A single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Powder Horn Road and Can City Road left an adult male with serious injuries Saturday evening, prompting a large emergency response and air transport to a Trauma Center in Charleston, a type of serious injury case a car accident lawyer often reviews when crashes result in life-threatening harm. The high-speed accident required advanced rescue operations after the vehicle involved left the roadway, overturned, and trapped the driver inside.
According to early reports, the vehicle involved traveled straight through a “T” intersection before entering a wooded area and flipping onto its roof. Due to the severity of the impact and the driver’s condition, emergency crews requested CARE Flight to provide rapid transport for advanced medical treatment.
The Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Details of the Single-Vehicle Crash
The accident occurred on January 10th during the evening hours when the driver failed to navigate the “T” intersection at Powder Horn Road and Can City Road. Instead of turning, the vehicle continued forward, traveled approximately 30 feet into the woods, went down an embankment, and overturned.
Unlike multi-vehicle collisions, a single-vehicle crash often involves higher speeds and direct impacts with fixed objects, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries. In this case, the crash dynamics and rollover placed the driver at significant risk.
Investigators will examine roadway conditions, signage, and speed as part of the review.
Emergency Response and Law Enforcement Activity
First-arriving Colleton County firefighter-paramedics were able to speak with the driver but could not immediately reach him due to the vehicle’s position and surrounding brush. Crews used a chainsaw to clear debris and rescue tools to safely extract the trapped man.
Incidents like this generate active calls for service for both fire-rescue teams and law enforcement agencies. During such responses, Active Traffic Calls and Active Law Enforcement Calls increase as resources are diverted to manage the scene, secure the roadway, and assist medical personnel.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is responsible for the crash investigation and scene analysis.
Air Evac and Trauma Care Response
Due to the extent of the injuries, Air Evac resources were requested to ensure rapid transport. A CARE Flight helicopter landed at the Circle C Truck Stop on Augusta Highway near I-95.
The injured driver was flown to a designated Trauma Center at MUSC in Charleston, where advanced emergency care capabilities are available for high-impact crash victims. Trauma centers are equipped to address internal injuries, head trauma, and complications commonly associated with rollover crashes.
This level of response reflects the seriousness of injuries often seen in single-vehicle crashes involving high speeds.
Why Single-Vehicle Crashes Often Cause Serious Injuries
While some assume that crashes without another vehicle are less severe, data shows the opposite in many cases. Single-vehicle crashes frequently involve rollovers, trees, embankments, or rigid terrain, all of which increase injury severity.
Seat belt use plays a critical role in survivability during rollovers. Investigators often review seat belt use and overall restraint compliance as part of the crash assessment. Failure to wear a seat belt can dramatically increase the risk of ejection and life-threatening trauma.
High-speed roadway departures are also a leading contributor to motor vehicle crash deaths nationwide.
Highway Patrol Investigation Process
The Highway Patrol will conduct a full investigation that may include scene measurements, vehicle damage assessment, and roadway evaluation. In serious cases, collision investigators may later analyze crash dynamics to determine contributing factors.
While this incident was not a Fatal Crash, the presence of serious injuries places it under heightened scrutiny. The findings will help determine whether speed, road design, driver behavior, or environmental conditions contributed to the crash.
Unlike a Head-on collision or Fatal Collision, single-vehicle incidents still carry significant legal and safety implications.
Legal Considerations After a Serious Single-Vehicle Crash
After a serious crash, questions often arise regarding responsibility and roadway safety. These may include whether signage was adequate, whether road conditions were hazardous, or whether previous incidents occurred at the same location.
Even without another vehicle involved, investigations can reveal contributing factors beyond driver error. Understanding these details is essential for families navigating the aftermath of a high-speed accident.
Community Impact and Ongoing Review
Crashes at rural intersections frequently raise concerns among local residents, especially when similar incidents occur repeatedly. The investigation may prompt discussions around traffic controls, warning signs, or speed enforcement to reduce future risks.
As the review continues, officials have not released additional updates regarding the driver’s condition.
About Ted Law Firm
At Ted Law Firm, supports individuals and families dealing with the aftermath of serious roadway incidents. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. The firm values clarity, accountability, and careful legal evaluation during times of uncertainty.With a strong focus on understanding how accidents impact real lives, Ted Law approaches each situation with professionalism and respect.
