Elijah Green Arrested in Columbia Hit-and-Run Accident
Judge denies bond for 36-year-old in incident on Forest Drive
Elijah Green, 36, was arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on March 20 in Columbia, according to Police Chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook. Green is charged with hit-and-run involving death, failure to render aid and provide information, and violation of a beginner's permit. He is being held at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, and a judge denied his bond during a court appearance yesterday.
Investigators determined Green was driving an SUV on the 5400 block of Forest Drive on March 20, shortly before 7 p.m., when he left the road, struck a curb, and a stop sign. The SUV then struck a man. The victim was found on the ground with life-threatening injuries and taken to a hospital.
The victim was pronounced dead last week. The Richland County Coroner's Office assisted CPD with the investigation.
The arrest of Green in the hit-and-run on Forest Drive created complexities often present in such investigations. In hit-and-run collisions, the immediate aftermath can be chaotic, with critical evidence easily compromised. When a driver flees the scene, investigators must work diligently to piece together what happened and identify the at-fault party.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "What scares me about hit-and-run collisions is the confusion that follows a bad wreck."
Investigators in hit-and-run cases like the one on Forest Drive typically examine physical evidence from the scene, including vehicle debris, tire marks, and surveillance footage. They often interview witnesses and use forensic techniques to identify the make and model of the suspect vehicle, narrowing down their search. The victim's condition, as seen in this Columbia incident, guides how serious the charges.
Pedestrians, tragically, are particularly vulnerable in these types of incidents. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), pedestrian death increased by 77% nationally between 2010 and 2021, with hit-and-run crashes contributing significantly to this rise.
For victims and their families, a hit-and-run incident can be devastating, leaving them with emotional trauma and significant financial burdens. While the criminal justice system focuses on punishing the perpetrator, a civil personal injury claim allows the victim to seek compensation. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "Most people don't know that road maintenance records are public and can show a history of neglected hazards. If a pothole or sign wasn't fixed, it's often a major factor in the wreck." This legal avenue can provide funds for medical care, lost income, and other related expenses, offering a path to financial recovery.
South Carolina comparative fault rules
South Carolina operates under a modified comparative fault system, which allows an injured party to recover damages as long as their own negligence does not exceed that of the at-fault party. If the injured person is found to be 51% or more responsible for the crash, they are generally barred from recovering any damages. If their fault is less than 51%, their recoverable damages may be reduced proportionally to their degree of fault.
South Carolina personal injury claims
Individuals injured due to another party's negligence in South Carolina may pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for various damages. These damages can include economic losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, which may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, could also be sought. Bond noted that while criminal proceedings address accountability within the justice system, a civil claim can help victims address the financial impact of an incident.
Statute of limitations in South Carolina
Under South Carolina law, a personal injury claim typically has a three-year statute of limitations. This means that an injured party generally has three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this period may result in the claim being dismissed, preventing the injured party from seeking compensation.