One Dead in Two-Vehicle Crash on I-385 in Laurens Co., SC

Laurens County, SC (August 24, 2026) – One person was killed on Monday evening, August 24, after a two-vehicle wreck on Interstate 385, according to the Laurens County Coroner's Office.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation says the crash happened before 8 p.m. near mile marker 7, close to the rest area in Laurens County. All southbound lanes were closed for several hours before reopening just before 10 p.m.

The coroner's office confirmed one person died, though it has not said how many others may have been hurt. Further details about how the crash happened had not been released as of this report.

Officials continue to look into what caused the collision. 

Our condolences go out to the family of the person who died.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Crash in Laurens County, SC?

Under South Carolina law, a wrongful death claim can generally be filed by the personal representative of the deceased's estate, acting on behalf of specific surviving family members. Those eligible to benefit from the claim typically include a surviving spouse, children, or, if neither exists, the deceased's parents. 

When more than one family member qualifies, such as a spouse and children, they generally share in any recovery according to South Carolina's intestacy laws unless a will directs otherwise.

This can sometimes create questions among family members about how a case moves forward and who has the authority to make decisions on the estate's behalf.

If no personal representative has already been appointed, the probate court can appoint one, often a spouse or adult child, so the claim can proceed. A wrongful death lawyer can help identify who qualifies as the proper party to file, assist with the probate process if needed, and make sure the claim is brought within South Carolina's three-year deadline.

Because eligibility depends on the specific family structure left behind, questions about who can file are common after a sudden loss. A lawyer can help sort out how multiple eligible family members are represented in a single claim, so no one's interests are overlooked as the case moves forward.

At The Arndt Law Firm, we help families across South Carolina understand who may be eligible to file after a fatal crash. If you are dealing with a case like this one, our team can review your family's situation and explain the next potential steps. 

To learn more, you can reach The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645. We are here ot guide you through your next steps. 

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.