Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident Lawyer

Protecting Victims of Southeastern Freight Lines Accidents Nationwide

Crashes involving large commercial vehicles—especially those operated by Southeastern Freight Lines—can lead to devastating injuries, financial strain, and long-term emotional distress. 

As a major freight carrier with a significant presence across the United States, Southeastern’s trucks are a constant on highways, where their size and weight pose serious risks in the event of a collision.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crash with a Southeastern Freight Lines truck, the aftermath can be overwhelming. 

From painful injuries and medical expenses to missed work and insurance complications, the impact extends well beyond the accident scene. And because large trucking companies often deploy legal and insurance teams early on, protecting their interests becomes their priority, not yours.

That’s where our team comes in. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys have deep experience handling complex commercial vehicle cases. We move quickly to secure black box data, review safety violations, and uncover maintenance or scheduling failures that may have contributed to the crash.

About Southeastern Freight Lines: Safety & Accident History

Company Overview

Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc., based in Lexington, South Carolina, is a regional LTL carrier operating across the Southeastern and South Central U.S. 

With over three thousand company-owned power units and thousands of trailers, it serves a broad B2B client base through an extensive terminal network. It employs more than 8,000 people, including many full-time truck drivers.

Unlike third-party logistics firms, Southeastern directly manages its drivers, vehicles, and operations, making it solely responsible for safety, maintenance, and regulatory compliance. Despite promoting high service standards, its fleet has been involved in serious crashes, raising concerns about driver oversight, tight schedules, and equipment upkeep.

Crash victims often face a well-funded corporate defendant backed by insurers focused on limiting settlements. Because Southeastern is both the employer and fleet operator, legal claims can become complex, especially when federal regulations or company practices may have contributed to the incident.

Safety Violations & Crash Data

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (USDOT 63419) has been involved in 100 reportable crashes over the immediately preceding two years. 

These incidents included six fatalities, 100 injuries, and 131 tow-away collisions, underscoring the serious risks that can arise from operating a large, high-volume LTL fleet.

During the same 24-month period, federal inspectors conducted 1,303 vehicle inspections and 1,973 driver inspections. 

Of these, 160 vehicles were taken out of service, resulting in a vehicle out-of-service rate of 12.3%—a figure below the national average of 22.26%, though still notable given the company’s scale. Twelve drivers were also placed out of service, yielding a driver out-of-service rate of 5.51%, slightly better than the national average of 6.67%.

These numbers point to a mixed safety record. Southeastern’s driver compliance appears relatively strong, but the elevated number of vehicle-related violations raises concerns about maintenance practices and overall fleet reliability.

As a direct carrier, Southeastern Freight Lines bears full responsibility for its trucks, drivers, and delivery schedules. When mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance, or driver errors contribute to a crash, the company can be held legally accountable under federal safety regulations. 

These inspection and crash figures provide important context for evaluating potential negligence in the aftermath of an accident.

Common Causes of Southeastern Freight Lines Accidents

Southeastern Freight Lines operates as a full-service carrier, meaning it’s directly responsible for its drivers, equipment, and delivery schedules. When accidents occur, they may result from issues like driver fatigue, especially if employees are under pressure to meet tight deadlines or don’t receive adequate rest between shifts.

Inadequate training can also contribute, particularly if drivers aren’t properly prepared to handle challenging routes, heavy cargo, or hazardous road conditions. Distracted driving and substance use further increase the risks, and any lapse in judgment or attention while operating a commercial vehicle can have serious consequences.

Because Southeastern manages its operations in-house, the company may be held directly liable for safety violations, unrealistic schedules, or poor vehicle maintenance. When a crash happens, a thorough investigation is essential to determine whether systemic issues, rather than individual mistakes, contributed to the collision.

Lawsuits Against Southeastern Freight Lines 

Recent Southeastern Freight Lines Accident Lawsuits

In Genovese v. Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc., the family of Michael Genovese filed a wrongful death lawsuit after he was killed in a crash involving a Southeastern Freight Lines (SFL) tractor-trailer. 

The driver had a documented history of 14 workplace incidents. The lawsuit claimed that SFL was negligent in hiring and supervising the driver, arguing that the company failed to properly evaluate whether he was fit to operate large commercial vehicles.

Although the jury originally found SFL and the truck driver not liable, the trial judge later overturned the verdict. The court cited serious concerns, including problems with jury selection and a ruling that didn’t align with the evidence. A new trial was ordered.

This case raises concerns about how SFL manages and vets its drivers, especially when safety histories are overlooked. If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a Southeastern Freight Lines vehicle, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help. We’ll investigate the details, identify those at fault, and fight for the compensation you’re owed. 

Who Is Liable in a Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a Southeastern Freight Lines truck accident usually centers around the company itself, as it operates its own fleet and directly employs drivers. 

The company may be legally responsible if the crash was caused by:

• Unsafe delivery schedules 
• Poorly maintained vehicles or mechanical failures 
• Inadequate driver supervision or training 
• Negligent or reckless driving by its employees

Third-party liability may also apply in some cases, including:

• Maintenance providers who failed to service the truck properly
• Manufacturers of defective parts, such as brakes or tires

Compensation Available for Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident Victims

If you were hurt in a crash involving a Southeastern Freight Lines truck driver, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages. These could include:

• Medical expenses for treatments such as emergency services, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing rehabilitation.
• Lost wages for time missed from work or reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
• Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
• Property damage, including costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
• Wrongful death compensation for surviving family members if the accident resulted in the loss of a loved one due to Southeastern Freight Lines’ negligence.
• Punitive damages if Southeastern Freight Lines’ actions were especially reckless, such as repeated safety violations or intentional misconduct.

Because every case is different, speaking with a skilled truck accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident

Step 1: Call 911 and file an official report

Contact emergency services immediately. A police report will document key details and serve as vital evidence for your claim.

Step 2: Get medical attention right away

Even if injuries aren’t obvious, seek prompt medical care. Timely records help link your injuries directly to the crash.

Step 3: Document the scene with photos and video

If it’s safe to do so, photograph the Southeastern Freight Lines truck, vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any injuries. Visual evidence can strongly support your case.

Step 4: Collect witness info and the truck’s DOT number

Get names and contact details of witnesses, and record the truck’s Department of Transportation (DOT) number to help identify the vehicle and driver.

Step 5: Don’t speak with Southeastern’s insurance company

Avoid giving statements or signing documents from the trucking company’s insurer before speaking to a lawyer. They may try to reduce your compensation.

Step 6: Contact an experienced truck accident attorney

A skilled lawyer can secure crucial evidence, like driver logs, maintenance records, and onboard data, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident Case?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a trusted personal injury firm with a strong track record in truck accident litigation. We’ve helped clients pursue justice against major freight companies like Southeastern Freight Lines. Let us fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Some of our truck accident settlements include:

• $12.3 Million recovered for a union tradesman who was severely injured when he was crushed by materials falling off a flatbed truck at a major construction project.
• $805,500 awarded to a bicyclist who required surgery after being struck by a truck, resulting in a serious shoulder injury.
• $682,000 secured for an individual who sustained injuries while asleep in a truck’s cab during transport.

Get Legal Help After a Southeastern Freight Lines Truck Accident

Accidents involving Southeastern Freight Lines trucks are often complicated, with large corporate teams working quickly to protect their interests. From the start, they deploy significant resources to limit liability and reduce settlement amounts.

To protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, it’s critical to have experienced legal representation on your side, someone who knows how to investigate trucking accidents and build a strong case.

Call (888) 424-5757 or contact us today for a free case evaluation and to explore your legal options.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.