South Carolina’s Deadliest Highway? I-95 Multi-Car Accident Reminds Us Why It Tops The List

colleton county fire department on-site at auto wreck

Reviewed By: Personal Injury Team Last Updated: June 29, 2026

On Tuesday, July 22, South Carolina troopers confirmed that 13 vehicles were involved in a fatal pileup on I-95, six of which were commercial vehicles.

According to The Island Packet, two people were killed and around 10 were hospitalized in the large-scale crash around 4:45 p.m. that shuttered the southbound lanes of I-95 for nearly 12 hours.

The Island Packet reported that “photos of the wreckage shared by authorities showed cars, trucks, and semi-trucks in mangled piles as high as 15 feet above the interstate.” According to a release from Colleton County Fire-Rescue, 26 people were treated on the scene, and four people were removed by first responders using extrication tools.

Locals and commuters have attributed the I-95 accident to intense rain and thunderstorms, but SCHP investigators have not yet commented on the cause of the crash.

Shortly before the 13-vehicle pileup, South Carolina troopers reported a separate multi-car collision in the same area of southbound I-95.

The Island Packet reported that South Carolina’s State Transport Police and the S.C. Department of Public Safety’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team are conducting in-depth investigations into the incidents that took place on July 22.

What Makes I-95 in South Carolina So Dangerous?


I-95 is one of the most heavily traveled routes in South Carolina – and one of the deadliest.

According to Insurance Comparison, I-95 averages roughly 30 fatalities every year. Compared with data compiled by Alot.com, which found the interstate was the site of 244 crashes and 301 fatalities between 2008 and 2018, it remains the most dangerous route in the state.

But what makes it so dangerous?

Growing congestion, long-term construction efforts, and outdated infrastructure are just some of the factors that contribute to its perilous plight, along with conditions beyond our control, such as extreme weather events.

What Should You Do in the Event of a Multi-Car Accident?

Several difficulties arise in the aftermath of a multi-vehicle accident, primarily in determining who is at fault.

Determining liability in the crash will depend on police reports, eyewitness accounts, and a reconstruction analysis of the pileup. Who’s at fault may come down to several factors, including who initiated the crash, shared negligence of multiple drivers, road and weather conditions, and vehicle manufacturer defects.

With so many factors left to chance and question, it’s crucial to have a skilled car accident attorney on your case.

The Benefits of Having a Car Accident Lawyer Near You When Things Take a Turn

While having a team of car accident attorneys on your side is not always a necessity, it can turn the tide in an accident claim – especially in a multi-vehicle pileup, where so much is left unknown.

Unlike a single-vehicle accident, multi-car crashes can raise a significant question of liability: Who is held responsible for your injuries?

With the assistance of our lawyers, we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. We don’t believe that being in the wrong place at the wrong time should leave you worrying about mounting medical bills, property damage, or worse, navigating the loss of a loved one.

Consult with a Car Accident Attorney at Hoffman Law Firm


Multi-vehicle accidents have the power to upturn your life in more ways than one, from financial stress to emotional challenges to a future built on recovery.

That’s why you leave it to Hoffman.

Since 2007, our team of personal injury lawyers in Charleston, SC, and Georgetown, SC, has been dedicating our time and energy to helping those throughout the Lowcountry seek fair compensation for their injuries.

We have established a reputation for success, as well as excellent service! To meet with a member of our legal team, schedule your free consultation today.

For more on local news and car accident claims, explore here:


Sources

  • SCDPS Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT): The South Carolina Department of Public Safety utilizes specialized MAIT units to conduct advanced accident reconstructions, determining mechanics and structural point-of-impact liabilities in large-scale, multi-car interstate pileups.
  • The Island Packet – I-95 Crash Reporting: Regional media reporting covering localized traffic disruptions, emergency response dispatches from Colleton County Fire-Rescue, and state agency updates regarding multi-vehicle highway fatalities.
  • South Carolina State Transport Police (STP): The enforcement division of the SCDPS responsible for regulating commercial motor vehicles, enforcing safety compliance, and analyzing truck-related mechanical and operational liability following major highway collisions.

Learn More About Highway Accident Claims in South Carolina


Legal Disclaimer: This blog is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Details regarding the I-95 accident are based on preliminary reports and publicly available information and may change as investigations continue. Statements regarding causes, fault, injuries, or potential liability are not definitive.

Nothing in this content should be interpreted as a guarantee of legal outcomes, compensation, or fault determinations. Reading this blog does not create an attorney–client relationship.

If you or a loved one were involved in a multi-vehicle accident, consult a qualified South Carolina car accident attorney for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

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