You were driving on I‑85 near Greenville—maybe headed home from work or visiting family—when it happened. In an instant, a speeding car slammed into you, leaving your vehicle crumpled and your body in pain. Now you’re dealing with more than just physical injuries—you’re facing extensive hospital bills, time off work, and an insurance company that doesn’t seem interested in playing fair.
When you're hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, especially on a high-traffic interstate like I‑85, you need more than just medical care. You need someone who knows how to hold the negligent driver accountable. Here’s when Alderson Law steps up. As a trusted Upstate SC accident lawyer, Ryan P. Alderson helps injured people get the compensation they deserve after a serious I-85 accident and beyond. Let’s take a closer look at why this particular roadway is so challenging and explain what you should do next.
I‑85 Accident Risk in Context: South Carolina Traffic Trends
Every day, thousands of commuters, families, and commercial motorists travel I-85, a critical corridor running through Upstate South Carolina and connecting Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, and beyond. While essential for commerce and commuter travel, I-85 also carries measurable safety risks:
- High crash and injury rates statewide. According to the most recent annual data (2023) from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety Traffic Collision Fact Book, there were 22 fatalities, 16 people seriously injured, and nearly 800 other people hurt in I-85 and I-185 collisions. There were approximately 4,000 crashes.
- Upstate impact. The South Carolina Department of Transportation reports that the most congested area in the Upstate is between Pelham Road in Greenville County and Highway 14 in Spartanburg County. The annual average daily traffic count in 2024 was 124,700 vehicles—up nearly 5,000 since 2019.
- Fewer state troopers to respond. In a September 2025 article for the Spartanburg Herald-Journal, Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway noted that, “About every day, there’s an accident or two on 85.” The article indicated that because troopers are responsible for traffic control on numerous highways and interstates, “fewer than 10 troopers are on I-85.” Ridgeway added that “With the amount of people who have moved to the Upstate, it’s almost not designed to have that many people on the road.”
Even though statistics are always changing, they remain a powerful tool for education because they reveal patterns individual stories can’t. Trends in crash locations, times, and causes help drivers understand where risks are highest and why accidents happen in the first place. When people see how often speeding, distracted driving, or congestion leads to crashes on I-85, the data becomes more than numbers—it becomes a reminder that safer choices matter.
What Should You Do After an I‑85 Accident If You're Preparing a Case?
If you're reading this, chances are you're already feeling the impact—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether the collision happened hours or days ago, every step you take from here on matters, especially if you’re not at fault. At Alderson Law, we’re committed to protecting your auto accident case—and your future. Here’s what we recommend you prioritize right now.
Gather All Documentation
You can never have too much evidence, and our team won’t hesitate to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the other party’s liability. Save everything related to the crash, including:
- The police report from the scene.
- Photos and videos of your injuries, the vehicles, and road conditions.
- Witness names and statements, if you got them.
- Medical records and bills, including ER visits, follow-ups, physical therapy, assistive devices, and more.
- Pay stubs or income records, especially if you’ve missed work.
Continue With Your Medical Care
Insurers look for any excuse to downplay your injuries. Missed appointments or gaps in treatment can be used against you later. If your pain worsens or new symptoms appear in the days after the crash, document those too. It’s common for injuries such as soft tissue damage or traumatic brain injuries to appear over time.
Limit Contact With the Insurance Company
Adjusters may seem helpful—but their goal is to settle quickly and cheaply. Be careful about what you say. Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without legal guidance.
If you’ve already been contacted by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, now is the time to reach out to us. We’ll take over communication so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or getting pressured into a lowball offer.
Start a Personal Injury Journal
Create a simple log of your pain levels, missed work, emotional distress, and how your injuries affect your daily life. As a former prosecutor, Ryan understands how to use this information to strengthen a claim for pain and suffering and show the true impact of the accident on your well-being.
Our Upstate SC Lawyer Won’t Let You Settle for Less
An I‑85 accident often involves high speeds and serious injuries—making potential legal consequences just as intense as the incident itself. But remember: you didn’t cause the crash, and you shouldn’t have to carry the burden of resolving it alone, or question whether you’ll have the ability to recover proper damages.
Alderson Law offers more than legal representation—we provide clarity, strategy, and a path forward. If you’re ready to take back control, start by calling someone who knows how to win cases in Upstate South Carolina.
