Toxicology results pending in crash that killed four

South Carolina authorities said alcohol may have played a role in a wrong-way crash that claimed the lives of four people on Interstate 85 in Spartanburg County on Feb. 11. The accident occurred at approximately 11 p.m. near Exit 68.

According to police, a trooper with the South Carolina Highway Patrol was driving north on Business 85 when he witnessed a pickup driving the wrong way in the next lane. After making evasive maneuvers, the trooper reported the truck to dispatch. State transport officers in the area also attempted to stop the driver.

The southbound pickup eventually collided with six northbound vehicles. Three occupants of one car, a 21-year-old woman, a 22-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man, were killed in the crash. Three other victims were taken to area hospitals with various injuries. The driver of the pickup was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers allegedly found alcohol in his vehicle.

Toxicology samples were taken from the pickup truck driver, and results are pending. The crash remains under investigation.

When someone is killed in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, their surviving family members have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit for the loss of their loved one. With the help of an attorney, the family could use accident investigation reports and toxicology results to show an at-fault driver was responsible for the fatality. If the claim is successfully proven, it may be possible to obtain compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering before death, funeral costs and loss of companionship.

Source: WSPA, “Investigators Wait on Toxicology Results After Wrong Way Crash on I-85”, Feb. 13, 2015