Driver lost control and vehicle struck tree before overturning
March 07, 2026 | Lexington, SC
A single-vehicle incident on Westwoods Drive claimed the life of Deandre Dreher, 28, from Chapin, early Saturday morning.
Deandre Dreher, 28, died after the westbound vehicle left Westwoods Drive and struck a tree near Distant Lane in Lexington County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision occurred around 2:20 a.m. when Dreher's westbound vehicle veered off the road near Distant Lane, struck a tree, and overturned. He was not wearing a seat belt and was declared deceased at the scene. A passenger sustained injuries and received hospital treatment, though the severity remains undisclosed.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 7, approximately 2:20 a.m.
- Location: Westwoods Drive near Distant Lane, Lexington County
- Vehicle Involved: A single westbound car that lost control
- Fatalities: One – Deandre Dreher, 28, of Chapin
- Injuries: One passenger was hospitalized, and the condition is unknown
- Investigating Agency: Lexington County Coroner's Office
The ongoing investigation aims to determine the exact causes, including potential road factors.
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Motor vehicle incidents like this highlight persistent road safety challenges. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), such crashes result in about 36,000 deaths and 1.9 million injuries annually in the U.S.
Common contributing factors, based on 2018 NHTSA data, include:
Factor |
Description |
Percentage of Fatal Crashes (2018) |
|---|
Speeding |
Excessive speed leading to loss of control |
Primary cause |
Impairment |
Alcohol, drugs, or medication influence |
Second leading factor |
Lane Departure |
Failure to maintain the proper lane |
Common issue |
Right-of-Way Violations |
Failure to yield |
Frequent contributor |
Distracted Driving |
Attention is diverted from the road |
Rising concern |
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Road conditions, poor visibility, and inadequate lighting often play roles in early-morning accidents.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes to support affected parties.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” Bond added.
In cases such as this, injured individuals may pursue personal injury claims.
Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal, noted, “Injured victims involved in a collision often seek a personal injury claim to cover the cost of medical bills, future medical care, loss of income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering.” “Insurance companies can be notoriously unconcerned with the mounting costs that an injured party may accrue. An attorney can help. We protect the victims of these tragedies daily, forcing the insurance companies to pay for their mistakes,” he added.
Key takeaways:
- Investigations can reveal hidden causes like road hazards.
- Reconstruction specialists aid in establishing liability.
- Claims help offset medical and financial burdens.
- Legal support counters insurance delays.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).