When a fatal accident occurs, both the victim’s family and the local police department will typically look at all aspects of the event to find answers as to why it happened. One of the recurrent questions in these types of tragedies is whether the driver deemed responsible was driving while impaired. Drunk driving is a serious offense in South Carolina, particularly if a fatal accident occurs as a result.
A recent accident, just south of Orangeburg, resulted in the death of 36-year-old man who was riding a dirt bike. The back of his bike was apparently struck by a vehicle, driven by a 41-year-old male. No other information was provided regarding the victim, and few details have been released about the accused.
The investigation into this incident is still ongoing. However, the driver deemed responsible for the crash has been arrested and is currently facing criminal charges including a felony DUI charge. His blood-alcohol level was not made public. It is also unknown if any court dates have been scheduled with regard to his case.
Drunk driving accusations can lead to severe consequences, especially if an accident with fatalities occurs. Aside from hefty fines and possibly the loss of a driver’s license that could accompany a conviction, jail and/or prison time might also be included in sentencing. Nevertheless, legal options are available for anyone facing allegations of felony DUI in South Carolina. A knowledgeable criminal defense can certainly help determine the best course of action for the specific situation at hand.
Source: wbtw.com, “SC man charged with DUI in connection with deadly dirt bike crash“, , April 1, 2014