Key Takeaways
Unlike most South Carolina markets, trucks in Myrtle Beach travel down Main Street and side streets, mixing directly with tourist pedestrians and cyclists. A pedestrian was killed by a tractor-trailer on US-17 north of River Road in January 2026. The US-17 Bypass from Murrells Inlet to North Myrtle Beach experiences frequent bumper-to-bumper backups that produce rear-end truck collisions. Kings Highway and Ocean Boulevard are high-risk corridors combining truck deliveries with heavy foot traffic. You have 3 years to file (S.C. Code § 15-3-530).
US-17 Through the Grand Strand: Where Commercial Trucks Meet Tourist Traffic
US-17 runs the entire length of the Grand Strand coast from Murrells Inlet through Myrtle Beach to North Myrtle Beach. Unlike inland highways where commercial trucks are separated from pedestrian areas, trucks in Myrtle Beach travel down Main Street and side streets, mixing directly with tourist pedestrians, cyclists, and unfamiliar drivers.
South Carolina recorded 3,167 large truck crashes in 2024 with a 23% increase in fatal truck accidents. The US-17 corridor through the Grand Strand accounts for a significant share of those crashes.
US-17 Truck Accident Statistics
- A pedestrian was killed by a tractor-trailer on US-17 north of River Road in January 2026
- US-17 Bypass from Murrells Inlet to North Myrtle Beach experiences frequent bumper-to-bumper backups
- The US-17 segment from Gardens Corner to Jacksonboro was featured on NBC Dateline’s “America’s Most Dangerous Roads”
- Unlike most SC markets, Myrtle Beach trucks travel on Main Street, Kings Highway, and Ocean Boulevard
Dangerous Segments
US-17 Bypass: Murrells Inlet to North Myrtle Beach
Frequent bumper-to-bumper backups, especially during tourist season, create ideal conditions for rear-end truck collisions. A loaded commercial truck needs 500+ feet to stop at highway speed.
Kings Highway
The Grand Strand’s primary north-south commercial corridor combines heavy commercial truck traffic, tourist pedestrians, frequent traffic signals, and turning trucks accessing loading zones.
Ocean Boulevard
Ocean Boulevard carries delivery trucks serving oceanfront hotels and restaurants alongside slow-moving tourist vehicles, jaywalking pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts.
US-17 North of River Road
In January 2026, a pedestrian was killed by a tractor-trailer at this location. Inadequate crosswalks, minimal lighting, and high truck speed create a fatal combination.
South Carolina Truck Accident Law
- Statute of limitations: 3 years (S.C. Code 15-3-530)
- Comparative fault: Recovery if less than 51% at fault
- Wrongful death: S.C. Code 15-51-10 allows surviving family members to bring a claim
- Multiple liable parties: Truck driver, trucking company, cargo shipper, delivery client, vehicle manufacturer
What to Do After a US-17 Truck Crash
- Move to safety
- Call 911
- Document the truck: Company name, USDOT number, cargo type, whether making a delivery
- Photograph the scene
- Get witness information
- Seek medical attention at Grand Strand Medical Center
- Contact a truck accident attorney within 24-48 hours
Free Consultation
Roden Law’s Myrtle Beach office handles US-17 truck accident cases across the entire Grand Strand. Contingency fee: no fees unless we recover compensation. Call (843) 612-1980 for a free consultation.
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About the Author
Graeham C. Gillin
Partner, COOGraeham C. Gillin serves as both attorney and Chief Operating Officer at Roden Law. He brings multifaceted expertise with a professional background spanning business management and commercial construction. His diverse experience positions him to lead the firm’s management, growth, and operational success. Education J.D., Charleston School of Law Bachelor’s Degree, Montana State University Bar Admission […]
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