South Carolina Jury Awards Family $700K in Deadly Crash with Deputy

March 13, 2012

A jury has awarded $700,000 to the family of a 21-year-old man killed in a head-on crash with a Colleton County deputy who was racing to check on a burglar alarm without turning on his emergency lights and siren.

However, the sheriff’s office has an insurance reserve cap, so Wright’s family will only receive $300,000.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reported that Jake Wright died from head and neck injuries after the January 2009 crash, while his son was injured.

The driving history of the deputy involved in the wreck included 18 moving violations, and Sheriff George Malone said he would review whether the officer should remain with his agency.

Lawyers for the sheriff’s office haven’t decided if they will appeal the verdict.

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Latest Comments

  • March 15, 2012 at 9:58 am
    Susan says:
    How could someone still have their license with 18 moving violations?
  • March 13, 2012 at 2:47 pm
    Mrs Dean Wormer says:
    Yes, why (theoretically) would the insurance cap matter? $300K is covered by insurance, and I would think the sheriff's office or the county or whatever has to cough up the o... read more
  • March 13, 2012 at 2:35 pm
    Ins Guy says:
    I think they should appeal. Maybe they'll adjust the award up-ward and render the cap moot. 18 violations! And, those are the ones he couldn't get out of by saying he was a... read more

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