Nationwide, thousands of people die each year in alcohol-related accidents. Intoxicated drivers tend to drive faster and more recklessly than they would when sober, which can lead to an auto accident. Often, other drivers on the roads have little or no warning before encountering such a driver.

A recent fatal accident in South Carolina is being blamed on a suspected drunk driver. His vehicle strayed across the center line of Highway 90, directly into the path of another vehicle in the westbound lane. The resulting collision injured the allegedly impaired driver. The young woman driving the other vehicle died at the scene.

The driver believed responsible for the accident was taken to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. Once he was released from the hospital, authorities took him into custody. South Carolina authorities charged him with felony DUI. It should be noted, however, that the investigation into this incident is not yet complete, so additional charges could be filed based on the results of that investigation.

In addition to criminal charges, the driver could face a related civil action from the family of the victim. Her family retains the right to file a wrongful death claim in connection with the auto accident, seeking recovery of monetary damages incurred because of the victim’s death. The outcome of the criminal proceedings could be used as evidence of the driver’s negligence if prosecutors secure a conviction related to the accident; however, a criminal conviction is not necessary for a civil proceeding to move forward.

Source: wmbfnews.com, Man charged for DUI in connection to fatal crash on Hwy 90, No author, Jan. 12, 2014

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Steven M. Krause

Steven Krause is a personal injury, auto accident, and workers’ compensation lawyer who practices in Anderson, SC. He graduated form the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and has been practicing law for 40 years now. Steven Krause believes in fighting for the injured. Learn more about his experience here.