize profits over safety. Here are some of the ways they cut corners – and how we prove it in court:

1. Hours of Service Violations

How They Do It:
– Pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines
– Encourage falsification of logbooks
– Ignore ELD violations
– Allow “off-duty” time to be used for loading/unloading

How We Prove It:
– Obtain ELD data showing driving time
– Review dispatch records for schedule pressure
– Analyze previous violations in CSA scores
– Depose drivers about company culture

2. Negligent Hiring and Training

How They Do It:
– Hire drivers with poor safety records
– Skip background checks
– Provide inadequate training
– Fail to monitor driver performance

How We Prove It:
– Obtain the Driver Qualification File
– Review previous employment history
– Analyze training records
– Check for previous violations

3. Deferred Maintenance

How They Do It:
– Skip or delay required maintenance
– Use substandard parts
– Ignore driver inspection reports
– Fail to address out-of-service violations

How We Prove It:
– Obtain maintenance records
– Review inspection reports
– Analyze previous out-of-service violations
– Inspect the vehicle for deferred repairs

4. Cargo Securement Failures

How They Do It:
– Use inadequate tiedowns
– Improperly distribute weight
– Fail to inspect cargo during transit
– Ignore securement regulations

How We Prove It:
– Inspect cargo securement at the scene
– Review loading records
– Analyze tiedown specifications
– Check for previous securement violations

5. Pressure to Violate Safety Rules

How They Do It:
– Set unrealistic delivery schedules
– Penalize drivers for delays
– Encourage speeding or HOS violations
– Ignore safety complaints

How We Prove It:
– Obtain dispatch records
– Review company policies
– Depose drivers about company culture
– Analyze previous violations

What to Expect in a Trucking Accident Case

If you’re considering legal action after a trucking accident in Fairfield County, here’s what to expect:

1. The Initial Consultation

• Free case evaluation
• Discussion of the accident details
• Explanation of your legal rights
• Overview of the legal process

2. Investigation Phase (0-6 months)

• Evidence preservation
• Accident reconstruction
• Obtaining records (ELD, ECM, maintenance, etc.)
• Identifying all liable parties

3. Medical Treatment Phase (ongoing)

• Documenting all injuries
• Following treatment plans
• Assessing long-term prognosis
• Calculating future medical needs

4. Demand and Negotiation Phase (6-18 months)

• Preparing a demand package
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Evaluating settlement offers
• Preparing for litigation if necessary

5. Litigation Phase (12-36 months)

• Filing the lawsuit
• Discovery (interrogatories, depositions)
• Expert reports
• Mediation
• Trial preparation

6. Resolution Phase

• Settlement negotiations
• Mediation
• Trial
• Appeal (if necessary)

The Future of Trucking Safety in Fairfield County

While we can’t change what happened to Jerrold Freeman, we can work to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Here are some steps that could improve trucking safety in Fairfield County:

1. Infrastructure Improvements

• Median Barriers: Installing median barriers on high-risk stretches of highway
• Rumble Strips: Adding rumble strips to alert drivers when they’re drifting
• Improved Signage: Better signage for curves, intersections, and lane changes
• Lighting: Improved lighting on rural highways

2. Technology Adoption

• Automatic Emergency Braking: Requiring AEB on all new commercial vehicles
• Electronic Stability Control: Mandating ESC to prevent rollovers
• Lane Departure Warning: Requiring LDW systems to alert drivers when they’re drifting
• Speed Limiters: Implementing speed limiters on commercial vehicles

3. Enforcement

• Increased Inspections: More frequent roadside inspections
• Strict Penalties: Harsher penalties for hours-of-service violations
• Data-Driven Enforcement: Using data to target high-risk carriers
• Public Awareness: Educating the public about sharing the road with trucks

4. Industry Changes

• Fatigue Management: Better fatigue management programs
• Driver Training: Improved driver training programs
• Maintenance Standards: Stricter maintenance standards
• Safety Culture: Promoting a culture of safety over profits

What This Case Means for Fairfield County

The tragedy on U.S. 21 isn’t just an isolated incident – it’s a wake-up call for Fairfield County. Here’s what it means for our community:

1. The Dangers Are Real

This accident proves that trucking accidents can happen anywhere, even on familiar local roads. Fairfield County drivers need to be vigilant when sharing the road with large trucks.

2. The Stakes Are High

When a trucking accident occurs, the consequences are often catastrophic. Lives can be changed in an instant, and the financial impact can be devastating.

3. Justice Is Possible

While we can’t bring back Jerrold Freeman, his family has the right to hold the responsible parties accountable. Trucking companies can be forced to change their practices and compensate victims for their losses.

4. Prevention Is Key

This tragedy should spur action to improve trucking safety in Fairfield County. From infrastructure improvements to better enforcement, there are steps we can take to prevent similar accidents.

The Bottom Line: What Fairfield County Needs to Know

The head-on collision that claimed Jerrold Freeman’s life on U.S. 21 was a preventable tragedy. While we can’t change what happened, we can learn from it and take action to protect our community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Trucking accidents are different – they’re more complex and require specialized legal knowledge
2. Multiple parties may be liable – from the driver to the trucking company to maintenance providers
3. Evidence disappears quickly – immediate action is crucial to preserve critical data
4. Justice is possible – families can recover compensation and hold negligent parties accountable
5. Prevention is key – we need better infrastructure, enforcement, and industry practices

What You Can Do:

• Drive defensively around large trucks
• Report unsafe trucking practices to the FMCSA
• Support infrastructure improvements in Fairfield County
• Know your rights if you’re involved in a trucking accident

Take Action Now: Your Rights Are Time-Sensitive

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Fairfield County, time is of the essence. Here’s what you should do right now:

1. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation
2. Don’t speak to insurance adjusters – let us handle all communications
3. Follow your doctor’s orders – your health is the top priority
4. Document everything – keep a journal of your recovery and expenses
5. Be patient – trucking accident cases take time, but we’ll fight for every dollar you deserve

Why Choose Attorney911?

✅ 25+ years of experience fighting for trucking accident victims
✅ Former insurance defense attorneys on staff – we know their tactics
✅ Multi-million dollar results in trucking accident cases
✅ Immediate evidence preservation – we act fast to protect your case
✅ No fee unless we win – you pay nothing upfront

Our Promise to You

When you choose Attorney911, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a team that will:

• Fight for maximum compensation
• Handle all the legal details so you can focus on healing
• Stand up to powerful trucking companies
• Guide you through every step of the process
• Treat you with compassion and respect

Learn More About Trucking Accidents

Want to learn more about trucking accidents and your rights? Check out these resources from Attorney911:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer

You’re Not Alone – We’re Here to Help

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