A crash on I-20 can change everything in an instant. These crashes are often severe, especially when they involve high speeds or heavy traffic. The risk of long-term injuries or ongoing complications also increases when large trucks or commercial vehicles are involved.
With nearly a decade of combined legal experience, our team understands how difficult this can be. Your I-20 car accident lawyer in South Carolina at Shelly Leeke Law Firm will take the time to understand your story and help you regain some control over what happens next.
If you need answers about what to do next, your South Carolina highway accident lawyerĀ is here to support you every step of the way.
How Crashes on I-20 in South Carolina Typically Happen
Interstate 20 runs through some of the busiest parts of the state, connecting Columbia to smaller towns and commercial zones across South Carolina. Traffic often moves quickly, but sudden slowdowns or merging vehicles can create dangerous conditions.
Impatient drivers also add risk, especially during the morning and evening commute. Many crashes happen in the same places and for the same reasons, especially during peak hours.
Heavy Traffic and Speeding Near Columbia
Just outside Columbia, I-20 traffic can back up fast. Drivers heading in or out of the city often try to make last-minute lane changes, sometimes cutting across multiple lanes in one move.
Combined with high speeds, these decisions can quickly lead to rear-end collisions or sideswipes during heavy congestion.
Speeding is also a major issue, especially when traffic temporarily opens up between exits. Many drivers try to make up time by accelerating beyond the posted limit, even when conditions are not ideal. This puts everyone at risk, especially during low visibility or when the road is wet.
Distracted Driving and Highway Merges
Distracted drivers are a constant concern on I-20, especially near highway interchanges or exit ramps. Glancing at a phone, adjusting the radio, or trying to send a quick text can lead to serious consequences in fast-moving traffic. Even a moment of distraction is enough to miss a brake light. A driver might also drift out of a lane or cause a crash near merging traffic.
Merging areas are another hotspot for dangerous behavior. Some drivers fail to yield. Others speed up to cut in or change lanes without checking their blind spots.
As our Shelly Leeke award-winning lawyers have seen time and again, these risky decisions leave little room for error and often result in multi-car collisions.
Factors That Can Make I-20 Collisions More Severe
Some accidents on I-20 are made worse by external conditions that increase the chance of injury or damage. A South Carolina car accident lawyer from oneĀ of our Shelly Leeke Law Firm locations can help identify which of these factors may have played a role and how they could impact your case.
Common conditions that increase the risk or severity of an I-20 crash;
- Large commercial trucks or oversized loads.
- Poor or low lighting in rural areas.
- Aggressive highway merges.
- Stop-and-go traffic near exits.
- Hydroplaning during or after rain.
- Narrow shoulders with limited escape routes.
- Active construction zones or lane closures.
- Drivers unfamiliar with the road or traffic patterns.
These elements can complicate how fault is determined and how insurance companies evaluate the claim. Speed-related concerns also come into play, especially when a driver exceeds the posted limit.
Common Damages People Suffer After an I-20 Car Accident
After a crash on I-20, the damage is rarely limited to what happened at the scene. Some people miss work. Others feel off physically or emotionally for weeks. You might be skipping activities you used to enjoy or struggling to keep up with your routine.
Our South Carolina personal injury lawyersĀ understand how disruptive this can be. Fortunately, we can help you pursue compensation that matches what you are actually going through.
Mobility Issues and Medical Disruptions
Physical recovery after a highway crash is often slow. Tasks like walking or lifting may become difficult. Even small movements can trigger pain.
These physical limitations can show up in different ways, depending on the type of injury and how your body responds over time. Recovery can also affect how you manage daily responsibilities. You may need help getting to appointments or caring for your kids.
Some people also need to step away from work or depend on family members while they heal. According to South Carolina Code Ā§ 15-32-220, certain types of non-economic damages may be limited, including pain and reduced quality of life.
There are no costs unless or until we win, so you can focus on healing while your I-20 accident attorney in South Carolina handles the legal side.
Emotional Distress and Mental Health After the Crash
The emotional impact of a serious crash does not always show up right away. Many people deal with anxiety, sleep disruption, or fear of driving after what they experienced on I-20.
Some also have trouble focusing or feel disconnected from their usual routines. These symptoms can affect relationships and make it harder to feel safe doing ordinary things.
South Carolina law limits how much can be awarded for non-economic damages in some cases. However, that does not mean your mental health experience should be minimized or overlooked.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm attorneys can help you document how the crash has affected you emotionally, not just physically.
Connect With a South Carolina I-20 Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were hurt on I-20 and do not know where to turn, your South Carolina I-20 car accident attorney can help you understand what comes next.
A Shelly Leeke Law Firm will listen to your story and explain how our team approaches cases like yours. To get started, ask about a Shelly Leeke Law Firm free consultationĀ and learn what legal options might be available to you.
