MULLINS, Marion County, S.C., Oct. 14, 2026 — A bicyclist is in critical condition after a crash on Monday afternoon, October 12, involving a South Carolina Highway Patrol vehicle at the intersection of US Highway 76 and Stalvey Street in Mullins. The rider was taken to a hospital following the collision, according to the Florence County Sheriff's Office.
The crash involved a trooper's patrol vehicle and a bicycle. The bicyclist's condition was described as critical. No other injuries were reported.
Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye said preliminary information indicates the bicyclist pulled out in front of the trooper's vehicle. That account has not been finalized, and the investigation remains open. Joye said deputies have identified a witness who has not yet been interviewed.
Under South Carolina law, any crash involving a state trooper must be investigated by the sheriff's office of the county where it happened. The Marion County Sheriff's Office asked the Florence County Sheriff's Office to lead the inquiry, and that review is ongoing.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
How Investigators Piece Together a Bicycle Crash Involving a Patrol Vehicle
When a crash involves a law enforcement vehicle, state law often requires an outside agency to take over the investigation, as happened here with Florence County stepping in for Marion County. That separation is meant to keep the review independent of the officer or trooper involved, and it can add time to a process that already moves slowly by design.
Investigators typically start by documenting the scene: skid marks, debris location, vehicle damage, and the resting positions of the bicycle and vehicle. They may measure sightlines at the intersection, check signal timing, and photograph the roadway before anything is moved. Witness statements are collected, though, as in this case, that can take days if a witness has not yet been reached. Names are usually withheld until family members are notified and the agency confirms details internally.
A full reconstruction, combined with any toxicology results or mechanical inspection of the vehicles, can take weeks to finalize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol involvement was reported in 34 percent of fatal pedalcyclist crashes in 2023, a factor investigators routinely check regardless of who was riding or driving. Families are usually left waiting on an official report long after the initial scene work wraps up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common for cyclists in car collisions?
Cyclists usually suffer head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries since they have little protection compared to someone inside a vehicle. Severity usually depends on vehicle speed and whether a helmet was worn.
What typically causes car-bicycle crashes?
Common factors include a vehicle or bicycle failing to yield at an intersection, limited visibility, speeding, and distracted driving. Investigators look at right-of-way, sightlines, and timing to determine what happened.
Where do most car-bicycle collisions happen?
A large share occur at intersections, where turning or crossing vehicles meet cyclists entering or crossing a roadway. Rural highway crossings and areas with limited lighting also see frequent incidents.
What is "dooring" and why is it dangerous?
Dooring happens when someone opens a parked car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist, usually with little warning. It can cause a cyclist to crash directly into the door or swerve into traffic.
What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Mullins, SC
If you witness or are involved in a bicycle crash, call 911 immediately and avoid moving an injured rider unless there's immediate danger. Even if injuries seem minor at first, a medical evaluation is important since some injuries, especially head or internal injuries, aren't obvious right away.
Get the names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene, since their accounts can matter later in an investigation. If a law enforcement vehicle is involved, know that an outside agency will likely handle the review, which can take time. Keep a record of the responding agency's name and any case or report number provided, since that will help with follow-up questions as the investigation moves forward.
