Patrol Vehicle Strikes Man on US-521 in Lancaster, SC

Lancaster, SC (September 25, 2026) – A man was hospitalized on Wednesday night, September 23, after being struck by a Lancaster County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle on U.S. 521 near North Matson Street.

The crash happened around 10 p.m. close to the B&J Mini Mart, according to the sheriff's office. The deputy driving the vehicle stopped immediately to help.

The man was alert and responsive as emergency units arrived and took him to the hospital. The extent of his injuries has not been specified.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the collision. 

Our thoughts are with the man as he continues to recover.

How Does South Carolina's Tort Claims Act Affect Claims in Lancaster, SC?

South Carolina's Tort Claims Act applies whenever a government vehicle or employee is involved in a crash, and it changes how a claim moves forward.

Instead of filing a standard lawsuit, a person generally has to bring the claim against the government entity itself, follow specific notice and filing procedures, and work within recovery limits the law sets for public agencies.

Those limits are one of the biggest differences from an ordinary personal injury case. Under the Act, recovery from a South Carolina governmental entity is generally capped at $300,000 per person and $600,000 per occurrence, no matter how many people were affected. Punitive damages and pre-judgment interest typically aren't available against a government agency either, which can shape how a claim is valued from the start.

The filing window and notice steps for claims against a government entity differ from private crashes, so if you miss a deadline, it can end a claim before it's evaluated. A car accident lawyer familiar with these procedures can help identify which entity is responsible, gather the right records, and make sure a claim is filed the way state law requires.

If you or someone you know was hurt in a crash that involved a government vehicle, The Arndt Law Firm can help you understand your options. Claims against a government entity move differently than typical cases, and our team can walk you through the notice and filing steps involved. 

You can reach out to The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645 to talk through your next steps. We are here to assist you however we can. 

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.