A teenager from Loris, South Carolina, was killed last week when her vehicle and an 18-wheeler collided at an intersection in Florence, South Carolina. Several people were hurt in the crash, but the truck driver--who was driving a commercial wood chip truck--was not hurt. The 17-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner.

The truck accident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. last Thursday. So far, investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team as well as the South Carolina Transport Police have launched probes into the crash.

A spokesman for the highway patrol said that the intersection where the accident occurred is on a prime route not only for traffic to and from nearby Interstate 95, but also for commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers that serve the local wood products industry.

The crash caused the truck to end up on its side in the same lane as the car. Investigators say there is a stoplight at the intersection, and it has not yet been determined which of the two vehicles had the right of way as they approached each other.

This unfortunate case is a reminder to everyone in South Carolina that accidents can happen at almost any time. People are seldom prepared to handle their affairs in the immediate aftermath of such an accident, particularly the family of a loved one who dies unexpectedly. People in positions like this often seek the advice and representation of an experienced auto accident attorney who can fight for the compensation that they deserve after a traumatic life event.

Source: SCnow.com, "Investigation continues into Florence crash in which Loris teen died," Jan. 27, 2012