In April 2023, a newlywed husband tragically lost his wife on a South Carolina beach road just hours after their wedding. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the grieving widower, as a judge in South Carolina has approved a partial settlement of over $1 million.
During the fateful night, Jamie Lee Komoroski, then 26 years old, was reportedly driving the vehicle while heavily under the influence of alcohol. It was during this time that she collided with a golf cart that was carrying a couple who had just finished their wedding reception. The accident resulted in the death of Samantha Miller, 34, and the injuries sustained by her husband, Aric Hutchinson, as well as his brother-in-law and nephew.
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Hutchinson took legal action in May 2023 by filing a wrongful-death lawsuit against Komoroski, local bars and businesses, and 20 Doe defendants. After negotiations, some businesses reached a tentative settlement with the grieving groom in October of last year, which was recently approved by a court.
According to Hutchinson’s accusations, Komoroski was “bar hopping” on the night in question. He further claimed that establishments such as The Crab Shack, Taco Boy, The Drop In/Folly Deli, Snapper Jacks, and El Gallo overserved her, even though they were aware that she was already intoxicated. This alleged negligence on the part of the establishments allowed the accused drunk driver to continue buying alcohol.
According to CBS News, The Crab Shack has been ordered by the court to pay $640,000, while The Folly Deli and Snapper Jacks have been ordered to pay $320,000 each. Additionally, Progressive Northern Insurance Company has been ordered to pay $75,000, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car has been ordered to pay $24,000. All in all, the total settlement amount comes to approximately $1.379 million.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reported that the driver who was under the influence of alcohol was driving at a speed of 65 mph during the collision in an area that is predominantly residential and has a maximum speed limit of 25 mph.
According to the police affidavit, Komoroski declined a field sobriety test and emitted a strong smell of alcohol. Despite having consumed a beer and a tequila-based drink an hour before the accident, she denied any wrongdoing, as stated by at least one eyewitness at the scene.
After declining to undergo a field sobriety test and provide a breath sample, the accused had a warrant issued against her for blood extraction. The tests revealed that her blood-alcohol content was .261, exceeding South Carolina’s legal limit by over three times. Following her admission of suicidal thoughts to an officer, she was booked into the Charleston County jail under suicide watch. She was charged with three counts of DUI causing serious bodily injury/death and one count of reckless homicide.
The lawsuit filed against all defendants alleged wrongful death and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The bars were specifically targeted for their negligent, grossly negligent, and/or reckless conduct in hiring, supervision, training, and retention. Interestingly, the lawsuit also disclosed that Komoroski was employed at Taco Boy and was purportedly drinking there as well.
According to the lawsuit, Taco Boy was accused of serving an excessive amount of alcohol at a work function, which resulted in Komoroski being able to drive away.
In response to the recent controversy, Taco Boy issued a detailed statement clarifying that their former employee, Komoroski, had been terminated. The restaurant refuted any claims that Komoroski was present on the premises on the day of the tragic accident. Additionally, Taco Boy dismissed allegations of an “officially organized” staff gathering involving drinking or work-related activities as untrue.
The settlement agreement does not mention the name of the restaurant involved.
