Guy Hickson Killed in Little River Pedestrian Accident
The 21-year-old man was struck by a vehicle while operating his wheelchair on North Horseshoe Road
Guy Hickson, 21, of Little River, was fatally hit while using a wheelchair on North Horseshoe Road in Little River on Aug. 13, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
Paramedics transported Hickson to McLeod Seacoast Emergency Department for treatment. He later died from his injuries at the facility.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the fatal collision.
Authorities have not released the name of the driver involved or announced any charges as the investigation continues.
South Carolina remains among the higher-risk states for pedestrians, with the state recording 187 pedestrian fatalities in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How common are pedestrian death in Horry County?
While the specific circumstances of the North Horseshoe Road collision remain under review, pedestrian accidents involving vulnerable road users highlight ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Speed changes everything on a roadway built for cars, not people trying to cross safely on foot. A driver moving too fast through a crosswalk leaves almost no room for error, and pedestrians pay a terrible price with lost lives."
"Legal counsel steps in early to review skid marks, signal timing, and witness accounts while details remain fresh and reliable," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What comparative risks do wheelchair users face?
Individuals utilizing mobility devices face heightened risks at intersections and along roadways without dedicated pedestrian infrastructure. Investigators will examine lighting, road geometry, and driver attention to determine why the vehicle struck the wheelchair user.
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.
"Analyzing vehicle damage patterns and braking marks helps reconstruction experts determine whether a driver had sufficient time to stop for a wheelchair rider," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
"An attorney supports grieving families by securing forensic findings early and protecting surviving relatives from aggressive settlement pressure during an extraordinarily difficult period."