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Bluffton, SC (March 17, 2026) – A crash shut down both southbound lanes of Simmonsville Road near Bluffton Parkway on Monday, March 16, around 3 p.m. Emergency units responded to the scene after reports of the accident at the busy intersection.

Authorities confirmed that multiple emergency vehicles were present at the site as crews worked to manage the situation. The roadway closure affected traffic in the area during the afternoon and into the evening commute.

The final number of injured victims still hasn't been confirmed, and officials have not released details about what led to the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash. More updates may be posted as the inquiry progresses.

Our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.

Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Bluffton?

In Bluffton, you do not always need a police report to file an insurance claim, but having one can make the process much smoother. Insurance companies typically rely on documentation to evaluate what happened, and a police report provides an official, third-party account of the crash.

Without it, claims may still move forward using photos, witness statements, and driver reports, but disputes over fault can become more difficult to resolve.

South Carolina law requires drivers to report accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage. When officers respond to a crash, they usually complete a report that insurers later use to verify details like time, location, and contributing factors.

While insurers are not legally required to have this report to process a claim, many strongly prefer it because it adds credibility and helps reduce conflicting accounts.

Crash data in Beaufort County, which includes Bluffton, shows how common these incidents are. Between 2020 and mid-2024, the county recorded 15,489 traffic accidents, leading to 6,314 injuries and 103 deaths.

More recent figures show 20 traffic fatalities in 2025, a decrease from 26 in 2024. Early 2026 data also indicates several fatal crashes have already occurred in the county.

Insurance claims after an accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and medical bills. An attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies to ensure you are not unfairly assigned a higher percentage of fault than is accurate.

By managing the complexities of state law and insurance negotiations, a lawyer allows you to focus on your medical recovery while they fight for your rights.

If you want clear guidance on next steps after a vehicle crash, you can contact The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 469-8777 to speak with our car accident attorneys. We’re here to help you understand your options, navigate the recovery process, and make informed decisions after a crash.

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.