A serious pedestrian accident in Beaufort, South Carolina has resulted in multiple felony charges against a 46 year old man, a case that a personal injury lawyer may later review when pedestrian victims suffer serious harm due to alleged impaired driving. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Jan. 31 crash left two pedestrians hospitalized and led to charges that include hit and run resulting in great bodily injury and felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury.
Incidents involving pedestrians often raise urgent questions about driver responsibility, impaired driving laws, and the legal consequences of fleeing the scene of a crash. This case highlights the serious criminal and civil implications that can follow when a vehicle strikes individuals on foot.
What Happened on Shell Point Road
The accident occurred around 8 p.m. on Jan. 31 on Shell Point Road near Broad River Drive in Beaufort. Authorities reported that a 2022 Ram pickup truck was traveling east on Shell Point Road when it struck two pedestrians.
According to law enforcement, the driver did not remain at the scene. The South Carolina Highway Patrol later identified the driver as Richard Davidson. Officers located him after the incident and placed him under arrest.
Both pedestrians were transported to a local hospital for treatment. As of Feb. 3, their medical conditions had not been publicly disclosed.
The crash remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Charges Filed Against the Driver
Richard Davidson was charged with:
- Two counts of hit and run resulting in great bodily injury
- Two counts of felony driving under the influence resulting in great bodily injury
These are serious felony level charges under South Carolina law. When bodily injury is classified as great bodily injury, it typically involves significant risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or long term impairment.
Driving under the influence charges become more severe when serious injury occurs. In such cases, prosecutors must establish that the driver was impaired and that the impairment contributed to the crash.
Hit and run charges add another layer of legal exposure. South Carolina law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury to stop immediately, provide assistance, and report the incident. Fleeing the scene can significantly increase penalties.
Bond and Release
Court records indicate that Davidson had a bond hearing on Feb. 1. He received personal recognizance bonds totaling $60,000 and was released from the Beaufort County Detention Center following the hearing.
A personal recognizance bond allows a defendant to be released without paying the full bond amount upfront, based on a promise to appear at future court proceedings. While release on bond allows the accused to remain out of custody, the criminal case continues through the court system.
Understanding Felony DUI Resulting in Great Bodily Injury
Driving under the influence becomes a felony in South Carolina when it results in great bodily injury or death. To secure a conviction, prosecutors generally must prove:
- The driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- The driver committed an act forbidden by law or neglected a legal duty
- The unlawful act or neglect caused great bodily injury
Penalties for felony DUI resulting in great bodily injury may include substantial prison time, heavy fines, license suspension, and mandatory treatment programs.
Impaired driving continues to be a leading cause of serious injury crashes nationwide. Alcohol and drugs impair reaction time, decision making, and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of devastating outcomes.
The Serious Nature of Hit and Run Charges
Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is treated as a serious criminal offense. The law imposes a duty on drivers to stop and render reasonable assistance to injured persons.
Failing to stop can:
- Delay emergency medical treatment
- Increase the severity of injuries
- Obstruct investigation efforts
- Create additional emotional trauma for victims
In cases where great bodily injury occurs, hit and run charges can carry significant prison sentences and long term consequences.
Remaining at the scene and cooperating with authorities is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in protecting injured individuals.
Pedestrian Safety Concerns
Pedestrian accidents often result in severe injuries because individuals on foot have no physical protection against the impact of a vehicle.
Common injuries in pedestrian crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Permanent disability
Nighttime crashes, such as the one reported in Beaufort, may involve additional visibility challenges. Drivers have a responsibility to remain alert and adjust their speed and awareness to road conditions.
When impairment is involved, the risk of failing to see or properly react to pedestrians increases dramatically.
Criminal and Civil Consequences
Criminal charges address violations of state law and may result in incarceration, fines, probation, and license suspension. However, injured pedestrians may also pursue civil claims for damages.
Civil cases focus on compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long term rehabilitation costs
- Future medical care
In civil proceedings, the standard of proof differs from criminal cases. A driver may face civil liability even if criminal charges are reduced or dismissed.
Evidence such as toxicology results, witness statements, and accident reconstruction findings can play important roles in both criminal and civil matters.
The Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Investigators may review:
- Vehicle damage
- Surveillance footage
- Witness accounts
- Toxicology results
- Road and lighting conditions
The outcome of the investigation may influence how the case proceeds in court.
As the legal process unfolds, both the accused and the injured individuals will navigate a complex system that balances accountability with due process.
Why These Cases Matter
Cases involving DUI and pedestrian injuries highlight the broader issue of roadway safety. Impaired driving remains a preventable cause of serious harm.
Every driver has a duty to operate a vehicle responsibly and remain attentive. The combination of alcohol or drugs with driving can produce life altering consequences in seconds.
When pedestrians are struck, the physical and emotional toll can be devastating for victims and their families.
Legal accountability serves not only to address individual cases but also to reinforce the importance of safe driving practices.
About Ted Law
At Ted Law Firm, is a Georgia based personal injury law firm committed to protecting the rights of individuals harmed in serious accidents. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. The firm focuses on ensuring that injured clients receive strong legal advocacy while navigating the complexities of the legal system with confidence and clarity. Contact us today for a free consultation.
