North Charleston Man Gets 20 Years in Hit-and-Run That Killed Two on I-26 — What Families of Hit-and-Run Victims Should Know

The Incident

On March 17, 2026, Deon Lathel Gibson, a 40-year-old resident of North Charleston, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and weapon offenses. These charges were compounded by his involvement in a tragic hit-and-run crash on Interstate 26 that claimed the lives of two individuals. The crash occurred while Gibson was out on bond, and he was subsequently arrested twice for drug trafficking while awaiting trial for the hit-and-run charges. The victims’ families have endured years of uncertainty and grief as they sought justice and accountability for their loss.

The sentencing in U.S. District Court marks the conclusion of Gibson’s criminal proceedings, but it does not necessarily close the door on the legal ramifications of this incident. Surviving family members may still pursue civil claims stemming from the hit-and-run, such as wrongful death lawsuits or claims for uninsured motorist coverage. While the criminal justice system has rendered its judgment, the path to full accountability and compensation for the victims’ families remains complex and ongoing.

As an attorney, I am deeply moved by the resilience of families who face such devastating circumstances. The loss of loved ones in preventable accidents is a tragedy that no family should endure, and I hope this sentencing brings some measure of closure to the victims' families. However, I also recognize that justice often requires additional avenues, including civil litigation, to address the full scope of harm and loss.

What South Carolina Law Says

South Carolina law provides clear avenues for pursuing civil claims in cases involving hit-and-run accidents. Under SC Code Ann. § 15-3-530, wrongful death lawsuits must generally be filed within three years of the incident. These claims allow surviving family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional losses resulting from the untimely death of their loved ones. Damages can include funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

In cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, South Carolina law also offers protection through mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. According to SC Code Ann. § 38-77-150, all auto insurance policies in the state must include UM coverage, which can provide compensation when the at-fault driver is either unidentified or lacks sufficient insurance to cover the damages. This is particularly relevant in hit-and-run scenarios where the driver flees the scene and cannot be held accountable through their insurance.

Courts in South Carolina interpret these statutes with an emphasis on fairness to victims and their families. For example, the law recognizes that the emotional toll of losing a loved one cannot be quantified, but it allows juries to award damages that reflect the profound impact of such losses. In cases like this, where the at-fault driver has a history of criminal behavior, civil claims can also serve as an additional layer of accountability beyond the criminal sentencing.

Your Rights and Options

If you or your family have been affected by a hit-and-run accident, you have important legal rights under South Carolina law. Here are critical steps to protect your interests:

• Contact an experienced attorney immediately. Time is of the essence in wrongful death and uninsured motorist claims. An attorney can guide you through the process and ensure deadlines are met.
• File a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. Even if the at-fault driver cannot be identified or lacks insurance, your UM coverage may provide compensation for your losses.
• Document all evidence related to the accident. Photographs, witness statements, and police reports can be critical in proving liability and damages in a civil case.
• Do not accept a settlement without legal advice. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to minimize their payouts. An attorney can negotiate for a fair amount that reflects the true impact of your losses.
• Focus on your emotional and physical recovery. While pursuing legal action, ensure you have the support you need to cope with the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases

When investigating a hit-and-run wrongful death case, I focus on gathering evidence that establishes liability and supports the family’s claim for damages. First and foremost, I examine the circumstances of the accident itself. This includes reviewing police reports, accident reconstruction analyses, and any available surveillance footage to determine how the collision occurred and whether the fleeing driver was at fault.

I also work closely with the victims’ families to understand the full scope of their losses. This involves documenting the financial impact, such as lost wages and medical expenses, as well as the emotional toll, including loss of companionship and grief. These elements are critical in presenting a comprehensive case to insurers or in court.

Finally, I investigate the at-fault driver’s background and conduct, particularly in cases like this where the driver has a history of criminal behavior. Evidence of recklessness or negligence can strengthen the case for punitive damages, which are designed to deter similar conduct in the future and provide additional compensation to the victims’ families.

How Opposing Parties Will Fight Back

In hit-and-run wrongful death cases, opposing parties—especially insurance companies—often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. One common strategy is to dispute liability, arguing that the fleeing driver was not entirely at fault or that the victims contributed to the accident. South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence standard (SC Code Ann. § 15-38-15) allows recovery only if the victim was less than 51% at fault. Insurers may exploit this rule to shift blame and reduce compensation.

Another tactic is to challenge the extent of damages claimed by the victims’ families. Insurers may argue that the financial losses are overstated or that emotional damages are difficult to quantify. They may also attempt to use pre-existing conditions or unrelated factors to downplay the impact of the accident on the victims’ lives.

Finally, in cases involving UM coverage, insurers may contest whether the policy applies or whether the fleeing driver qualifies as uninsured under the terms of the policy. These disputes can delay compensation and add stress to an already difficult situation. My role as an attorney is to anticipate these strategies and build a strong case to counter them effectively.

Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices

At Traywick Law Offices, I have extensive experience handling cases involving car accidents, wrongful death, and uninsured motorist claims. These practice areas often intersect in hit-and-run cases, where families are left to navigate complex legal and insurance issues while coping with profound loss. I am committed to guiding my clients through every step of the process and fighting for the compensation they deserve.

If your family has been impacted by a hit-and-run or similar tragedy, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. Together, we can explore your legal options and take the necessary steps toward justice and accountability.