A 21-year-old South Carolina man faces up to 60 years in prison after allegedly causing a fatal accident while attempting to flee from Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office deputies. Media outlets have reported that the Boiling Springs resident has been denied bond and is being held at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on charges of failing to stop when ordered to do so by a peace officer, street racing, hit-and-run resulting in a death and malicious injury.
According to a SCSO report, the pursuit began when a deputy observed two cars street racing on Highway 9 near Boiling Springs on the evening of Jan. 8. The deputy says that the cars were being driven at a high rate of speed and running other vehicles off the road. The ensuing pursuit came to an abrupt end at approximately 8:50 p.m. when the man’s car allegedly ran a red light on Blackstock Road near the WestGate Mall and struck five vehicles.
A 50-year-old man was killed in the crash according to media reports. A Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office representative says that he was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. At least one other car accident victim was transported to an area hospital by paramedics along with the man taken into custody, but initial media accounts do not reveal the nature or seriousness of their injuries.
Reckless drivers are often killed in the motor vehicle accidents they cause, and those who survive often face decades behind bars for their negligent behavior. However, that does not mean their victims are unable to seek compensation for their injury, loss or damage in civil court. When drivers who cause serious accidents are killed or incarcerated, experienced personal injury attorneys may pursue legal remedies by initiating litigation against their auto insurance companies or estates.
Source: Fox Carolina, “Bond denied for driver accused in deadly 5-car crash while leading Spartanburg Co. deputies on chase”, Dal Kalsi, Jan. 9, 2019