$1.3 Million Partial Settlement Approved in Case of Bride Killed by Alleged Drunken Driver
ICARO Media Group
Title: $1.3 Million Partial Settlement Approved in Case of Bride Killed by Alleged Drunken Driver
A South Carolina judge has signed off on a $1.3 million partial settlement in the tragic case of a bride who was killed by an alleged drunken driver just hours after her wedding, according to media reports.
The incident took place on April 28, 2023, when Jamie Lee Komoroski, 26, allegedly crashed her rental car into a golf cart carrying Samantha Miller and her new spouse Aric Hutchinson near Charleston, South Carolina. Sadly, Miller lost her life in the collision, while Hutchinson was left seriously injured. Two other individuals in the cart also sustained injuries.
The $1.3 million settlement will be allocated to Miller's estate and the other injured parties, after fees, resulting in a net amount of $863,000. The bars that served Komoroski prior to the crash, as well as the rental car company, will be held responsible for the substantial award.
Hutchinson, accompanied by his lawyer Danny Dalton, attended court on Tuesday to approve the settlement. However, the amount was slightly lower than anticipated due to an ongoing estate dispute between Hutchinson and Miller's mother, Lisa Miller. Lisa Miller has contested the legitimacy of the marriage and is currently engaged in discussions with Hutchinson's camp to determine her portion of the settlements. She has also petitioned the court to replace Hutchinson as the representative of the estate.
Jamie Lee Komoroski, who was allegedly driving at 65 mph in a 25 mph zone, was arrested at the scene and is facing charges of felony driving under the influence resulting in death, reckless homicide, and two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury. Komoroski was released on bond in March and her criminal case is still pending. She is currently under house arrest awaiting further proceedings.
While the $1.3 million settlement has been reached for some parties involved, other defendants, including the restaurant where Komoroski was employed at the time of the incident, have yet to reach an agreement with the plaintiffs.
If convicted, Komoroski could face a minimum prison term of one year and a maximum of 25 years for the top charge against her.
This devastating case serves as a reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence and the irrevocable impact it can have on innocent lives. The legal proceedings will continue as the victims and their families seek justice and closure.