Most Georgia drivers fear getting hit by a drunk driver. Getting into a vehicle that has an inebriated person behind the wheel can be just as dangerous. For example, a woman is facing felony DUI charges after she allegedly caused a deadly drunk driving crash in South Carolina on Jan. 27. The wreck killed three passengers riding in her vehicle.
According to media reports, the 27-year-old defendant was driving on U.S. 521 in Indian Land at approximately 1 a.m. when she crashed her car. According to the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, three people riding in the vehicle, a 31-year-old woman, a 40-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man, were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Two other passengers in the car were not injured.
The defendant suffered undisclosed injuries and was taken to a Charlotte hospital for treatment. She was arrested following her release and charged with three counts of felony DUI resulting in death. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison for each count.
When someone is killed by a drunk driver, his or her next of kin can choose to pursue legal action against the responsible individual. For example, by filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver, the family might be awarded a financial settlement that covers funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, property loss and more. If someone is injured by a drunk driver, he or she has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other related damages. Victims may learn more about their legal rights by contacting a personal injury lawyer.
Source: The Herald, “Driver was drunk in Lancaster crash that left 3 dead, troopers say,” Andrew Dys, Feb. 4, 2019
