A multi-vehicle crash on Hickman Road near Calabash sent several people to the hospital on the morning of February 6, 2026, after a pickup pulling an enclosed trailer hit ice and lost control, triggering a chain reaction. At least one person suffered serious injuries. If you or someone you know was hurt in this crash or in any similar accident on Brunswick County roads, you need to understand your legal options before you talk to an insurance company.
Details of the Hickman Road Crash Near Calabash
A multi-vehicle crash on Hickman Road between Crow Creek Road and Shingletree Road happened around 7 a.m. on February 6, 2026. According to the Calabash Fire Department, a pick-up truck pulling an enclosed trailer reportedly lost control due to a suspected icy patch. Another vehicle swerved to avoid the truck and hit a vehicle in the opposite lane head-on.
Multiple people were involved. Several were transported to the hospital, and at least one injury was reported as serious. Hickman Road was closed for a period but has since reopened.
Icy conditions on rural roads like Hickman Road create dangerous situations, especially during early morning hours when temperatures drop. Drivers may not see ice until it is too late. These are the kinds of crashes I have handled for 28 years across Brunswick County, and the legal questions they raise are not always straightforward.
According to WECT, the crash involved a pick-up truck with an enclosed trailer that lost control on a suspected icy patch, triggering a chain-reaction collision.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Multi-Vehicle Icy Road Crash in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a driver who causes a crash can be held liable if they were negligent. Negligence means failing to use reasonable care under the circumstances. When icy roads are involved, drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and driving behavior for the conditions. If a driver was going too fast for icy conditions or failed to maintain control, that driver may be at fault.
Multi-vehicle crashes are complicated because more than one driver may share responsibility. A chain reaction like the one reported here can involve the driver who lost control, the driver who swerved, and potentially other parties. I know how to sort through that kind of situation and figure out where the liability falls.
North Carolina follows a contributory negligence rule. If you were even 1% at fault for the crash, you could lose your right to recover anything. Insurance companies know this rule, and they will use it against you. They will look for any reason to say you contributed to the crash. Maybe you were following too closely. Maybe you were not wearing a seatbelt. They will try to pin something on you. I have been dealing with these insurance company tactics for over 28 years, and I know how they operate.
There is also the question of whether a government entity could share responsibility. If a road was not properly treated for ice or if there were no warning signs about hazardous conditions, the municipality or state agency responsible for road maintenance might bear some liability. These claims have different procedures and shorter deadlines, so timing matters.
These rules are subject to exceptions, and how they apply depends on the specific facts of your case. That is why talking to an attorney early makes a difference.
North Carolina gives you three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit under N.C.G.S. 1-52. Three years sounds like a long time, but evidence disappears fast. Witnesses forget what they saw. Dashcam footage gets erased. The sooner you talk to an attorney, the better your case will be.
How to Protect Yourself After an Icy Road Accident in Brunswick County
If you are hurt in a multi-vehicle crash on icy roads, or in any car accident in Brunswick County, there are a few things you should know.
Get medical attention right away. Even if you feel okay at the scene, some injuries do not show up immediately. Get checked out, and keep records of everything.
Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without talking to an attorney first. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side, no matter how friendly they sound. They are looking for anything they can use to deny your claim or reduce what they owe you. I know how to deal with insurance companies and protect your rights through that process.
Document everything. Take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, and the accident scene if you can. Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened. Save your medical bills, receipts, and anything related to your injuries.
Do not wait to get legal advice. North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule means the insurance company only needs to argue you were slightly at fault to try to shut you out entirely. You need someone who knows how to counter that argument and protect your claim.
If you were injured in this crash or a similar accident, I can help. Call me and I will tell you where you stand. If you have a case, I will tell you. If you do not, I will tell you that too.
Where Are Auto Accident Cases Handled in Brunswick County?
Personal injury lawsuits in Brunswick County are typically filed in Brunswick County Superior Court or District Court, depending on the amount of damages involved. Both courts are located at the Brunswick County Courthouse, 310 Government Center Drive NE in Bolivia, NC. Cases involving claims over $25,000 are generally heard in Superior Court, while smaller claims go through District Court.
Brunswick County is home to the Brunswick County Courthouse in Bolivia. If you are dealing with an injury from a crash near Calabash, Southport, Oak Island, or anywhere in Brunswick County, this is where your case would be heard. I know these courts and I know how cases move through them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a car accident in North Carolina? You have three years from the date of the injury under N.C.G.S. 1-52. That deadline is strict. Miss it, and you lose your right to recover compensation. But do not wait that long. Evidence fades and witnesses move on. Talk to an attorney as soon as you can.
Can icy road conditions affect who is at fault for a crash in NC? Yes. Drivers have a duty to adjust their speed and driving for weather and road conditions. If a driver was going too fast for icy roads and lost control, that driver may be considered negligent. At the same time, the insurance company may argue you should have been driving more cautiously too. That is where North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule comes in, and that is where having an attorney matters.
What does it cost to talk to a personal injury attorney about my case? I do not charge for an initial consultation. If I take your case, I work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay me unless I recover money for you. There is no upfront cost and no risk to picking up the phone.
What if the road was not salted or treated before the crash? If a government entity responsible for maintaining Hickman Road failed to treat it for icy conditions, there may be a claim against that entity. Claims against government agencies in North Carolina have different rules and shorter notice requirements. You need to act quickly and get an attorney involved early.
I Handle Crashes Like This One
Icy roads, chain-reaction collisions, and multiple drivers pointing fingers at each other. These cases get complicated fast. I have been handling auto accident cases in Brunswick County and across North Carolina for over 28 years, and I know how to cut through the confusion and get to the facts.
If you were injured in the Hickman Road crash or in any accident on Brunswick County roads, call me. I will review your situation and give you a straight answer about what your options are. No runaround. Julian Doby, 336-221-8900. Contact me here.
If you are involved in this specific situation, do not rely on this article to make decisions. Call me directly.
About This Article: This content is based on reports from WECT regarding a multi-vehicle crash on Hickman Road near Calabash, NC, investigated by the Calabash Fire Department. We provide this information as an educational resource about personal injury law in North Carolina. If you are directly connected to this story and have questions or concerns about this article, please contact us at 336-221-8900.
Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information about personal injury in Calabash and Brunswick County, North Carolina and should not be considered legal advice. Every situation is different. If you are involved in this specific incident, do not rely on this article to make decisions. For advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed North Carolina attorney.