James Madison Garrett killed in Berea DUI crash, SCHP says

DUI CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue to investigate the collision.

Drinking and driving is entirely preventable and can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences that last for years. Impaired driving can seriously injure or kill innocent people, permanently affecting victims and their families. It can also lead to severe legal consequences, employment difficulties, and lasting personal regret. Safe and sober transportation alternatives are widely available.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 37 people die every day in drunk-driving crashes, and about 32% of all traffic fatalities in the United States involve drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. The agency also reported that alcohol-impaired driving accounted for 28% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2019.

Candice Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney, shared her perspective on crashes involving impaired drivers.

“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.

“In addition to the thorough work performed by law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview key witnesses, examine available surveillance footage from the crash scene, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can compassionately guide a family through this difficult time while protecting their legal rights and helping ensure that an impaired driver is held accountable for reckless actions,” added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident Injury News.

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

Family members who have lost a loved one may have the right to pursue compensation for damages, including funeral expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and other related hardships.

The family of James Madison Garrett may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral costs and the loss of love and companionship.

In addition to general and special damages, punitive damages may also be available in certain DUI cases. Punitive damages are intended to deter impaired driving and other similar reckless conduct while promoting safer communities.

“It is important that any impaired driver is held accountable both criminally and civilly,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal.

“An attorney can help protect victims from insurance companies and their legal teams while thoroughly examining the facts surrounding the collision. Legal counsel will vigorously advocate for a family that has lost a loved one and work to ensure that their rights are fully protected,” Formica added.

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