A tragic incident in South Carolina has resulted in a $1.3 million partial settlement for the family of a bride who was killed on her wedding night, allegedly by a drunken driver. The victim, Samantha Miller, 34, was in a golf cart with her new spouse, Aric Hutchinson, when Jamie Lee Komoroski crashed into them with her rental car near Charleston.
Miller lost her life in the collision, while Hutchinson sustained severe injuries, and two others in the cart were also hurt. The proceeds from the settlement will be distributed to Miller’s estate and the other injured parties. The bars that served Komoroski before the crash and the rental car company she used will be responsible for the seven-figure award.
The settlement, approved by a South Carolina judge, will provide $863,000 to the parties after fees. However, an ongoing estate dispute between Hutchinson and the deceased bride’s mother, Lisa Miller, has caused the amount to be lower than expected. Lisa Miller has challenged the legality of the marriage between Hutchinson and her daughter and has asked the court to appoint a new representative for the estate.
Komoroski, who was driving at a high speed in a restricted zone, was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple offenses, including felony driving under the influence resulting in death and reckless homicide. She is currently under house arrest as her criminal case continues.
While Komoroski faces a potential prison sentence of one to 25 years if convicted, other defendants, such as the restaurant where she worked, have not yet reached settlements with the plaintiffs. The impact of the crash was so severe that it sent the golf cart flying 100 feet and flipping over several times.
This devastating event serves as a reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of ensuring justice for the victims and their families. The legal proceedings following the tragedy highlight the complexities of such cases and the challenges faced by those seeking compensation and closure after such a devastating loss.