Lisa Soto killed in Santee pedestrian accident, police say

Q: What are the charges against Leroy Collins?

Leroy Collins faces charges of reckless homicide and reckless driving following the pedestrian accident that killed Lisa Soto. These charges indicate that investigators believe Collins' actions directly led to the tragic outcome. The legal process will determine the extent of his criminal liability, which is separate from civil legal actions. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, highlighted that "When a reckless driving charge accompanies a fatal pedestrian accident, it highlights the severe negligence involved, and the victim's family needs seasoned legal representation to navigate the often-complex civil and criminal proceedings."

Q: How common are pedestrian death in South Carolina?

This incident underscores the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety in South Carolina. According to recent data, South Carolina recorded 187 pedestrian death in the most recent complete year, with a death rate of 3.51 per 100,000 population. While a slight decrease from the previous year, this figure remains a concern for traffic safety advocates. In incidents such as this, where a pedestrian is struck while on a sidewalk, the focus of the investigation often turns to driver behavior and road infrastructure. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "I've seen communities devastated by hoods that are built too high on modern trucks and SUVs. Research indicates these large vehicles are way more likely to kill a walker because of their front-end geometry." Investigators will examine all factors, including vehicle speed, roadway conditions, and whether any distractions played a role. Understanding these patterns can help inform future safety measures.

Lisa Soto pedestrian accident on Bradford Boulevard, Santee, South Carolina

St. Matthews man charged with reckless homicide in Santee incident

Lisa Soto, a 23-year-old Maryland woman, was killed after being hit by a vehicle as she walked her dog on Bradford Boulevard, near the Santee General Store, in Santee, Orangeburg County, South Carolina, around 11:03 a.m. Friday, April 3, according to warrants. Police arrested Leroy Collins, 60, of St. Matthews, on Wednesday in connection with the woman's death. He faces charges of reckless homicide and reckless driving. Warrants allege Collins drove off the road onto the sidewalk and struck Soto. Soto died from injuries sustained in the motor vehicle accident, according to Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle.

What are the charges against Leroy Collins?

National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, highlighted that "When a reckless driving charge accompanies a fatal pedestrian accident, it highlights the severe negligence involved, and the victim's family needs seasoned legal representation to navigate the often-complex civil and criminal proceedings."

How common are pedestrian death in South Carolina?

In incidents such as this, where a pedestrian is struck while on a sidewalk, the focus of the investigation often turns to driver behavior and road infrastructure. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, observed that "I've seen communities devastated by hoods that are built too high on modern trucks and SUVs. Research indicates these large vehicles are way more likely to kill a walker because of their front-end geometry."

Investigators will examine all factors, including vehicle speed, roadway conditions, and whether any distractions played a role. Understanding these patterns can help inform future safety measures.

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.