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Spartanburg County Crash: Teen Driver Killed After SUV Hits Tree

What Happened?

In the early morning of Monday, July 21, 2025, just before 6 a.m., a tragic single-vehicle crash occurred in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a 2012 GMC SUV driven by 19-year-old Daniel Blaise Ham was traveling westbound on Glenn Springs Road near Kirby Road when it veered off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. Emergency responders pronounced Ham dead at the scene at 6:42 a.m., as confirmed by the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.

Legal Considerations for Families

Even in single-vehicle crashes, wrongful death claims may be pursued under South Carolina law:

  • Wrongful Death Claims:
    If a third party such as a road maintenance authority or vehicle manufacturer, contributed to the crash through negligence, the family may have grounds to file a claim.

  • Comparative Negligence:
    South Carolina follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. Compensation may still be available even if Ham was partially at fault, as long as he was less than 51% responsible.

  • Potential Liability Parties:
    Civil claims may involve road authorities, the vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance providers depending on crash cause findings.

What Families Should Do Next

  • Request Official Reports
    Obtain the crash report and coroner’s findings to start building a case.

  • Preserve Evidence
    Keep photos of the scene and request inspection records of the vehicle and road.

  • Honor Deadlines
    South Carolina’s wrongful death statute gives families three years from the date of death July 21, 2028 to file a claim.

  • Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
    An experienced attorney can investigate liability, handle insurer negotiations, and guide your family through the legal process.

Safety Lessons for Drivers

  • Keep your vehicle well-maintained like tires, steering, and brakes in top condition.

  • Avoid sudden overcorrection if you drift off the road, slowly steer back or safely pull over.

  • Drive cautiously on rural roads where trees and other hazards are close to the shoulder.

How We Can Assist You

If your family has lost a loved one in a similar crash, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys are here to help:

  • Investigate all possible angles including road, mechanical, or manufacturing factors

  • Negotiate with insurers or responsible third parties

  • Fight for full compensation, covering medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional damages

Contact us today for a free, compassionate evaluation of your case.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects public reports as of July 21, 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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