Hyundai sedan traveling wrong way struck a Nissan SUV near mile marker 107.5, leaving two dead
April 19, 2026 | Richland, SC
Dyquan Hykeem-Jamaal, 31, from Lexington, lost his life in a devastating head-on crash early Sunday morning in Richland County.
Dyquan Hykeem-Jamaal, 31, died after a wrong-way Hyundai struck Nissan SUV head-on on Interstate 26 near mile marker 107.5 in Richland County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident unfolded around 2:30 a.m. on Interstate 26 near mile marker 107.5, close to the I-20 interchange. Hykeem-Jamaal was operating a 2018 Nissan SUV westbound when it collided head-on with a 2023 Hyundai sedan driven the wrong way in the westbound lanes.
- Date and Time: April 19, early morning hours
- Location: Interstate 26, mile marker 107.5, Richland County, SC
- Vehicles Involved: 2018 Nissan SUV, westbound, and 2023 Hyundai sedan, eastbound, in the wrong lanes
- Fatalities: Hykeem-Jamaal and the 24-year-old Hyundai driver from Columbia both died at the scene
- Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation
Both drivers succumbed to their injuries immediately following the accident.
Why Do Wrong-Way Crashes Happen?
Wrong-way driving on divided highways like Interstate 26 poses severe risks, often stemming from various contributing elements. Preliminary findings point to the Hyundai driver's error as the primary cause.
- Driver distraction or impairment
- Fatigue leading to disorientation
- Inadequate signage or road layout issues
To illustrate the growing concern, recent data highlights the rise in fatalities:
Period |
Annual Wrong-Way Crash Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2010-2014 |
375 |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
2015-2018 |
500 (up 34%) |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Overall Trend |
Increasing by hundreds annually |
Federal Highway Administration |
These statistics, drawn from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and corroborated by the Federal Highway Administration, underscore the urgency for enhanced safety measures on interstates.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in motor vehicle crashes to support affected families.
"In cases such as this, time is critical, and families should prioritize a swift review of all evidence to safeguard their interests," said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
- Independent investigations can uncover overlooked factors like road conditions or driver history
- Professional interviews and insurance reviews are essential for fair outcomes
- Prompt action preserves vital evidence in high-stakes scenarios
"Wrongful acts resulting in loss of life entitle families to pursue claims covering expenses, emotional distress, and companionship loss," noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. "Experienced representation counters insurer tactics for undervalued settlements."
Pending results, Hykeem-Jamaal's family may qualify for compensation related to medical costs, funeral arrangements, and long-term grief.
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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).