Bernard Washington Jr. Killed in Orangeburg Accident
The 36-year-old man was struck by an unknown vehicle that fled the scene on Citadel Road near Regional Parkway
Bernard Washington Jr., 36, of Orangeburg, was killed in a pedestrian crash on Citadel Road near Regional Parkway in Orangeburg County on Monday, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Paramedics and the county coroner responded to the 300 block of the westbound lane shortly after 11:15 p.m., where they pronounced the man dead at the scene from blunt force injuries.
An unknown vehicle traveling in the same direction struck the victim and fled the area, investigators said.
Troopers continue to search for the driver and the vehicle involved.
Pedestrian deaths remain a critical safety concern in South Carolina, where they account for nearly 18 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How is the hit-and-run investigation progressing on Citadel Road?
Troopers are actively searching for the vehicle that fled the scene on Citadel Road. Investigators typically examine debris left at the impact site, nearby surveillance footage, and witness statements to identify the suspect vehicle. Families navigating the sudden loss of a loved one in a hit-and-run face a complex path to justice and compensation.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Pedestrians represent the most exposed and unprotected users of any roadway. When a serious collision occurs, surviving families are often left navigating enormous financial burdens, unanswered questions, and devastating loss."
What do national statistics show about nighttime pedestrian accidents?
"Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve," explained Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 76% of pedestrian death occur in the dark, and 24% involve a hit-and-run driver. These national trends mirror the circumstances of the fatal collision in Orangeburg County, highlighting the severe risks pedestrians face on poorly lit roadways.
South Carolina wrongful death statute
Under S.C. Code § 15-51-10, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. South Carolina applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental shock and suffering.