On a busy Sunday evening, commuters on Interstate 85 North near Greer, South Carolina, experienced extensive delays after a serious crash closed multiple lanes and brought traffic to a near standstill. According to the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the incident occurred near mile marker 62, forcing the closure of the two right lanes and causing congestion between Exit 58 (Brockman-McClimon Road) and Exit 63 (SC-290). Average speeds slowed to just 14 mph over a five-mile stretch, highlighting how quickly a single highway crash can paralyze an entire corridor.
Although officials later confirmed that the highway was cleared later that night, the event underscores broader questions about road safety, driver accountability, and crash prevention on South Carolina’s busiest routes. This blog examines the legal implications, safety patterns, and public-policy lessons that such incidents bring to light issues often reviewed by experienced car accident lawyers in South Carolina, particularly along the heavily traveled I-85 corridor that cuts through Spartanburg County.
1. The Incident: What Happened on I-85
Preliminary reports from the SCDOT indicate that the crash occurred during peak weekend travel hours, causing an abrupt slowdown for miles. Emergency responders worked to remove vehicles and reopen lanes, while digital message boards warned approaching motorists of the extended delay.
While full details of the collision including the number of vehicles involved and the causehad not been released as of publication, the impact on traffic was immediate and significant. Congestion extended across multiple exits, affecting drivers commuting between Greer, Spartanburg, and Greenville County.
Even without fatalities or major injuries reported publicly, the event highlights how non-fatal crashes can have widespread consequences affecting emergency response times, economic productivity, and road safety for thousands of motorists.
2. Understanding Congestion and Secondary Crashes
Crashes like this one often lead to secondary collisions, where vehicles approaching the backed-up lanes collide due to sudden braking, distraction, or poor visibility. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that as many as 20 percent of highway crashes are secondary in nature triggered by initial congestion.
In South Carolina, high-volume corridors such as I-85 and I-26 are particularly prone to these chain-reaction incidents. Poor lighting, high-speed limits, and heavy tractor-trailer traffic increase the likelihood of severe outcomes when visibility or reaction time is compromised.
These patterns reveal the urgent need for coordinated traffic-incident management, where law enforcement, towing companies, and highway patrol units work in tandem to restore flow and prevent follow-on crashes.
3. The Legal Framework: Duty of Care on South Carolina Highways
Under South Carolina traffic law, every driver owes a duty of care to operate their vehicle safely and reasonably. Violations of that duty such as speeding, distracted driving, or following too closely—can constitute negligence when an accident occurs.
Common legal principles that apply to highway crashes include:
- Negligent Operation: Failing to maintain a safe following distance or ignoring road hazards.
- Reckless Driving (§ 56-5-2920 SC Code): Operating a vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard for safety.
- Failure to Yield (§ 56-5-2350): Not allowing proper right-of-way during lane merges or when emergency responders are present.
- Move-Over Law (§ 56-5-1538): Requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down for emergency vehicles on the shoulder.
If investigators determine that one or more drivers breached these duties, liability could extend beyond simple insurance claims, leading to civil negligence actions for property damage, medical costs, and loss of income.
4. Role of SCDOT and South Carolina Highway Patrol
The SCDOT and South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) share responsibility for maintaining safety on interstates. While SCDOT oversees infrastructure and lane management, SCHP handles crash investigations, traffic citations, and emergency responses.
After a crash like the one on I-85:
- Troopers secure the scene and direct traffic.
- Investigators collect witness statements, vehicle information, and dashcam evidence.
- Traffic-management centers coordinate with local law enforcement to update real-time maps and overhead signs.
This coordination ensures safety, but it also establishes a legal record for any subsequent civil or criminal proceedings. Photographs, police reports, and time-stamped congestion data often play a crucial role in determining fault.
5. The Human Cost Behind Traffic Congestion
While statistics focus on closures and average speeds, behind every crash are the people affected, drivers stranded for hours, first responders at risk on the roadside, and families awaiting safe returns.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distracted driving alone causes over 3,000 deaths annually in the United States. Even minor collisions can create psychological trauma, vehicle loss, and increased insurance premiums.
For residents in Spartanburg County, where I-85 serves as a lifeline for commerce and commuting, even a single night of gridlock can ripple through businesses, deliveries, and emergency services. These are not just transportation delays they are reminders of how fragile safety can be.
6. Common Causes of Interstate Collisions in the Upstate
Based on regional crash data, some of the leading contributors to Upstate South Carolina highway accidents include:
- Distracted driving, particularly mobile-phone use while in motion.
- Following too closely in congested traffic zones.
