Katherine Y. Mendoza Amador Killed in Rock Hill Car Accident
A 37-year-old Rock Hill woman was hit by another vehicle after her trailer became loose on Interstate 77
Katherine Y. Mendoza Amador, 37, of Rock Hill, was killed in an accident on Interstate 77 near mile marker 82 in Rock Hill, on Friday, according to the York County Coroner's office.
Mendoza Amador had been driving a 2014 Jeep Wrangler that was pulling a trailer. The trailer became loose and she stepped out of her vehicle, which was in the road, just before 10:30 a.m. A 2018 Jeep Renegade then hit her while she was outside her car.
Troopers are investigating the accident. Traffic was backed up for miles into the afternoon hours on Friday as crews worked to clear the scene and investigate the collision.
The loss of Katherine Y. Mendoza Amador in this accident leaves a family grieving and searching for answers about what happened on Interstate 77. The complexities of such incidents often require a thorough investigation to determine all cause.
When a person is struck outside their vehicle, crash reconstructionists often focus on visibility, road conditions, and driver behavior. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "The thing about modern accidents is that the physics are recorded in black boxes. From speed to braking, these data recorders don't leave room for guessing about what happened in the five seconds before impact."
Investigators will examine the sequence of events leading up to Mendoza Amador being outside her vehicle, the actions of the driver of the Jeep Renegade, and any environmental factors. The South Carolina Highway Patrol will also consider the design of Interstate 77 near mile marker 82 and other elements that may have played a role.
Roadside accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians outside their vehicles, occur with concerning frequency on busy interstates. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "It's devastating when a life is cut short in a roadside incident. Drivers have a responsibility to be aware of their surroundings, especially on busy highways where unexpected situations can arise quickly." These types of incidents highlight the importance of driver attentiveness and understanding traffic laws.
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.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that wrongful death claims on behalf of deceased victims typically seek to recover damages for the pain and suffering, burial costs, and lost future income that the deceased would have earned had they not been killed.