Rock Hill, Fort Mill, York SC Accidents and Injuries Legal Blog

Winthrop student dies in crash on I-20

ROCK HILL — Winthrop University student Morgan LeAnne Hughes was killed and two other Winthrop students injured in a car crash Sunday night in Kershaw County.

Hughes, 21, of Conway was a senior majoring in special education at Winthrop.

Born Dec. 27, 1990, Hughes was an active member of the Winthrop Quidditch Team, for which she served as treasurer. Last week she presented at the state math conference with Richard W. Riley College of Education faculty. She was working as an intern at Chester High School.

Junior early childhood education major Christian McBee and senior special education major Caitlin Livingston were injured in the accident and taken to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital in Columbia.

Livingston is expected to be released soon, but expressed to Winthrop staff that her heart is broken.

McBee is expected to remain in the hospital.

The three roommates were on their way back to campus around 8 p.m. Sunday on I-20 at the 98 mile marker, said Lance Cpl. Brent Kelly with the Highway Patrol.

Hughes was a front seat passenger in a 2005 Suzuki, Kelly said. Hughes and the driver were wearing seatbelts.

Their vehicle was struck in the rear by a 2006 Mercedes Sport Utility Vehicle driven by an 18-year-old man from Sewell, N.J., who was taken by EMS to Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, Kelly said. His condition was not available, but he was wearing a seatbelt.

The Suzuki and another vehicle, a 2009 Honda SUV driven by a 16-year-old from Leesville, were slowing for traffic as they traveled west on I-20, Kelly said. The Mercedes driven by the N.J. man struck the Suzuki in the rear, which caused it to turn over into the median and hit the cable barrier.

The man’s vehicle then hit the Honda driven by the 16-year-old, who was wearing a seatbelt and not hurt, Kelly said. There was a passenger in the Honda, but that person was not hurt and wore a seatbelt.

“Our campus is truly lessened by Morgan’s passing,” said Vice President for Student Life Frank Ardaiolo. “Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Morgan’s family as we also pray for a quick and full recovery for Christian and Caitlin.”

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/29/4373116/winthrop-student-dies-in-crash.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

SC man killed by truck that jumped curb

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Gilbert, S.C., man hit by a pickup truck on the William Jennings Dorn VA Medical Center campus Monday has died.

Duane Mack, 85, was walking with a relative outside the center when a Lincoln pickup truck jumped a curb and pinned him underneath, Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said.

Mack was transported to Palmetto Health Richland hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 10:44 a.m., Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said.

The truck’s driver, whose identity was not available, was trying to park at the hospital and suddenly accelerated, Timmons said. After hitting Mack, the truck also struck a small brick wall.

The truck’s passengers were seen by medical staff as a precaution, Timmons said. Mack’s relative was not hurt.

The police department does not believe the crash was intentional, Timmons said. It was not known whether any charges had been filed.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/24/4360396/sc-man-killed-by-truck-that-jumped.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

SC woman dies after motorcycle hits deer

LEXINGTON — A Lexington woman riding on a motorcycle that hit a deer Sunday afternoon near Lake Murray in has died.

Lynne M. Wilke, 48, died Wednesday after she was thrown from a motorcycle traveling south on Foxglen Road outiside Lexington, Lexington County Coroner Harry Harmon said.

Wilke was riding as a passenger on the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A group of deer started traveling across the road and the motorcycle struck one of the animals, state Highway Patrol trooper Brent Kelly said.

Wilke was thrown from the vehicle, and the driver laid the bike down after impact, Kelly said. Both were taken to Palmetto Health Richland, where Wilke later died. Neither were wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/25/4365731/sc-woman-dies-after-motorcycle.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

Man dies when car hits tree in SC 901 crash

ROCK HILL — A man died Tuesday in a crash on SC 901 just south of Rock Hill.

Robert Dacus, 48, of Rock Hill was in a 1984 Chevy pickup traveling south on SC 901 around 11 a.m. when he went off the right side of the road and hit a tree, said Trooper Billy Elder with the S.C. Highway Patrol. He died at the scene.

Dacus was wearing a seat belt.

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

SC man killed by truck that jumped curb

COLUMBIA, S.C. — A Gilbert, S.C., man hit by a pickup truck on the William Jennings Dorn VA Medical Center campus Monday has died.

Duane Mack, 85, was walking with a relative outside the center when a Lincoln pickup truck jumped a curb and pinned him underneath, Columbia Police Department spokeswoman Jennifer Timmons said.

Mack was transported to Palmetto Health Richland hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 10:44 a.m., Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said.

