Accidents on I-95

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semi truck and vehicles driving on highway

Interstate 95 is a major highway corridor along the East Coast, connecting travelers to remarkable destinations across our state and beyond. With speed and efficiency also comes the risk for serious accidents, which can turn a routine drive into a life-changing event.

Unfortunately, I-95 holds the reputation of being one of the most dangerous roads in South Carolina. Data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety for 2022 highlights these alarming statistics:

Total collisions: 2,127
Fatalities: 25
People seriously injured: 38
People injured: 560

At Joye Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success representing victims of collisions on I-95. Our South Carolina accident lawyers bring the experience and results you need, including partner Mark Joye’s landmark $262.5 million verdict—the largest personal injury verdict in the state’s history.

Our experience with I-95 wrecks:

Attorneys Melissa Mosier and Mark Joye represented a man who suffered multiple broken bones after being rear-ended by a semi-truck in a multi-vehicle crash on I-95. The case resulted in a $6.25 million settlement for the client.

A Charleston jury awarded $17 million to the surviving family members of a Canadian couple and their infant son who were killed in an 18-wheeler wreck on Interstate 95 while returning home from Disney World. The crash occurred when an alcohol-impaired tractor-trailer driver crashed into the family’s SUV in a construction zone and burst into flames. Attorney Mark Joye and Melissa Mosier represented the family. Read more.

Emily, a recent law school graduate, was involved in a rollover crash on I-95 after the tread on a Firestone tire unraveled on her. The defect, related to issues with Ford vehicles using faulty Firestone Radial ATX tires, caused her to lose control of the car, resulting in multiple fractures in her cervical spine. After seeking legal representation from Joye Law Firm, she received a confidential settlement, providing her with financial security for future medical costs. Read more.

Choosing the right lawyer is crucial, and our team of dedicated South Carolina accident attorneys is here to protect your rights and financial interests. Contact Joye Law Firm today for the help you need. Call (888) 324-3100.

Common Causes of Accidents on I-95

These are just some of the many factors contributing to the high number of accidents on I-95. Knowing the risks helps you stay vigilant and prepared, making it easier to avoid these common causes:

Heavy Traffic Volume: I-95 is one of South Carolina’s busiest highways, with a constant flow of vehicles, including large trucks. This high traffic increases the likelihood of accidents.
Commercial Trucks: The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make them especially dangerous in crashes. Their limited maneuverability and longer stopping distances add to the risks, particularly in high-traffic or construction areas.
Construction Zones: Frequent construction work creates hazards such as poorly marked lanes, uneven surfaces, and sudden slowdowns, making the road more dangerous.
Distracted driving: Many drivers are paying more attention to phones than the road ahead.
Speeding: Long stretches of highway can tempt drivers to exceed speed limits.
Fatigue: Extended trips can leave drivers unaware of how tired they are, reducing reaction times and increasing the chances of an accident.
Poor Road Condition: Poorly maintained roads coupled with bad weather, including heavy rain or fog, add other layers of danger to an already dangerous stretch of roadway.

Types of Accidents on I-95

Accidents on I-95 come in many forms, each with different challenges. These are some of the most common types of crashes victims experience on this busy interstate:

Multi-vehicle collisions are common, especially in heavy traffic or during sudden lane shifts. These pile-ups quickly escalate, with each car adding to the damage and confusion.
Truck accidents pose a serious threat, given the size and weight of commercial vehicles traveling alongside smaller cars. When a semi-truck is involved, the aftermath is often severe, resulting in major injuries and even fatalities.
Rear-end collisions happen frequently, particularly when drivers fail to adjust their speed in congested areas. With sudden stops or slowdowns, these crashes range from minor fender-benders to more serious impacts that cause whiplash or worse.
T-bone and side-impact crashes can happen at highway exits and entrances, where quick decisions and poor visibility leads to devastating consequences.
Rollover crashes can be particularly dangerous, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. These types of accidents typically occur when a vehicle loses control due to factors like sharp turns, high speeds, or faulty equipment.
Collisions at major intersections on I-95 are another frequent cause of accidents, especially where the highway intersects with other busy roads in South Carolina. Some of the most notable intersections for accidents in 2022 include:
- US-17 and I-95 in Jasper County: 181 collisions
- I-95 and US-278 in Jasper County: 113 collisions
- I-26 and I-95 in Orangeburg County: 109 collisions
- I-95 at SC-327 in Florence County: 106 collisions

Each type of accident is complex and requires careful handling to ensure victims receive the help and compensation they need.

