The early morning commute along Interstate 85 took a tragic turn recently when a deadly hit-and-run crash involving a moped led to a shutdown that lasted several hours. The incident occurred in Spartanburg County, near a mile marker on Interstate 85 @ mile marker, significantly impacting vehicular traffic and sparking community concern.
According to FOX Carolina, emergency responders were dispatched promptly, but the 2-year-old girl on the moped tragically succumbed to her injuries. The details surrounding the crash remain under investigation. The Police Log revealed that the incident also involved an adorable bundle of joy, a 24-pound French Bulldog riding in a basket.
The Incident on I-85
The accident unfolded near Toledo Road, a frequently used access road in South Carolina, making the traffic conditions more chaotic. The law-enforcement officer leading the investigation noted that a 35-year-old Texas man, possibly the vehicle owner, may have been involved and fled the scene. This wrong-way crash led to a deadly hit-and-run that shut down Interstate 85 for hours.
Eyewitnesses stated that the overtaken vehicle hit the moped while changing lanes. The Police Log confirms the involvement of a vehicle on record with prior toll violations, and the moped was allegedly operating under a vehicle rental agreement by a vehicle leasing company.
Why Are Moped Crashes So Severe?
Moped riders are highly vulnerable, especially on highways like Interstate 85. Unlike cars, mopeds offer little protection in high-speed collisions. The following factors make these crashes particularly deadly:
- Lack of protective barriers
- Low visibility to other drivers
- Incompatibility with vehicular traffic on highways
- Limited speed and maneuverability
Such crashes often become traffic proceeding investigations. In this case, the automatic vehicle identification device helped authorities track the authorized vehicle. With today’s electronic vehicle identification system, enforcement can now hold owners of vehicles accountable through provision of motor vehicle laws.
Legal and Insurance Implications
Following a deadly hit-and-run crash, legal proceedings begin with identifying the at-fault party. South Carolina law allows victims or their families to file personal injury or wrongful death claims.
Key Questions to Consider:
- Was the driver negligent?
- Was there a challenging history involving Civil penalties?
- Was the moped compliant?
- Did the rider have a vehicle registration certificate?
- What motor vehicle insurance coverage applies?
If uninsured or underinsured, unpaid toll records and toll facility operator reports can become evidence. A traffic engineering study may also be requested.
Community Reaction and Animal Involvement
Animal lovers were particularly shaken after learning the moped belonged to a foster volunteer from Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a nonprofit working with animal-drawn vehicle rescues. The dog involved in the crash, a 3-Year-Old Pomsky, had recently been rescued from Bodega Bay and was being treated for behavioral issues-possibly due to chicken bones ingestion.
The rider, Ana Miller, was en route to an event at White Horse Road, August Road, and Brown Road intersections. Ana, known for her beautiful spirit, often drove across Bracken Road with foster pets.
How to Stay Safe
Authorities advise that mopeds should only travel on roads where traffic conditions are favorable. Highways like Interstate 85 are dangerous unless traffic incident management services are in place. Safety tips include:
- Wearing helmets and reflective gear
- Avoiding double traffic lines
- Enhancing automatic vehicle identification system use
- Reporting traffic infraction punishable actions
- Preventing movement of traffic blockages near school driveway or school property
What to Do After a Moped Crash
If you or someone you know is in a similar situation:
- Call emergency services immediately
- Collect evidence, including pictures and Police Log reports
- Avoid admitting fault on-site
- Get medical help promptly
- Consult with an attorney
How Ted Law Firm Can Help
At Ted Law Firm, we understand the trauma caused by crashes like this deadly hit-and-run on Interstate 85. Whether it’s a victim like Breon Allen Jr. or a caring animal lover, we offer:
- Free consultations
- Help navigating motor vehicle insurance coverage
- Guidance with automatic vehicle identification system evidence
- Support for pet-involved accidents
We’ve helped drivers recover losses from commercial motor vehicle damage, faulty vehicle rental agreements, and toll operator negligence. Our goal is to hold the vehicle in excess accountable.
The deadly hit-and-run crash near Toledo Road that led to an hours-long shutdown on Interstate 85 is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life on the road. Whether it’s a house trailer, camping trailer, or brain tumors affecting the rider’s judgment, life deserves protection.
In these moments, understanding your boundaries essential to legal justice can make all the difference. If you or a loved one has been impacted by a moped accident in South Carolina, don’t navigate the legal process alone.
Ted Law Firm is here to stand by your side with trusted legal support. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Your road to justice starts with one call. Let us help you take it.
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly represent clients across South Carolina and Georgia, from Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are, we’re ready to stand by your side. You can count on our trusted team for honest, dependable legal support. With Ted Law Firm, you’re never alone.
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
