Robert Lewis Milton Killed in Anderson County E-Scooter A...
The driver who struck the scooter fled the scene but was later located
Robert Lewis Milton, 55, was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Jackson Street in Anderson County, South Carolina, on Sept. 6, according to the coroner's office.
The driver who struck the scooter fled the scene but was later located and taken into custody by law enforcement. Authorities have not yet released the suspect's name or specified the exact charges pending. Paramedics transported Milton to AnMed Health for emergency treatment. He later died at the hospital from traumatic injuries.
Officials have not disclosed the make and model of the vehicle involved or what led them to the suspect.
The collision remains under investigation.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 164 e-scooter-related fatalities nationwide from 2017 through 2023, with motor vehicle collisions being the leading cause of death.
While criminal charges hold the at-fault driver accountable to the state, independent investigations are important to secure justice for the victim's estate.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Piecing together exactly how a violent roadway collision unfolded often requires extremely painstaking reconstruction work involving physics, engineering, and careful measurement of every available clue. Without a firsthand account, filling gaps in a timeline becomes considerably harder for anyone involved."
"A legal team quickly coordinates witness interviews early, gathering fresh recollections carefully before memories fade and important details slip away," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
Why do drivers flee the scene on roads like Jackson Street?
Hit-and-run collisions often involve drivers attempting to evade accountability for other violations, such as impairment, suspended licenses, or lack of insurance.
How do investigators build a case against a hit-and-run suspect?
Law enforcement relies on debris left at the scene, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and witness statements to track down fleeing vehicles.
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.
"Fleeing a crash scene leaves crucial physical evidence, including tire marks and broken vehicle components scattered along roadsides. Forensic analysis helps law enforcement reconstruct the collision sequence accurately," said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.
Formica, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, noted, "A legal team supports grieving families by reviewing available insurance policies, issuing evidence preservation demands, and navigating complex legal options."