Dealing with Insurance After an I-95 Accident

After an accident on I-95, dealing with insurance company adjusters quickly becomes overwhelming. Whether you’re filing a claim or negotiating with adjusters, understanding the process is crucial to ensure you’re fairly compensated.

Here’s what you should know when dealing with insurance companies after an I-95 accident:

Filing a Claim

The first step is to report the accident to your insurance provider immediately. Be clear and accurate about the details but avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Provide all necessary documentation, including the police report, medical records, and any photos from the scene.

Additionally, you will need to complete and submit an FR-10 form, which is required by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This form provides information about the accident and the involved parties and is essential for processing your claim, especially if there are any questions about insurance coverage or fault.

Negotiations With Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts especially when an attorney is not involved with the case. They may make an initial offer that is much lower than what your claim is truly worth, hoping to take advantage of your shock and trauma. It’s important not to accept the first offer without reviewing all the costs associated with your accident, including future medical expenses and lost wages.

Adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to save the company money. They may try to get you to provide more information or agree to recorded statements that can hurt your case. When you work with Joye Law Firm, our legal team will handle all communications with the adjuster to protect your right to compensation.

Understanding Coverage Limits

Know your insurance policy’s limits, including coverage for medical bills, property damage, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. If the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage, your policy may need to cover additional expenses.

Our attorneys will investigate all potential sources of compensation, including the at-fault driver’s policy, any third-party insurance that may be involved, and other available coverage options. We’ll ensure that every possible avenue is explored to help you receive the compensation you deserve, even if it means tapping into multiple policies to cover your medical costs, lost wages, and property damage.

Road Construction and Hazards on I-95

The ongoing development and maintenance of I-95 through South Carolina means drivers frequently encounter construction zones and other hazards that increase the risk of accidents.

I-95 Current Construction Zones in South Carolina

Current:
- I-26 & Interstate 95 Interchange Improvement Project
  - Orangeburg and Dorchester counties
  - Exit 169 A/B along I-26 and Exit 86 A/B along I-95, approximately 8 miles east of Bowman and 11 miles west of Holly Hill
Upcoming:
- Winter 2024/2025: I-95 Improvements Savannah River to US 278
  - Expand and improve a ten-mile stretch of I-95 to reduce congestion and accommodate a new exit at mile marker 3
  - 10-mile corridor roughly from mile markers 1-9
  - 14 bridges, two existing interchanges (Exits 5 and 8), and a new proposed interchange at Exit 3 in Hardeeville
- Summer 2025: Interstate 95 Bridge Replacements over Lake Marion
  - Improve structural stability, widening shoulders, and adding a pedestrian and bicycle path
  - I-95 between mile markers 98 and 102 across Lake Marion in Clarendon and Orangeburg Counties

Watch for these hazards:

Construction Zones: Frequent roadwork creates narrow lanes, uneven surfaces, and abrupt lane shifts. Speed limits are reduced in these areas, but not all drivers adjust accordingly, creating a heightened risk for collisions.
Lane Closures and Traffic Merges: Sudden changes to lanes can cause confusion and slowdowns. Drivers not paying attention may brake suddenly or swerve, leading to rear-end collisions or sideswipes.
Poorly Marked Detours: When detours aren’t clearly marked or confusing detour routes cause drivers to make last-minute lane changes or miss important exits, which increases the risk of accidents.
Debris on the Road: Construction sites often leave debris such as gravel, broken pavement, or dropped tools scattered across the road. These hazards lead to tire blowouts, loss of vehicle control, or dangerous evasive maneuvers by other drivers.
Reduced Visibility: Dust, heavy machinery, spotlights at night, and temporary barriers significantly reduce visibility in construction zones. Limited sight lines make it harder for drivers to spot hazards ahead, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Changing Road Conditions: Uneven pavement, temporary patches, or grooved road surfaces often found in construction zones make controlling your vehicle, especially at higher speeds difficult. These conditions are hazardous for motorcycles or smaller vehicles.

Navigating construction zones on I-95 requires adapting to changing road conditions. Reduced speeds, clear signage, and timely updates help ensure safer travel through these areas, minimizing the risks that come with unpredictable traffic patterns. However, even when you do everything right, you can be seriously injured in a crash with a negligent driver. Construction companies may also share responsibility for accidents, making it crucial to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.