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ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- Authorities say a South Carolina Highway Patrol trooper was seriously injured when a vehicle struck his patrol car as he was investigating an accident on Interstate 26.

The state Department of Public Safety said 27-year-old Howard F. James Jr., remained in stable condition Saturday in a hospital intensive care unit.  A spokesperson says he is improving but his condition remains the same.

In a news release, Col. Mike Oliver said James was investigating a crash shortly after 5 p.m. in Orangeburg County when a vehicle veered off the road and hit his patrol car which then struck the trooper. He sustained multiple injuries, according to the news release.

James has been with the Highway Patrol since 2010.

Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell says his department is investigating the crash.  No charges have been filed at this time.