Brandon James Butler Killed in Elgin Hit-and-Run Accident
Search underway for driver who fled scene near Chestnut Road, police say
Brandon James Butler, 29, of Elgin, died early Thursday morning in a hit-and-run crash near Elgin, Kershaw County, according to Kershaw County Coroner David West. The driver who hit Butler fled the scene, authorities said.
Dispatchers received a 911 call around 1:26 a.m. about a man on the side of the road along the 1200 block of Wildwood Lane, near Chestnut Road. Paramedics pronounced Butler dead at the scene.
The crash happened at about 12:15 a.m. Butler was riding a 2022 Solana moped when another vehicle hit him from behind, causing him to fall into the road.
Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol's Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team and the Kershaw County Coroner's Office are investigating the crash. They are seeking information about the vehicle and driver involved.
Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or submit a tip using the P3Tips app.
Hit-and-run incidents persist as a critical public safety concern.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, stated, "Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence, Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve."
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.