$1.3 Million Settlement Awarded in Fatal South Carolina Crash Involved Newlyweds
In South Carolina, a partial settlement of $1.3 million has been awarded to the husband and family of a bride who was tragically killed in a car accident caused by an alleged drunk driver, just hours after she was married. The groom, who was seriously injured in the same accident, is the representative of her estate.
The Incident
On the night of April 28, 2023, in the vicinity of Charleston, bride Samantha Miller, 34, and her groom, Aric Hutchinson, were celebrating what was supposed to be the best day of their lives. The couple and their guests were returning from their wedding in a golf cart when they were hit by a car operated by 25-year-old Jamie Lee Komoroski.
The accident had fatal consequences for Samantha Miller, while Aric Hutchinson suffered a brain injury and multiple broken bones, according to a GoFundMe page set up by his mother. Also, three other individuals in the golf cart were injured.
Charges and Lawsuit
Komoroski, who was driving 65 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone, was subsequently charged with felony DUI resulting in death, reckless homicide and two counts of felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury. A toxicology report revealed her blood alcohol content was 0.261, over three times the legal limit. She has since been released on bond and her criminal case is still awaiting trial.
Considering these circumstances, Hutchinson decided to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against her. This legal action also included multiple other defendants. Among the accused parties were the bars where Komoroski had imbibed alcohol that night, the car rental company Enterprise that had provided her with the vehicle she drove, and numerous other restaurants and bars where she was allegedly served alcohol.
The Settlement
The lawsuit led to a partial settlement of $1.3 million awarded to Hutchinson. The following entities were ordered by the court to make payments to Samantha Miller’s estate: The Crab Shack ($640,000), The Folly Deli ($320,000), Beach Front Bars/Snapper Jacks ($320,000), Progressive Northern Insurance Company ($75,000), and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($24,000).
The defendant Jamie Lee Komoroski was named in the lawsuit but did not form part of the settlement agreement. Nevertheless, she will continue to face both criminal and civil legal proceedings.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
While this settlement marks a victory for Hutchinson, the resolution of this tragic case is still ongoing. The irreplaceable loss of a loved one and the road to recovery from a serious personal injury are made all more trying with the additional burden of a legal battle. Hutchinson and his family are still wrestling with their inconsolable grief and the financial and emotional toll of the accident as they continue to seek justice for Samantha Miller.
Contact Information
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