Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash on I-85 in Duncan, SC

Duncan, SC (August 28, 2026) – A wrong-way driver caused a fatal wreck early Friday morning, August 28, on I-85 South near Exit 63, closing all lanes for hours.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol said a 2015 Hyundai traveling north in the southbound lanes first caused a minor four-vehicle crash near mile marker 61 around 3:20 a.m. No injuries were reported in that collision.

The wrong-way driver continued north for about a mile before colliding head-on with a 2023 Hyundai near Exit 63. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. 

Traffic backed up for miles while all lanes remained shut down. The interstate fully reopened around 8:00 a.m., roughly four hours after the collision.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate this fatal accident. 

We extend our sincere condolences to both families during this difficult time.

How Do Wrongful Death Claims Work in South Carolina?

South Carolina law allows certain family members to pursue a wrongful death claim when a loved one dies because of another party's negligence. 

When someone is killed in a collision, their families are left dealing with funeral and burial costs, lost future income the deceased would have provided, and the loss of guidance, companionship, and support that can't easily be measured in dollars. 

For these losses, South Carolina law also allows a separate survival action, which addresses any pain, suffering, or medical costs the deceased may have experienced before death, in addition to the wrongful death claim itself.

Only certain people can bring a wrongful death claim under South Carolina law, typically a spouse, children, or parents, and the process usually requires a court-appointed personal representative to act on the family's behalf. 

A wrongful death lawyer can become valuable in these cases. An attorney can help identify who is legally entitled to file, gather the documentation needed to support the claim, and make sure it's filed within South Carolina's three-year statute of limitations. 

If your family is dealing with the aftermath of a fatal accident, our team at The Arndt Law Firm can help explain who may be eligible to file a claim and what steps may come next. We can walk you through the potential legal avenues that may be available for your family based on the details of your case. 

To learn more, you can reach The Arndt Law Firm at (843) 310-4645. Our team is ready to help you sort through your options. 

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.