Beaufort Co., SC – Man Killed in Head-On Wrong-Way Crash on S.C. 170 Identified

Beaufort County, SC (February 24, 2026) –  This article follows up on a story covered earlier. The original report can be found here.

A Ridgeland man has been identified by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office as the victim of a fatal wrong-way collision that occurred on Wednesday night, February 18, on S.C. 170 (Okatie Highway).

According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 35-year-old Michael Blankenship Jr. was traveling in a 2009 Toyota sedan around 11:15 p.m. near the intersection of Oldfield Way. Investigators report that a 2019 Infiniti QX50 was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck Blankenship’s vehicle head-on.

Mr. Blankenship was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Infiniti sustained injuries and was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for treatment.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol’s Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is continuing to investigate the crash.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the loved ones of Michael Blankenship Jr.

How Does Insurance Work After a Wrong-Way Collision in Beaufort County?

Because wrong-way accidents usually cause severe damage, they often involve multiple layers of insurance. While the driver going the wrong way is typically responsible, their insurance might not be enough to cover everything. In these cases, your own "safety net" coverages, such as Underinsured Motorist or Medical Payments, become the most important tools for your recovery.

The Liability Insurance from the at-fault driver is the first policy to review for compensation. It is designed to pay for the other person’s vehicle repairs, medical bills, and funeral costs. 

If the other driver’s insurance isn't enough to pay for all the damages, your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in. Think of this as a backup plan you pay for to protect yourself from other people's mistakes. In South Carolina, if you have this on your policy, it can pay for the remaining costs that the at-fault driver couldn't cover.

In a head-on collision, the vehicles may even be a "total loss." Your own Collision Coverage can help you get the fair market value for your vehicle quickly, so you aren't waiting months for the other driver's insurance to finish their investigation. Once your insurance pays you, they will usually seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s company on your behalf.

Our team at The Arndt knows that managing insurance after a major accident is a lot to handle while you are grieving. We can help you identify which policies apply to your situation so you can focus on your family.

Contact us today at (843) 469-8777 to talk with our wrongful death lawyer. We can discuss your situation during a free consultation and provide clear information about what options may be available after your loved one's fatal car accident.

Note: This post has been prepared using information gathered from publicly available secondary sources. The details of the incident have not been independently verified. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact The Arndt Law Firm so we can promptly review and update the content to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. This content does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute a solicitation for legal services. If you have been injured in an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Any photographs included in this post are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual scene of the accident.