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NC State student Brayden Bulger hospitalized with severe injuries after Hilton Head hit-and-run
Brayden Bulger, 20, was seriously injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident on Palmetto Bay Road in Hilton Head early Sunday, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
A dark gray SUV traveling at an estimated 45 to 55 mph struck the victim as he walked on the grass with friends around 1:30 a.m., witnesses told investigators. The driver then fled the scene without stopping.
The North Carolina State University sophomore was taken to Savannah Memorial Hospital. He suffered a brain injury and a broken jaw but remains in stable condition. His fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, launched a fundraiser that has collected nearly $50,000 to assist with his medical recovery.
Troopers are searching for the suspect vehicle, and no arrests have been made.
How is the community supporting Bulger's recovery?
The severe injuries suffered by the college student have rallied his peers, highlighting the deep physical and emotional toll these collisions take on victims and their support networks. While the community focuses on his medical journey, investigators are working to identify the driver who fled. "Recovering from a pedestrian injury is a long road that shouldn't have to be traveled alone, and cities can use a forgiveness zone to design curbs that give both drivers and walkers more time to react to mistakes," said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 60,577 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes nationwide in 2021, with hit-and-run incidents presenting unique challenges for victims seeking accountability.
What happens next in the hit-and-run investigation?
As troopers search for the dark gray SUV, victims of hit-and-run collisions often face complex insurance hurdles, though avenues like uninsured drivers coverage can provide critical support even if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. "Getting hurt while crossing the street is a terrifying experience that no one expects," added Stefano Formica, Of Bond Legal. "Engineers use a forgiveness zone, which adjusts curb radii to give both the driver and the walker more time to react."
The ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol will determine the exact sequence of events that led to the vehicle leaving the road. Individuals involved in pedestrian accidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
South Carolina personal injury framework
South Carolina follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.