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    Highway filled with cars

    Eric’s life changed in an instant while traveling on I-26. An  18-wheeler slammed into the back of his truck, leaving him with severe back and neck injuries. After months filled with pain, surgery and recovery, Eric faced the harsh reality that his injuries would prevent him from ever returning to his career.

    Fearful for his family’s future, Eric turned to Joye Law Firm for help. Fortunately, Attorney Robert Howell took on his case. From there, Atty Howell advocated fiercely for Eric’s right to full compensation, eventually securing $1 million dollars for Eric to use to build a better future. Dive deeper into Eric’s remarkable story here.

    Everyone in South Carolina knows that Interstate 26 (I-26) is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the state. I-26 has gained a grim reputation for its high rate of accidents that have left countless lives shattered.

    If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a car accident on I-26, the emotional and physical pain can leave you and your family struggling to cope. On top of the challenge of recovering from injuries, you’re dealing with medical expenses and a loss of income when you need it most.

    During this difficult time, you are not alone. You deserve compassion, support, and fair compensation for your hardships.

    The car accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm understand the perilous conditions of I-26 and the factors contributing to its alarming accident statistics. We can inform you of the steps you can take to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve if you or someone dear to you were in an accident on this notorious highway.

    For specific advice and guidance regarding your case, contact one of our South Carolina car accident attorneys near you for a free consultation.

    FREE CASE EVALUATION

    I-26/I-20 Traffic Updates:Effective November 10, 2024, the SCDOT has permanently closed the westbound I-26 off-ramp to Bush River Road. Access to Bush River Road from westbound I-26 is now available through the expanded Colonial Life Boulevard and I-126 Interchange. This closure marks a significant milestone in the Carolina Crossroads Project to support future improvements at the I-26/I-20/I-126 interchange.

    For the latest updates, view the traffic alerts.

    I-26 Accident Statistics

    In the latest edition of the Traffic Collision Fact Book, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported the following accident statistics for I-26 in SC for 2021:

    • 1,699 total collisions
    • 342 total injury collisions
    • 37 fatal collisions

    In those accidents, 1,473 people suffered some type of injury, with 78 sustaining a serious injury. Additionally, 46 people died in traffic collisions along I-26 that year.

    Contributing Factors to I-26 Accidents

    Ken Harrell and Mark Joye talking on the stairs at Joye Law Firm.Several factors contribute to the high number of accidents on I-26. One of the primary issues is the high traffic volume. The highway serves as a major artery for commuters, tourists, and commercial vehicles alike.

    The heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours, increases the likelihood of collisions and makes it more challenging for drivers to navigate the road safely.

    In addition to the traffic volume, poor road design and outdated infrastructure of I-26 around metropolitan areas have been cited as contributing factors to the high accident rate.

    The highway features several sharp curves, which can be difficult for drivers to negotiate, especially at high speeds. Inadequate lighting and poor road maintenance, such as potholes and uneven pavement, further increase the risks faced by drivers on I-26.

    Speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving are also significant concerns on I-26. Drivers who fail to adhere to posted speed limits or engage in aggressive maneuvers, such as weaving between lanes or tailgating, greatly increase the chances of causing an accident.

    Inclement weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, and occasional ice or snow, can make driving on I-26 even more hazardous. These conditions can reduce visibility, increase stopping distances, and make it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

    Specific Danger Areas on I-26

    While the entire stretch of I-26 in South Carolina poses risks to drivers, drivers in the Charleston Metro, Columbia Metro, and Upstate Metro Region of Spartanburg face particular dangers.

    I-26 Dangers in Charleston

    In Charleston, I-26 passes through several major suburban areas including Summerville and North Charleston, before it meets Highway 17 on the Charleston Peninsula. The portion of I-26 between Charleston and Columbia was originally built between 1957 and 1969. Since then, Charleston County’s population has skyrocketed from roughly 96,000 to over 400,000 residents.

    The increased number of vehicles on the road, combined with outdated infrastructure, has made I-26 a hotspot for accidents, posing a substantial risk to daily commuters and travelers.

    • The I-26 and I-526 interchange, located at exits 212 B and 212 C, has a complex layout. Combined with heavy traffic and frequent merging, it is a hotspot for collisions.
    • The intersection of I-26 and Ashley Phosphate Road at exits 209A and 209B is another area of concern. It has been the scene of numerous accidents over the years. The high volume of traffic entering and exiting the highway at this location and the presence of multiple traffic lights contribute to the increased risk of accidents.
    • 211 A, the Aviation Avenue exit, and 211 B, the Remount Road exit, are also notoriously dangerous areas. Risk factors include tight curves, short acceleration lanes, and heavy traffic.

    Dangerous Areas of I-26 Around Columbia

    Joye Law Firm attorneys discussing a case

    In Columbia, I-26 bypasses the city, passing through West Columbia and crossing the Saluda River. This section of I-26 was originally built in the late 1950s and widened in the 1980-1990s. It is currently undergoing multiple roadwork projects aimed at enhancing traffic flow. Despite the benefits of these improvements, road construction can temporarily increase hazards for motorists. One significant project, the Midlands Connection Project, aims to expand the existing four-lane road to six and eight lanes from Little Mountain to Irmo, addressing growing traffic demands in the region.

