Man struck and killed after South Carolina car wreck

A 61-year-old man who exited his vehicle to inspect the damage it sustained in an auto accident was struck and killed by another car on Interstate 77 in Fort Mill on Jan. 17. The crash happened around 1 a.m., according to the South Carolina State Highway Patrol.

Authorities said the victim was involved in a two-vehicle collision near the state line on northbound I-77. When he got out of his vehicle on the driver’s side in order to look over the damage and check on the other driver, he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

The road was closed for several hours as police investigated the fatal crash. At the time of the report, it was not yet known if charges would be filed against the driver who hit the man. The investigation remained ongoing.

Following a fatal car accident such as this one, certain family members, including a surviving spouse and any dependents, have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against any party who caused the crash due to negligence. A personal injury attorney could help a family assess the strength of their claim and build a successful civil lawsuit against an at-fault driver. If the family prevails in court, they may be awarded compensation for hospital bills, funeral costs, lost earnings, lost inheritance, pain and suffering before death, loss of companionship and other damages associated with the loss of a loved one.

Source: WCNC, “Man hit by oncoming car along I-77 after earlier crash,” Jan. 17, 2015