SUV struck pedestrian in roadway near Dempsey Road
March 06, 2026 | Orangeburg, SC
A tragic pedestrian accident claimed the life of 45-year-old Francis Simmons from Eutawville in Orangeburg County early on March 6.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident unfolded around 12:50 a.m. when an SUV traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 301 near Dempsey Road struck Simmons, who was in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene, while the SUV driver sustained no injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal collision.
Francis Simmons, 45, died after being struck by an SUV while in the roadway along U.S. Highway 301 near Dempsey Road in Orangeburg County.
What Happened in the Crash?
The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported the following key details about the incident:
- Location: U.S. Highway 301 near Dempsey Road, Orangeburg County
- Date and Time: Approximately 12:50 a.m. on March 6
- Victim: Francis Simmons, 45, of Eutawville, pedestrian
- Vehicle Involved: Southbound SUV
- Outcome: Simmons pronounced dead at the scene, driver uninjured
- Agency: South Carolina Highway Patrol is leading the investigation
This tragic collision underscores the vulnerabilities pedestrians face on roadways, particularly at night.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a pressing concern across U.S. highways. Factors such as reduced visibility, driver inattention, and road design contribute to these preventable tragedies. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) tracks national trends, revealing significant risks for pedestrians.
Statistic |
Details |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half of 2024) |
2,304 struck and killed by vehicles |
GHSA Report |
Common Contributing Factors |
Driver distraction, poor lighting, inadequate signage |
Federal Highway Administration |
Preventable Measures |
Increased attentiveness, better road infrastructure |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
These figures highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols to protect pedestrians and reduce such incidents.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, thorough investigations play a crucial role in determining liability and supporting affected families. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the importance of detailed examinations.
“Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve,” said Bond.
Bond also notes the value of specialized resources in piecing together the crash:
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives include:
- Comprehensive reviews of environmental factors like lighting and signage can uncover negligence.
- Professional reconstruction aids in establishing fault accurately.
- Families may pursue compensation for losses, including funeral costs and emotional impacts.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses potential legal avenues for families:
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Formica further advises:
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).