A Catastrophic Crash on I-85
Pracht Injury Lawyers recently represented a young woman who suffered catastrophic injuries in an interstate crash in Greenville County, South Carolina.
After an initial collision with another vehicle on I-85, her car came to a stop in the roadway. Moments later, a commercial truck slammed into her vehicle, crushing it and leaving her critically injured.
She spent more than a month hospitalized, underwent multiple surgeries, and had to relearn how to walk. To this day, she continues to live with permanent injuries and the trauma of the crash.
What the Initial Investigation Got Wrong
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) initially accepted the truck driver’s account as accurate and placed blame on our client. Had those findings stood unchallenged, she would have been unfairly deemed at fault—left without the resources she desperately needed to recover.
How Our Team Found the Truth
Attorney Kerrison Miller immediately began investigating beyond the official report. Through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, she obtained dashcam footage and the officer’s notes. Careful review revealed a much different story:
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The truck driver did not have a valid license and was in the U.S. without proper documentation.
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The truck’s electronic data confirmed it was speeding at the time of impact.
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The crash occurred on a straight, flat stretch of I-85 with clear visibility—meaning the truck driver had ample time to avoid hitting our client.
These facts made it clear that the original liability determination was incomplete and inaccurate.
The Result: Over $1 Million Recovered
By exposing the truth and pursuing multiple defendants, our legal team successfully recovered more than $1 million in available coverage for our client.
While no settlement can erase the life-altering effects of her injuries, this recovery ensures that she has access to the medical care and resources she needs for her future.
Why This Case Matters
This case highlights why police reports should never be treated as the final word. Insurance companies rely heavily on them, but independent investigation often uncovers critical details. Persistence, attention to detail, and a willingness to challenge assumptions can make all the difference.
Truck accident cases are complex and often involve overlapping coverage and liability issues. At Pracht Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for clients like this young woman—standing with them through grit, compassion, and determination to ensure no one is left behind.
Disclaimer: Every case is unique, and prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.