- Improper lane changes without signaling or mirror checks.
- Driver fatigue, especially among long-haul truck operators.
- Speeding during variable weather conditions such as fog or rain.
Understanding these causes helps authorities and attorneys analyze fault patterns and advocate for stronger enforcement or infrastructure solutions.
7. Legal Accountability and Comparative Negligence
South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence rule under § 15-38-15 SC Code, which means a driver can recover damages only if they are less than 51 percent at fault for a crash. If multiple drivers share responsibility, the court or insurance adjuster allocates fault percentages to each party.
For instance:
- If Driver A was speeding but Driver B made an unsafe lane change, both may bear partial liability.
- Compensation for damages will then be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
Understanding this rule is essential for victims seeking compensation. Accident reconstruction reports, witness accounts, and digital vehicle-data recorders all help establish the sequence of events accurately.
8. Infrastructure and Preventive Measures
The I-85 corridor through Spartanburg and Greenville Counties is one of the most heavily traveled stretches in the state. To mitigate future incidents, agencies are investing in:
- Smart traffic sensors for faster crash detection.
- Ramp metering systems to control merging traffic.
- Improved lighting and lane markings at high-risk exits.
- Public-awareness campaigns promoting the Move-Over law and safe-driving practices.
Still, even with improved design, prevention ultimately depends on driver awareness and responsibility. Every motorist must recognize that a moment’s distraction at highway speeds can cause multi-vehicle chaos in seconds.
9. Economic and Environmental Impact of Congestion
Beyond immediate safety risks, prolonged congestion has measurable economic and environmental costs. Slow-moving traffic burns more fuel, increases emissions, and causes financial losses due to delayed shipments and missed appointments.
A five-mile slowdown at 14 mph, as seen in this incident, could affect thousands of vehicles and generate significant fuel waste. These indirect effects reinforce the need for faster incident clearance protocols and public-education initiatives focused on preventing secondary collisions.
10. Insurance and Legal Claims After Highway Crashes
In the aftermath of an interstate accident, victims often face complex questions regarding fault, coverage, and compensation. Common legal pathways include:
- Bodily-injury claims against the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage when the liable driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Property-damage recovery for vehicle repairs or total loss.
- Personal-injury lawsuits when insurance settlements fail to cover full losses.
Under South Carolina’s at-fault system, insurers investigate liability before issuing payment. Gathering timely evidence photos, dashcam footage, witness contacts is vital for ensuring a fair outcome.
11. Public Policy and Road-Safety Awareness
Every incident like the I-85 crash reignites the debate on how to reduce preventable accidents through policy and enforcement. Proposals often include:
- Enhanced driver-education programs for teens and commercial operators.
- Increased penalties for texting while driving and aggressive maneuvers.
- Expanded highway-patrol presence during weekend travel peaks.
- Investment in real-time traffic apps integrated with SCDOT’s control centers.
Public agencies alone cannot resolve these risks. It requires a shared effort between drivers, lawmakers, and enforcement agencies to maintain discipline on South Carolina’s most congested roads.
12. Lessons in Accountability and Prevention
The Spartanburg County crash, though ultimately cleared within hours, illustrates enduring lessons:
- Every driver plays a role in traffic safety. One person’s mistake can affect thousands.
- Law enforcement coordination saves lives. Prompt response prevents additional collisions.
- Infrastructure must evolve. Highways designed decades ago must adapt to modern traffic volumes.
- Transparency matters. Accurate reporting by SCDOT and SCHP helps build public trust.
- Legal recourse remains vital. Victims should know their rights when negligence leads to harm.
13. Upholding Road Safety Through Legal Awareness
The law is more than a mechanism for punishment, it’s a framework for responsible behavior. Each crash on I-85 serves as a reminder that negligence, even momentary, carries consequences that ripple far beyond the immediate scene.
Through consistent enforcement of traffic laws, public education, and fair compensation for victims, South Carolina can continue to make progress toward safer highways and more accountable drivers.
Conclusion
The I-85 crash in Spartanburg County may have lasted only a few hours, but its impact resonates across public safety, legal accountability, and infrastructure policy. As South Carolina continues to grow, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of vehicles on its interstates will remain one of its greatest challenges.
Preventing future incidents depends on collective vigilance—from drivers, policymakers, and the justice system alike. The road to safety begins with awareness, responsibility, and the will to learn from every collision.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg.Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom: we stand for community safety, fairness, and restoring balance after loss. Whether the issue involves a traffic collision, insurance dispute, or personal injury claim, Ted Law works tirelessly to uphold the principles that keep our justice system strong.Contact us today for a free consultation.
