Man killed in South Carolina accident; driver charged with DUI

An accident in South Carolina involving a wrong-way driver left one man dead and his child passenger injured. The wreck took place at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 16 along Hwy 170 in Bluffton.

Investigators stated that the female driver was in the eastbound lane driving west near the Bluffton Parkway intersection. Her 2003 Subaru then collided head-on with the now-deceased man’s 2013 Hyundai. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The accused driver and a passenger in the Hyundai were both treated at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah for minor injuries.

A South Carolina Highway Patrol representative reported that the driver of the Subaru turned herself in at the Beaufort County Detention Center early on Aug. 4. The 62-year-old woman was charged with felony driving under the influence in connection with the crash. She reportedly posted bond on the same day, and news was not yet available regarding what additional charges may be pending.

The unexpected death of a family member in an accident with a negligent driver can cause severe financial complications for that person’s surviving relatives. Funerary costs and medical expenses can cause immediate economic turmoil while sudden deprivation of a primary earner’s wages could force stressful long-term lifestyle adjustments upon family members.

An attorney in South Carolina may be able to obtain a settlement or judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit to help a deceased motorist’s family members cope with their economic damages. A toxicology report, an officer’s accident report or a crash reconstruction report all represent potential sources of evidence that an attorney may apply to emphasize a defendant’s liability.

Source: The State, “Bluffton woman charged with DUI in wreck that killed man”, Laura Oberle, Sept. 4, 2014

Source: WTOC, “Woman charged in fatal Lowcountry wreck“, September 04, 2014