Why Are Car Accidents at the I-95/I-20 Interchange in Florence Often Serious?

The point where Interstate 95 and Interstate 20 meet is one of the defining features of travel around Florence, South Carolina. I-20 ends at I-95 just west of the city, funneling traffic between the coast, Columbia, and points north and south. Large numbers of commuters, travelers, and commercial vehicles converge here, merging and crossing lanes at highway speeds. When crashes happen in this environment, the speeds involved often make injuries more serious than those in a typical surface-street collision.

This page answers common questions about why the interchange is prone to crashes and what your options may be if you were hurt. Our Florence car accident attorneys are available to help.

Why Do So Many Vehicles Converge at This Interchange?

I-20 terminates at I-95 near Florence, so traffic traveling to and from Columbia and the Midlands merges onto one of the busiest interstates in the region. Travelers heading to the coast, freight carriers, and local drivers all use these same ramps and merge lanes, which concentrates a large volume of traffic in a relatively small area.

What Makes This Interchange Prone to Crashes?

• Merging and weaving. Drivers entering, exiting, and crossing lanes over short distances create frequent conflict points.
• Speed differences. Vehicles slowing for ramps mix with traffic still moving at highway speed.
• Heavy congestion at peak times. Backups can trigger sudden stops and chain-reaction crashes.
• Unfamiliar drivers. Travelers passing through may react abruptly when navigating the interchange.

How Is a Car Crash Here Different From a Truck Crash?

This interchange also sees a high volume of commercial traffic, and truck crashes involve additional rules and evidence. If your collision involved a large truck, our page on truck accidents at the I-95/I-20 interchange explains those differences. For collisions between passenger vehicles, the focus is usually on driver conduct, right of way, and the available insurance coverage.

What Types of Car Crashes Happen at the Interchange?

• Rear-end collisions during sudden slowdowns.
• Sideswipe crashes from lane changes across merging traffic.
• Multi-vehicle pileups, particularly in rain or heavy congestion.
• Loss-of-control crashes on curved ramp segments.

What Injuries Are Common in These Crashes?

Because of the speeds involved, collisions at the I-95/I-20 interchange can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries. Prompt medical care creates a record of your injuries and supports your recovery.

What Should You Do After a Crash at the Interchange?

1. If it is safe, move vehicles out of live lanes and turn on hazard lights.
2. Call 911 and report your location by mile marker or nearest exit.
3. Photograph the scene and vehicle positions if you can do so safely.
4. Exchange information and identify witnesses.
5. Seek medical attention promptly.
6. Notify your insurer and keep your records organized.

How Can Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers Help?

From our Florence office, Derrick Law Firm Injury Lawyers represents people hurt in interstate crashes across the Pee Dee region. Our attorneys can investigate how the collision happened, work to preserve evidence such as camera footage and vehicle data, identify all insurance coverage that may apply, and communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf. Every case is different, and a conversation with an attorney can help you understand your options under South Carolina law.