    • The I-26/I-20/I-126 corridor, Exits 107 and 108, is commonly known as “Malfunction Junction.” It is notorious for traffic congestion and accidents due to its complex design and heavy traffic flow. As part of the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s ongoing efforts to improve the I-20/I-26/I-126 interchange, the westbound I-26 off-ramp to Bush River Road has now been permanently closed. This closure marks the third phase of traffic pattern adjustments on Bush River Road, paving the way for future improvements in the interchange.
    • Exits 101 A and 101 B for Broad River Road West and East can be challenging due to sudden merging and lane changes.
    • In the St. Andrews Road area, at Exit 106, drivers often encounter heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
    • Harbison Boulevard, Exit 103, has frequent congestion and potential for accidents during peak hours.
    • The Piney Grove Road to Harbison Boulevard stretch, between Exits 103 and 104, can be problematic due to sudden slowdowns and lane changes.

    I-26 Dangers in the Upstate/Spartanburg Region

    The northernmost stretch of I-26 in South Carolina extends across the Upstate and continues into North Carolina near Landrum. Completed in 1960, this segment of the highway winds through picturesque farmland and the scenic Sumter National Forests, passing by the city of Spartanburg along the way.

    • Specific exit areas of concern include Exit 21 (US-29), Exit 22 (I-85 Business), and Exit 28 (US-221). These exits often see higher rates of accidents due to merging traffic and lane changes.
    • The I-26/I-85 interchange near Spartanburg can be congested and confusing for unfamiliar drivers. The constant road construction and maintenance work at the location only adds to the confusion. It also poses additional risks to motorists due to large trucks and heavy road construction equipment entering and exiting the highway.
    • The area of I-26 around Spartanburg sees heavy truck traffic due to its role as a major shipping corridor. This increases the risk of truck-related accidents, which are already far too common on I-26.
    • The section of I-26 approaching and passing through the Upstate region includes more mountainous terrain, which can present unique dangers such as steep grades and curvy sections. This is particularly true for the stretch near Landrum, where the highway ascends and descends from the Blue Ridge Mountains.

    Efforts to Improve Safety on I-26

    Three attorneys discussing a caseRecognizing the urgent need to address the safety issues on I-26 in South Carolina, various stakeholders have undertaken efforts to improve conditions on the highway. Law enforcement agencies have increased their presence along the corridor, targeting speeding, reckless driving, and other dangerous behaviors.

    The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has also implemented road maintenance and infrastructure improvement projects, such as resurfacing, adding reflective markers, and improving lighting in key areas.

    The state also launched public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the importance of safe driving habits. These campaigns focus on issues such as distracted driving, speeding, and the need to adapt to changing weather conditions. These efforts aim to reduce the number of accidents on I-26 in Charleston and create a safer environment for all road users.

    What to Do After an Accident on I-26

    In the event of a car accident on I-26 that injures you or a loved one, the top priority is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or a nearby safe location to avoid further collisions. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries and call 911 to request medical assistance.

    Contact law enforcement to report the crash. Responding officers will create an official accident report that can be valuable in supporting your compensation claim.

    Cooperate with the responding officers, but be cautious about what you say. Don’t admit fault or apologize for the accident, as the at-fault driver’s insurance company or legal counsel may use these statements against you later.

    Document the accident scene by taking photos or videos of the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from any witnesses and the other parties involved in the accident.

    After ensuring your immediate safety and documenting the scene, consult a South Carolina personal injury attorney with experience handling car accident cases on I-26. A skilled lawyer from Joye Law Firm can navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights. We will fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in SC

    For most personal injury claims, including car accident claims, South Carolina allows you three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in civil court, seeking damages. The same deadline applies to wrongful death lawsuits arising from a fatal car accident.

    If you don’t have an attorney file suit for you within that three-year period, the court will probably dismiss your case, leaving you with no legal recourse to get the compensation you need.

    Certain exceptions may apply that decrease the time you have to file. This is true of claims against government entities, which typically have far shorter deadlines. You need to contact a car accident attorney in your area immediately to learn of any deadlines that apply to your case, and to get the legal assistance you need to pursue compensation.

    Contact an Experienced I-26 Car Accident Lawyer Today

    The dangers of I-26 in South Carolina are well-documented. The highway has a high rate of accidents and fatalities that have adversely affected countless lives. By understanding the factors contributing to these accidents we can work together to promote safer driving habits and push for necessary improvements to the highway’s infrastructure.

    If you or someone dear to you suffered a devastating injury or loss in an accident on I-26 in South Carolina, you can turn to the compassionate attorneys at Joye Law Firm for help. We’re here to support and guide you through the claims process and provide the personalized and assertive legal representation you need.

    Since 1968, we have been helping victims of car wrecks. We’re committed to helping you navigate the legal process with compassion and skill, no matter where your wreck occurred in South Carolina. The dedicated team of car accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm understands the complexity of these cases and knows what you’re going through.

    Contact us today for your free consultation and let us help you hold the at-fault driver accountable and obtain the full and fair compensation you deserve.

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    Mark Joye and Ken Harrell discussing a case