Senior Citizen Killed by Drunk Driver in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
An automobile accident involving driving under the influence has left one dead in the Myrtle Beach area.
Paulino Meza-Malela was charged with a felony charge of driving under the influence after causing an automobile crash that resulted in the death of a senior citizen on December 19, 2015. The two-car collision occurred in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in close proximity to the intersection of 27th Avenue North and North Kings Highway. Speed and alcohol were determined to be the two main factors resulting in the crash.
70-year-old Carolyn Hicks of Knoxville, Tennessee was pronounced dead at Grand Strand Hospital in Myrtle Beach, where she succumbed to injuries caused by the accident.
We at the Lovely Law Firm would like to extend our condolences to Ms. Hicks’ family and loved ones.
Felony Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence becomes a felony offense if the driver causes great bodily harm or death to another individual.
A drunk driver who causes a death faces serious mandatory minimum criminal penalties. Under South Carolina law, an individual who commits a vehicular homicide as a result of intoxication must:
• Spend at least one but not more than 25 years in prison;
• Pay a fine of at least $10,000 but not more than $25,000; and
• Surrender his or her driver’s license for the term of imprisonment plus five years.
Recovering from Injuries Caused by DUI
In addition to criminal penalties, a driver who causes great bodily injury or death to another individual can face a civil lawsuit. During a civil suit, the injured victim or a survivor of a deceased victim can receive:
• Past and future medical expenses related to injuries incurred in the accident;
• Compensation for pain and suffering;
• Damages for emotional distress;
• Compensation for lost wages;
• Loss of companionship (brought by survivors of a deceased or injured family member)
• Compensation from establishments where the drunk driver was over-served (dram shop liability)
An individual who has been injured in a drunk driving accident may also be able to receive punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter such actions from happening again.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, the dedicated car accident injury attorneys at The Lovely Law Firm are here to assist you. To schedule a case evaluation at no charge, please call (843) 839-4111.
Sources
Data Center: http://accidentdatacenter.com/us/south-carolina/myrtle-beach-florence-sc/myrtle-beach/15/12/19/carolyn-hicks-70-killed-collision-alleged-drunk-driver-paulino-maceda-meza-33-27th-avenue-north-and
Victim Identified: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/crime/article50802425.html
Driver Charged: http://www.wmbfnews.com/story/30795037/man-charged-for-dui-after-crash-kills-70-year-old-woman-in-myrtle-beach/
More detailed information: http://www.myhorrynews.com/news/local/myrtle_beach/article_09f8956a-a733-11e5-83c1-2fc5f9e66a2d.html
Photo of accident: http://www.wbir.com/news/knoxville-native-killed-in-myrtle-beach-fatal-crash/6404407
