Dillon County, SC — January 22, 2025, one person was injured in a morning truck accident on Interstate 95 near Dillon.
Authorities said two South Carolina Department of Natural Resources were helping a motorist in the highway’s median when a box truck hit one of their vehicles.
One officer was hospitalized with unpsecified injuries, while the other was not injured, authorities said.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Dillon County crash near exit 190. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a crash where a box truck collides with a parked vehicle on the highway, my first question is, “Why did the truck driver fail to avoid hitting a clearly stationary vehicle?” Crashes involving emergency responders and support vehicles on the side of the road are, unfortunately, far too common, and they often raise important questions about accountability and road safety.
The first issue investigators must examine is the actions of the box truck driver. Was the driver distracted by a phone or other devices? Were they fatigued after driving too many hours, or perhaps speeding and unable to react in time? These are common contributing factors in crashes involving large vehicles, and evidence such as cell phone records, the truck’s engine control module (ECM) and dashcam footage can help establish whether the driver was behaving responsibly.
Another key element to investigate is whether the officers’ vehicle was properly positioned and visible. Emergency responders and roadside workers rely on a combination of flashing lights, cones and other warning devices to alert passing drivers. Were all these precautions taken? If they weren’t, the responsibility for the crash may not rest solely on the truck driver.
It’s also important to consider whether the scene itself created an unavoidable hazard. Interstates are high-speed roadways, and vehicles stopped in the median — while often necessary — can create risks for approaching drivers. Was the median wide enough for a vehicle to be safely parked? Were weather or lighting conditions a factor? These details are essential to understanding the full context of the crash.
In my experience, crashes like this often highlight a broader issue with how drivers react to emergency scenes on the highway. Many states, including South Carolina, have “Move Over” laws that require drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching parked emergency vehicles. It’s worth asking whether the truck driver was aware of and complying with these laws. If not, it’s a reminder of the need for greater public awareness and enforcement.
Ultimately, holding the right parties accountable requires going beyond the surface-level facts. Investigators must look at the truck driver’s behavior, the precautions taken by the responders and the conditions of the scene itself. Only then can we understand what led to this crash.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us