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Oconee County Crash: 61-Year-Old Dies After Pickup Strikes Tree

What Happened?

On the afternoon of July 18, 2025, a fatal single-vehicle crash occurred in Oconee County, South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2017 Toyota pickup was traveling north on Doyle Street near Charda Drive at approximately 1:25 p.m. when the vehicle ran off the right side of the road.

The driver overcorrected, causing the truck to veer off the left side of the roadway and crash into a tree. The 61-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office is assisting in the investigation, and the exact cause is still under review.

Legal Considerations for Families

Even when no other vehicles are involved, fatal crashes like this may involve third-party liability, including:

  • Mechanical failure (e.g., steering or brake defects)

  • Road design issues (e.g., shoulder drop-offs, poor signage)

  • Municipal negligence if road maintenance was inadequate

In South Carolina, families of victims can file a wrongful death claim if another party’s negligence played any role in the crash, even indirectly.

What Families Should Do Now

  1. Request Official Records
    Get the full crash report from SCHP and the coroner’s findings.
  2. Preserve Evidence
    This includes vehicle maintenance records, black box data (if available), and any photos of the scene.
  3. Be Mindful of Legal Deadlines
    South Carolina’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is three years from the date of death.
  4. Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
    A skilled lawyer can investigate possible third-party fault and guide your family through complex insurance issues.

How to Prevent Similar Tragedies

  • Regularly maintain steering, tire pressure, and alignment systems.

  • Avoid sudden overcorrections, ease back onto the road when possible.

  • Drive cautiously on narrow or uneven rural roads, especially in unfamiliar areas.

We’re Here to Help

If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal accident, you don’t have to face the legal aftermath alone. Our South Carolina wrongful death attorneys provide:

  • Thorough investigations into fault and liability

  • Compassionate legal support for grieving families

  • Help recovering compensation for medical bills, funeral costs, and emotional loss

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects public reports as of July 18, 2025. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. It is not intended as legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our qualified attorneys.

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