Brain Injury Attorney Blog

A Longs motorcycle driver died early Wednesday after he lost control and crashed while being chased by an Horry County police officer, according to authorities. Hartford Dwayne Holmes, 49, of Longs, was pronounced dead at 1 a.m. from internal injuries while being treated in the emergency room of Loris Community Hospital, Horry County Coroner Robert Edge said. An autopsy was performed Wednesday morning and showed Holmes suffered massive trauma.

The report says that Horry County police had been at a traffic stop in an unrelated case on S.C. 9 Bypass near Loris. An officer was leaving that unrelated incident when he noticed a motorcycle speeding. The officer radioed another officer that the motorcycle passed him going over 100 mph on S.C. 9. The officer wrote that he could see the headlight of the motorcycle quickly approaching, going west of S.C. 9. The officer noted the motorcyclist drove by him at a high rate of speed.

The report states that he pulled out behind the motorcycle and caught up with the driver, who was going over 100 mph. The officer said by the sound of the motorcycle, the driver did not attempt to slow down. For unknown reasons, the motorcycle left the road and crashed into a ditch and his helmet came off as he landed.

Motorists should be very cautious when driving in Myrtle Beach because there are so many motorcyclists on the road. Always check blind spots when passing motorcycles and other vehicles. "Most motorcycle deaths in South Carolina result from failure to yield on the part of either the motorcyclist or vehicle. The collision is often complicated by the motorcyclist’s speed and/or failure to use a helmet." Although this particular accident happened because of the motorcyclist's own negligence, it is still important to be aware of motorcyclists on the road.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, call one of the injury lawyers at The Mace Firm for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury lawyer in Myrtle Beach is ready to talk with anyone about their case.