Deadly crash happened on Highway 20 and Sheppard Road, Highway Patrol says
BELTON, SC, (November 15, 2024) - The Anderson County Coroner’s Office says a motorcyclist was fatally injured after an SUV drove into his path Friday evening in Belton near the Cheddar Fire Department.
Michael Cruz Thrasher, a 24-year-old resident of Williamston, was killed following a crash between his motorcycle and an SUV in Belton Friday evening, according to the Highway Patrol.
The motorcyclist has been identified as 24-year-old Michael Cruz Thrasher of Williamston, South Carolina.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP), Thrasher was riding his bike west on Highway 20 near Sheppard Road when he collided with the SUV that had made a left turn at the intersection of the highway and Crawford Road at approximately 7 p.m. Tragically, the Williamston local died of multiple traumatic injuries.
Authorities said the driver of the SUV, whose name was not available, did not report any injuries.
The SCHP and the coroner’s office are investigating.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
“Motorcycle riders are arguably the most vulnerable motorists on the roadways, given the fact that there are no airbags or sturdy windows to protect them from an impact,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in motorcycle crashes, down 3% from 5,337 in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“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,” said Bond, an experienced accident attorney.
Bond stressed that in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent investigation into the crash conducted by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Michael Cruz Thrasher may be entitled to a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond, a national legal analyst for Newsline.
“A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help she's available for a free consultation to guide you.
(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).