Florence, SC — June 9, 2025, One person was killed and another was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that at around 5:54 A.M. on I-95.

According to official reports, a Honda sedan with two occupants was traveling south on Interstate 95 near mile-marker 163, when it attempted to pass a semi truck car hauler, but instead struck its trailer.

The Honda then lost control and left the roadway where it overturned, and when first responders arrived they pronounced the driver dead, while the 14-year-old passenger was taken to the hospital in unknown condition. At this time authorities have not released the identity of the deceased driver, and there has been no update on the minor passenger's condition.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash involves an 18-wheeler and leaves someone ejected with “significant injuries,” the first questions that come to mind aren’t just about the crash itself—they’re about what went wrong behind the scenes. Was the truck driver distracted? Was the passenger vehicle somehow forced into harm’s way? At this point, we simply don’t know what caused the crash, and that lack of clarity is exactly why further investigation is so important.

Unanswered Questions

According to reports, the collision happened in the southbound lanes of I-95 near mile marker 163. What’s missing is any explanation of how the crash unfolded. Was the truck merging? Changing lanes? Was there sudden braking or a mechanical issue? Those are basic but vital questions. Depending on the answers, the legal analysis could look very different.

One person was reportedly ejected and suffered significant injuries. That strongly suggests a high-speed or high-impact collision, but without more detail, we can’t say whether that impact came from the front, rear, or side—or who initiated it.

There’s also no information about the number of people involved or the role of each vehicle. That leaves open a range of scenarios, from a rear-end crash to a side-swipe to a lane change gone wrong.

What Evidence Can Clarify

To move beyond speculation, investigators will need to collect and review hard evidence. That includes:

• ECM (black box) data from the truck to show speed, braking, and throttle position
• Dash cams or in-cab video that could show driver behavior or traffic conditions
• Phone records to determine whether distraction played a role
• Driver logs and rest schedules in case fatigue was a factor
• Hiring and training documentation to see if the trucking company overlooked red flags

I’ve seen many cases where these kinds of records made all the difference. In one instance, we discovered a driver had been on duty well beyond legal limits—something that never would’ve come out without digging into logbooks and dispatch data.

Company Responsibility

Even if driver error played a role, that’s rarely the whole story. It’s worth asking: Did the trucking company have policies in place to prevent crashes like this? Did they enforce limits on driving hours? Were their training and supervision practices up to industry standards?

I’ve handled cases where the driver shouldn’t have been hired in the first place—where a quick background check would’ve revealed a history of reckless conduct. When companies ignore that kind of information, it’s not just a mistake—it’s a liability.

Key Takeaways

Full accountability depends on a thorough investigation, not assumptions based on early reports.

The cause of the crash is still unknown, and authorities haven’t released enough details to draw firm conclusions.

Critical facts—like whether the truck or passenger vehicle initiated contact—remain unconfirmed.

Investigators should review ECM data, cameras, phone records, and logs to piece together what happened.

The trucking company’s hiring, training, and oversight practices could be highly relevant.