Mark McCormick Killed in Richland County Wrong-Way Accident

The head-on crash on Interstate 77 began when a Chevrolet pickup truck drove south in the northbound lanes, a dangerous scenario that often leads to severe outcomes. The time of the crash, around 4:07 a.m. Sunday, also presents challenges for investigators trying to determine factors like driver alertness.

"What scares me about large commercial rigs is how one small mistake can lead to a massive loss of life," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. "If cargo isn't secured right, a waterfall event happens where the shifting weight flips the entire trailer over." While this crash involved a pickup and an SUV, the legal principles around driver responsibility in head-on collisions are similar.

How is fault determined in a wrong-way crash on I-77?

Police investigating the crash on I-77 will work to determine why the Chevrolet pickup truck was driving south in the northbound lanes. This will include looking at factors like driver impairment, distraction, or medical emergencies. Typically, the driver going the wrong way would be considered at fault.

What legal recourse is available to families after a fatal wrong-way collision?

The families of Mark McCormick and William Vazquez-Hernandez may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of claim seeks compensation for losses like funeral expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. According to Bond, a full legal analysis would involve looking at all available evidence from the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigation.

What evidence is key in investigating a wrong-way accident?

Investigators would typically examine physical evidence from the scene near mile marker 10 on I-77, including vehicle damage and skid marks. They would also look at any available toxicology reports for both drivers, and potentially cell phone records or black box data from the vehicles to understand what happened in the moments before the 4:07 a.m. collision.