The truck’s driver, whose identity was not available, was trying to park at the hospital and suddenly accelerated, Timmons said. After hitting Mack, the truck also struck a small brick wall.

The truck’s passengers were seen by medical staff as a precaution, Timmons said. Mack’s relative was not hurt.

The police department does not believe the crash was intentional, Timmons said. It was not known whether any charges had been filed.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/24/4360396/sc-man-killed-by-truck-that-jumped.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

Name released of Lancaster Co. man who died in car crash

LANCASTER — Officials have released the name of a Lancaster County man who died Sunday afternoon after he drove his 2006 Nissan Altima onto the other side of the road and collided with an oncoming car.

Michael Leon Plyler, 56, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Mike Morris, Lancaster County coroner. He is planning an autopsy to determine exactly how Plyler died.

Around 12:40 p.m., Lancaster's Janet Sciulli, 65, was driving her 2001 Ford Explorer west on Shiloh Unity Road while Plyler was driving east. "For unknown reasons," Plyler drove "left of center" on the road, said Lance Cpl. Bill Rhyne with the Highway Patrol.

That's when Sciulli hit him, Rhyne said. Sciulli, who was wearing a seat belt, was injured and taken to Springs Memorial Hospital.

Plyler was not wearing a seat belt, he said.

According to an obituary submitted to The Herald, Plyler was a member of the National Rifle Association, Faith Riders and Higher Ground Church. He worked as a mechanical electrician for Springs Industries and Van Wyck Brick Company.

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

Man left dead on SC coast by hit-and-run driver

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — The South Carolina Highway Patrol is looking for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a man walking in Beaufort County.

The Island Packet of Hilton Head reports ( http://bit.ly/SY8SPl) the incident happened about 9:30 p.m. Sunday in the Okatie community off Hilton Head Island.

Authorities say 42-year-old Vincent Leonard Wright of Seabrook was walking in the middle of a road when he was hit. He was taken by medical helicopter to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga., where he died about 11 p.m. Sunday.

The Highway Patrol has not yet identified the type of car that struck Wright. He was wearing dark clothing when he was hit.

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

Family rallies to help Rock Hill man hurt in motorcycle crash

That was the prognosis on June 2, when Barnette, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, collided with 33-year-old Michael Scranton’s 1998 Ford Taurus just minutes after Barnette evaded police when they commanded him to stop for driving recklessly.

Scranton, a Catawba resident, was wearing a seat belt and was uninjured, but Barnette, police records show, was expected to die.

But, “they don’t know my God,” said his mother, Evelyn Barnette, about her son, a 31-year-old father who is alive today.

Still, Barnette – more commonly known by friends and family as “Corie,” “Poo Bear” or just “Poo” – didn’t walk away from the accident unscathed.

He sits in a wheelchair from time to time, Evelyn Barnette said. He communicates in hums and by writing with pencils on scraps of paper.

And, she said, he often reaches for the right leg he no longer has.

“I think he’s going through depression,” his mother said, describing her son’s slow and sometimes frustrating recovery at Carolinas Rehabilitation Center in Charlotte. “They had to amputate his leg from the knee down. It was rough.”

The road ahead could also be rough if Corie’s mind isn’t “right,” said Bob Lindsay, pastor of Sylvia Church Baptist Church, where droves of supporters crowded into the sanctuary Sunday to raise money to help with Corie’s medical bills.

“When a person has their leg amputated ... your body will compensate for the loss of that limb,” Lindsay said.

Lindsay should know. Almost 60 years ago, he lost his leg in an accident he didn’t want to discuss. He now sports a prosthesis but still has to look down to walk.

For Corie, “phantom pains” may be common, Lindsay said, and thoughts of worthlessness can run rampant. Corie will have to learn to walk again and may have to learn to “judge the floor” before he takes a step.

Though the road to recovery will be difficult, if you ask Corie’s father, Melvin Barnette, it could all be much worse.

“God brought him from the brink of death,” the elder Barnette said before he led a church sanctuary filled with supporters in song. “I’ve got my son – he may be maimed” but he’s alive.

After he recited a prayer thanking God for his son’s survival, Melvin Barnette moved his arms back and forth like a seesaw and declared through a microphone that God is “awesome.”

The event, organized by Corie’s uncle, June Barnette, spotlighted gospel talent by Rock Hill’s Abundant Life Church and the Gospel Hi-Lighters, who have been singing for 19 years.

June Barnette, known to host events to raise money in the community for a number of causes, said he didn’t want to throw a fundraiser for his nephew until the family was sure he would pull through.

