When traffic suddenly slowed on I-85 near the South Carolina–Georgia border in September 2025, one truck driver failed to stop in time. Investigators determined the truck had been following too closely, triggering a chain-reaction crash that shut down the interstate for hours and damaged multiple vehicles. Incidents like this are tragically common and preventable. A truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach knows how often these collisions occur and how quickly a moment of tailgating can escalate into a devastating, multi-vehicle crash.
The Dangers of Tailgating From a Truck Accident Lawyer
Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, dramatically reduces a driver’s ability to react. Experts recommend keeping at least two to three seconds of space between vehicles. When drivers ignore that guideline, the reaction window shrinks to less than one second. That’s not enough time to perceive a hazard, hit the brakes, and stop safely.
This lack of distance is one reason rear-end collisions are among the most common types of crashes in the U.S. Nearly one-third of all traffic accidents, about 1.7 million annually, are rear-end collisions. Roughly 40% of those are directly tied to tailgating.
At highway speeds, even a small delay in reaction can turn a routine slowdown into a violent collision involving multiple vehicles.
How One Impact Becomes Many
Tailgating rarely ends with a single collision. It often sets off chain-reaction crashes that involve multiple vehicles, especially on crowded, fast-moving interstates.
In the I-85 crash, investigators reported that the truck’s initial impact sent several vehicles forward into others, creating a domino effect across multiple lanes. Each collision amplified the destruction, leaving first responders to navigate a chaotic and debris-filled scene.
From that moment, what began as one driver’s decision to tailgate becomes a chain of trauma for everyone involved.
The Added Risk of Commercial Trucks
Tailgating is hazardous for any driver, but when it involves a commercial truck, the consequences can be catastrophic. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 40 tons (80,000 lbs) and requires more than 500 feet to stop at 65 mph. That’s nearly the length of two football fields.
When a truck follows too closely, it eliminates the space needed to react to changing traffic. Smaller vehicles caught in these collisions face extreme danger, including underride crashes where a car slides beneath a trailer. These accidents often cause fatal injuries or lifelong disabilities.
Truck drivers are trained professionals, and when they tailgate, the consequences should never fall on innocent motorists. Victims of these incidents frequently turn to an experienced truck accident lawyer to investigate what went wrong and hold the responsible parties accountable.
Liability and Negligence in Tailgating Accidents
South Carolina law specifically prohibits tailgating under Code Section 56-5-1930, which requires drivers to maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance. When a driver violates this rule, it’s more than a traffic citation. It’s evidence of negligence.
In tailgating crashes involving commercial vehicles, determining fault can be a complex process. Attorneys often analyze driver logs, GPS data, and dash-cam footage to show how much distance the truck driver had, or didn’t have, before impact. These analyses often uncover additional factors such as fatigue, distraction, or company-imposed delivery pressures that contributed to the crash.
A truck accident lawyer in Myrtle Beach can collect this evidence, consult experts, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and long-term care. Holding negligent drivers and trucking companies accountable helps victims recover while reinforcing safety on South Carolina’s highways.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Truck Accident Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
Recovering from a serious crash can be daunting. Victims face physical pain, medical expenses, and constant pressure from insurance adjusters. Having experienced legal representation handle the investigation and negotiations allows you to focus on healing.
If you or a loved one were injured in a crash caused by a truck driver, don’t wait to get help. Contact Attorney Matthew Breen today to schedule a free consultation. Taking action now can protect your rights, support your recovery, and help make South Carolina’s roads safer for everyone.
