Darlington County, SC — August 27, 2025, Deborah Smothers was killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident at around 9:00 a.m. along US Highway 15.

Authorities said in preliminary statements that the crash happened at the intersection of US 15 and Wesley Chapel Road, south of Hartsville.

According to current statements, Deborah Smothers was in a vehicle on the highway. In events not confirmed, an 18-wheeler crashed with Deborah Smothers. As a result, Deborah Smothers sustained fatal injuries.

There did not appear to be any other injuries. No further information is available at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Crashes involving commercial trucks are almost never straightforward. The size, weight, and complexity of these vehicles mean they introduce factors that go beyond what a routine crash investigation typically covers. That’s why it’s important to look closely at how authorities approach the situation and whether they’re asking the right questions.

Did investigators commit to a full reconstruction?
An accident involving an 18-wheeler can’t be properly explained without a detailed breakdown of how it unfolded. That kind of work requires roadway mapping, skid mark analysis, and a review of vehicle damage patterns to confirm speed, direction, and sequence of impact. Without that level of investigation, what really happened may remain uncertain.

Could equipment or vehicle failures have played a role?
Even skilled drivers can’t always prevent accidents when mechanical issues are involved. Brake defects, worn tires, steering problems, or trailer malfunctions can all create sudden emergencies. On the passenger-vehicle side, failures in seatbelts or airbags can turn a survivable collision into a fatal one. Inspections of both the truck and the other vehicle are crucial before evidence is lost.

Was critical electronic data secured?
Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control systems that record speed, braking, hours of service, and other performance details. Passenger vehicles also store important information in their Engine Control Modules (ECMs). Supplemented by cellphone records or traffic camera footage, this data can provide a clear timeline of the events. But if it isn’t collected quickly, it may be lost forever.

Commercial vehicle accidents require a higher level of scrutiny. If the investigating agency doesn’t have the capacity to do that, families may need independent experts to step in and ensure the evidence tells the full story.

Takeaways:

• Truck accidents are too complex for “basic” investigations.
• Mechanical failures in either vehicle can play a major role in outcomes.
• ECM data, truck logs, cameras, and cellphone records must be gathered promptly for real answers.