They’re remaining hopeful. Minutes before the accident on June 2, police tried to stop Barnette when they saw him changing lanes quickly on Dave Lyle, according to a Rock Hill police report. Police followed Barnette and used an intercom to order him to stop.

He didn’t listen, the report states, but continued to accelerate. Police didn’t try to match Barnette’s speed and gave up pursuit.

Not much later, they received word that he was involved in a traffic accident. He was airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

More than two weeks later, hospital officials told police that Barnette had made “great strides,” and his prognosis had changed, according to another police report. His chances of survival had greatly improved.

The Highway Patrol continued its investigation, and troopers realized Barnette did not have an active insurance policy on the motorcycle and that his license had been suspended for another accident, according to police records.

Police prepared an arrest warrant for Barnette, charging him with failing to stop for police. They’ve also cited him for reckless driving, driving under suspension, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving without a motorcycle driver’s license, according to Rock Hill police documents. The case is closed until they serve the warrant and tickets.

Barnette, a Northwestern High School and King’s College graduate, enjoyed playing football, track, softball – “all the sports in school,” his mother said.

“He was a hardworking man,” holding down a job at Walmart while supporting his three-year girlfriend, Pepsii Staton, and their 2-year-old daughter, Malejah Barnette.

But Malejah, who “asks about her daddy all the time,” is struggling to know this new daddy – now without his trademark dreadlocks, unable to speak and suffering from brain damage, her mother said.

“I tell her that he’s sick,” said Staton, who added that Corie practically became “a stay-at-home dad” while she attended cosmetology school at Kenneth Shuler on Cherry Road. “He cooked . . . He cleaned. . . He did everything.”

“She (Malejah) can’t hear his voice,” Staton said. “She’ll whine” when she sees him at the hospital.

Four hours before Barnette took his motorcycle ride on Dave Lyle, he called his cousin, Angie Barnette, to let her know he was planning to attend her mother’s surprise birthday party at the Elks Lodge on Ogden Road.

That’s where many family members received the news of the accident, said Angie Barnette, who family members credit with giving Corie his nickname “Poo Bear.”

“When he was born, I was the babysitter,” she said Sunday. “He was like a chubby bear. He’s sweet. He’ll make you laugh at anything.”

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

5 seriously hurt after car flips in Lancaster Co. crash

LANCASTER — Five people, including an infant, were seriously injured in an overnight crash in Lancaster County after their car rolled over and hit a parked car.

Between 10:30 and 10:45 p.m., their car flipped over, hitting a parked car on Country Club Drive, said Stephen Blackwelder, Lancaster County fire marshal. Their ages and identities were not available.

Two people were ejected from the car, one was pinned inside and the infant, who was in a car seat, was entrapped. One person managed to get out of the car but still suffered serious injuries, Blackwelder said.

EMS took four of the people to Springs Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, Blackwelder said, while one person was airlifted to a hospital in Richland County.

Blackwelder was unable to provide details on the wreck. The Highway Patrol also responded to the crash but were unavailable to provide details early Thursday.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/04/4313278/5-seriously-injured-after-overnight.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.

SUV hits Waffle House worker walking along Cherry Road

ROCK HILL — A Waffle House employee was struck by a vehicle as she was walking to work Thursday morning in Rock Hill.

The 19-year-old Rock Hill woman was walking on the sidewalk along Cherry Road at the entrance to Kangaroo Express around 11 a.m. when a white Chevrolet Tahoe hit her left side and stomach, according to a Rock Hill police report.

The SUV's driver stopped to apologize and said he didn't see her. He left the scene before police arrived, the report states.

EMS took the woman to Piedmont Medical Center for evaluation. The driver wasn't found.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/09/28/4298302/suv-hits-waffle-house-worker-walking.html

Shaw Law Firm focuses its representation on individuals and families who have been Injured. We represent clients involved in Automobile accidents, Tractor-Trailer accidents, Motorcycle accidents, Hit and Run accidents, Drivers with no insurance accidents, Pedestrian and Bicycle accidents. We also handle claims associated with Dog Bites/Attacks, Injuries on the Job, Workers’ Compensation, Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Abuse, Prescription Errors and all Injuries associated with Children.

Shaw Law Firm has a Former Prosecutor on Staff who is dedicated to representing families and individuals going through difficult situations. Divorces and persons accused of Crimes, including alcohol and drug related charges are the focus.

We serve York County, Lancaster County and Chester County and all cities within those counties including Rock Hill, Fort Mill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Tega Cay, York, Sharon, Hickory Grove, Indian Land, Catawba, Lancaster, Chester, Great Falls and Richburg. We also serve Charlotte and the entire surrounding region.