If you’ve been hurt in a wreck on I-20 in South Carolina, you’re not alone. Every day crashes on this busy interstate cause serious injuries and heartbreak. The results of a motor vehicle accident—whether it’s a car crash or a devastating collision with a semi-truck—can leave you with more questions than answers.
You may be wondering how you’ll pay for medical bills, replace your vehicle, or recover from the physical and emotional toll of the crash. If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal collision, you may feel overwhelmed by grief while trying to figure out your legal options.
An experienced car accident lawyer from Joye Law Firm can provide guidance, resources, and the strength to stand up to insurance companies that try to avoid paying fair settlements. While not all cases go to court, our trial lawyers are ready to try your case in front of a jury if necessary so you can focus on what matters most—healing and rebuilding your life.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes I-20 one of South Carolina’s riskiest highways, the types of crashes that occur, and how a lawyer from Joye Law Firm can help if you’ve been involved in one.
Why Is I-20 So Dangerous?
Stretching across South Carolina from Augusta to our state’s capitol in Columbia before ending at I-95 in Florence, I-20 is a key artery for commuters, travelers, and commercial trucks. Unfortunately, its heavy traffic and high speeds create a perfect storm for crashes.
Traffic Patterns and Risks
- Congested Areas: Near Columbia, where I-20 intersects with other major Interstate highways like I-77 and I-26, traffic bottlenecks are common. These congested areas see frequent rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups.
- Speeding: The open stretches of I-20 tempt many drivers to speed, reducing their reaction times and increasing the severity of crashes.
- Truck Traffic: With many semi-trucks using I-20 to transport goods across the Southeast, the risk of catastrophic truck accidents is always present. Trucks require longer stopping distances and can cause devastating injuries in collisions.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and slick roads can make I-20 especially hazardous, contributing to crashes during bad weather when motorists fail to account for these dangers.
South Carolina’s Department of Public Safety reported 143,426 collisions across the state in 2022 with 1,916 collisions on I-20 alone. Interstates like I-20 are frequent sites of fatal wrecks and serious injuries, particularly in areas with high traffic volumes.
Types of Car Accidents on I-20
Rear-End Collisions
In heavy traffic or at congested exits, rear-end crashes are common. Distracted drivers, tailgating, or sudden braking are common causes. Injuries from these crashes can include whiplash, back pain, and concussions.
Sideswipe Crashes
Also known as “land departure” or “lane drifting,” these crashes occur when a driver intentionally changes lanes, such as merging onto the highway, or unintentionally, when drifting into the wrong lane. While the initial side contact may seem minor, these accidents can escalate into more severe collisions if one or both drivers lose control of their vehicle.
Head-On Collisions
Although less frequent, head-on crashes are often deadly. They can happen when a driver travels the wrong way on the interstate or crosses the median. Survivors of these wrecks often face life-changing injuries like spinal cord damage or brain trauma.
Truck Accidents
Collisions with 18-wheelers are among the most serious accidents on I-20. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them much harder to stop or maneuver than a passenger vehicle. A collision with a truck can lead to catastrophic injuries, including amputation, paralysis, or even death.
Injuries from Car Wrecks on I-20
The injuries sustained in a crash on I-20 can range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Broken Bones: Fractures can take weeks or months to heal, leaving victims unable to work or care for themselves.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A blow to the head can cause memory loss, confusion, or permanent cognitive impairment.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care.
- Burns or Lacerations: These injuries often occur in high-speed crashes or when a vehicle catches fire.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs can require emergency surgery and long recovery.
For devastated families who’ve lost a loved one in a crash, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. Filing a wrongful death claim may provide financial relief and hold the at-fault party accountable.
