Auto accidents are frequently traumatizing, even when no injuries occur. Yet, the worst by far are those that turn out to be fatal. 2017 has already seen more of these traumatic and tragic fatal auto accidents in Chester, South Carolina. The first occurred on US-21 in the beginning of February, resulting in two deaths. Days later, another auto accident took the life of a driver on Old York Road. Before the month was out, a high school student was killed on I-77.
In March, two more people were killed in a fiery single-car accident, also on I-77. These were terrible losses. Today, we’ll look at how these incidents occurred, whom they affected, and how the families of the victims can move forward without being burdened with the financial strain of their losses.
First Reported Fatal Chester, South Carolina, Auto Accident in February of 2017 Claimed the Two Lives
The first February incident occurred on US 21, shortly before 8:30 pm on a Wednesday evening. A driver crossed the center line, and the resulting head-on collision resulted in the deaths of both drivers. Jennifer Lyles Zills was a resident of Rock Hill and forty-eight years old. Khyleta Woods was a resident of Fort Lawn and twenty-eight years old.
Pickup Driver is Killed in Single Vehicle Accident on Old York Road Just Days After the US 21 Accident
Later that month, another driver was killed in a single-vehicle auto accident on Old York Road, by Henry Road. This accident occurred early in the morning, around 6:15 AM on a Sunday. The victim was thirty-six-year-old Billy Eugene Reynolds, a resident of Chester, South Carolina. He was driving a 2006 Ford pickup when he ran off the road, flipped, and ultimately collided with a nearby utility pole. Mr. Reynolds was not wearing a seatbelt, and was thrown from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
High School Student from Nation Ford High Was Killed in an I-77 Accident at the End of February
One tragic accident from February involved a senior at Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill. Seventeen-year-old Gwendolyn Spencer was driving a 2003 Suzuki on Interstate 77 when she went off the road and hit a tree near Mountain Gap Road, near mile marker 55. Gwendolyn was wearing a seatbelt, but was trapped inside the vehicle, with no passengers or other vehicles to come to her aid.
Another I-77 Auto Accident in Chester, South Carolina, Claimed Two Lives in March
Near the end of March, another serious single vehicle auto accident on Interstate 77 resulted in the deaths of the driver and the passenger of a 2003 Freightliner motor home. This incident happened near mile marker 68, after the vehicle hit a guardrail and went down an embankment. The driver and passenger were trapped when the vehicle caught fire, and both lost their lives.
A Troubling Reminder of the September 2016 Chester, South Carolina, Auto Accident on I-77
These fatal accidents on Interstate 77 bring to mind the fiery collision that occurred between two tractor trailers and several other vehicles in September of 2016. Two people were killed in this incident, though three others were seriously injured. This accident, like the motor home accident, happened near mile marker 68, at approximately 3:30 on a Thursday afternoon.
The accident was caused by the driver of a 2007 International tractor trailer. He rear-ended another vehicle, resulting multiple rear-end collisions, then crossed the median and struck another tractor trailer which was traveling south. Despite its relatively low speed, the accident was severe enough to cause both tractor trailers to catch fire and three children were taken to the hospital by ambulance and helicopter. They were reported as having serious and life threatening injuries. The children were sixteen years old, thirteen years old, and two years old. This caused all lanes to be closed off until 11:00 PM.
What the Families of the Victims Can Do to Minimize the Financial Burden
Any time someone is killed in a Chester, South Carolina, auto accident, the families are left with devastating grief and the burden of financial hardships. It is essential to understand that this is not a situation anyone has to face alone. Contact Elrod Pope Law Firm as soon as possible to make sure that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to recover financial compensation before time runs out. While the financial aspect of your loss may be the last thing on your mind, it is something that every family has to deal with. You can seek compensation for medical expenses as well as the expenses for funeral and burial. You can also seek compensation for the emotional impact of your loss. Call today to schedule a free consultation. Our compassionate Chester, SC auto accident legal team will focus on the legal end, while you focus on your family.
