Kelvin Washington, an elected member of the Richland County Council, was arrested on Saturday, February 27 for driving under the influence. The charges were made in connection with a Hopkins, South Carolina auto accident. The accident occurred when Councilman Washington rear-ended another car at the corner of Bluff Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard in Hopkins, S.C. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the accident happened around 7:45 P.M.
WIS News reports that Councilman Washington’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when the accident occurred. After Councilman Washington hit the car, witnesses report the victim’s vehicle slammed into a utility pole. The driver of the vehicle was a 22-year-old male, who was taken to the hospital in critical condition. He is currently still in ICU. There was also a passenger in the car. Troopers report the passenger is still in the hospital with minor injuries.
This is also not Councilman Washington’s 1st encounter with the law. He recently just pled guilty in a Richland County Court to three counts of tax fraud. To read more about this story, click here.
Contact a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney
When public officials are elected, we trust them to uphold and follow the laws as regular citizens. When a public official violates that trust by driving drunk, we believe they should be held accountable to the fullest extent that the law allows. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed as the result of a drunk driver in South Carolina, then the Goings Law Firm, LLC is here for you. Call our Columbia office at (803) 350-9230.
Contact a Dram Shop and Alcohol Liability Lawyer in Columbia
While it is not clear in the facts of this case, sometimes in a drunk driving accident, the driver has been drinking at a public restaurant or bar. Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other establishments have a legal responsibility not to serve alcohol to patrons who may be intoxicated. In order to hold these businesses responsible, South Carolina has dram shop or social host liability statutes in place to allow the victims of drunk drivers to hold drinking establishments responsible for their negligence. Nevertheless, far too many bars and restaurants continue to over-serve patrons.
Contact the Columbia Legal Team at the Goings Law Firm, LLC Today!
Though nothing can undo the pain that you have already faced in a drunk driving accident, with the help of the Columbia legal team at the Goings Law Firm, LLC you may be able to secure compensation that will help you move forward. Our drunk driving accidents lawyers are ready to hear about your specific situation today. Contact our Columbia offices at (803) 350-9230.