South Carolina suffered a terrible and avoidable tragedy on September 11, 2020. Four people were killed in a head on collision occurring on Hwy 14 in Greer, South Carolina. The driver of an SUV, Richard Shane Plowden, was charged with four counts of Felony DUI related to the automobile crash that took the lives of these four South Carolina residents. The South Carolina Highway Patrol stated that Mr. Plowden crossed the center line and hit an SUV traveling in the opposite direction. A judge denied bond to Mr. Plowden in a hearing held over the weekend.
This is another sad example of the dangers of driving under the influence. Every year approximately 1,000 people are killed on South Carolina’s roadways. An overwhelming number of those traffic fatalities involve alcohol or drugs. The criminal penalties for Mr. Plowden can range from one year to twenty-five years in prison for each count of Felony DUI. According to WYFF, Mr. Plowden is facing four counts of Felony DUI. Plowden was also charged with driving without insurance. If the facts reported are accurate, Mr. Plowden is responsible not only in criminal court, but also liable for civil damages. Furthermore, if Mr. Plowden was overserved or provided with alcohol in violation of South Carolina law, then the bar or restaurant that overserved Mr. Plowden is liable under South Carolina law as well.
At Pracht Injury Lawyers, we prosecute Wrongful Death cases involving drunk drivers. Our office has also assisted folks that have suffered an injury because of the reckless behavior of drunk drivers. Additionally, our office handles cases called “Dram Shop” cases. Dram Shop cases are brought against the seller of liquor and beer. In South Carolina if you sell alcohol to a minor or to a clearly intoxicated adult, then you are liable for the injuries they cause to innocent people. In 2017, the South Carolina General Assembly passed a law requiring almost all bars and restaurants to carry insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 dollars to cover Dram Shop liability.
Please keep the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. Click here for a link to the WYFF news story.
