A 40-year-old man from Berkeley County, South Carolina, has been charged with felony DUI with great bodily injury following a serious multi-vehicle crash in North Charleston that left a motorcyclist critically injured. The collision, which occurred over the weekend, highlights the severe and often tragic consequences of driving under the influence.
According to the North Charleston Police Department, Osvaldo Benjamin Bravo-Juarez faces multiple charges, including felony driving under the influence, having an open container of beer or wine, and following too closely. Police say the crash took place around 5 p.m. on Sunday evening at the intersection of Dorchester Road and Gwinnett Street, a busy corridor known for frequent traffic incidents. Cases like this often leave victims facing serious or life-changing injuries, and consulting an experienced Motorcyclist Accident Lawyer can help ensure their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve after such devastating collisions.
The Sequence of the Crash
Investigators reported that Bravo-Juarez was driving westbound on Dorchester Road when he rear-ended a vehicle waiting to turn left in the median. The force of the impact caused his car to veer into the eastbound lane, where it collided with a motorcyclist traveling in the opposite direction.
The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and tragically landed in front of another oncoming vehicle, which struck him after he hit the pavement. Authorities confirmed that the rider suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment.
No other significant injuries were reported, though all four vehicles involved sustained heavy damage.
Open Container and Admission of Alcohol Use
During their investigation, officers discovered an open container of beer inside Bravo-Juarez’s vehicle. Police say the driver admitted to consuming three alcoholic drinks prior to the crash.
He was immediately arrested and charged at the scene. Following his arrest, Bravo-Juarez was booked into the Al Cannon Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Authorities noted that he is also being held for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and no bond has been set for the felony DUI charge.
What Felony DUI Means in South Carolina
Under South Carolina law, a felony DUI charge applies when a driver under the influence causes great bodily injury or death to another person. These are among the most serious driving offenses in the state, carrying harsh penalties including long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, and permanent license revocation.
For a charge of felony DUI with great bodily injury, penalties may include up to 15 years in prison, mandatory restitution to the victim, and loss of driving privileges. Beyond the legal consequences, drivers convicted of felony DUI face a lifetime of personal and financial repercussions that extend far beyond the courtroom.
South Carolina continues to see alarming rates of alcohol-related crashes. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has recorded hundreds of fatalities and serious injuries annually resulting from impaired driving. Authorities regularly stress that even a few drinks can severely affect judgment, reaction times, and coordination all of which are critical when operating a vehicle.
A Dangerous Trend in North Charleston
The intersection of Dorchester Road and Gwinnett Street, where this crash occurred, is a known accident hotspot in North Charleston. With a mix of commercial traffic, residential access, and heavy commuter flow, it poses significant risks particularly when impaired or distracted driving is involved.
Local law enforcement officials say they are intensifying patrols and DUI enforcement efforts to prevent such incidents. The North Charleston Police Department frequently partners with statewide initiatives and campaigns aimed at raising awareness about impaired driving and enforcing zero-tolerance policies.
Despite these efforts, alcohol-related crashes remain a serious issue across Charleston County and the Lowcountry region, with too many families suffering the consequences of preventable collisions.
Impact on the Victim and Community
The motorcyclist injured in this crash has not been publicly identified, but reports confirm that he sustained major injuries after being ejected from his bike and struck by another vehicle. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users lacking the protective barriers that cars and trucks provide.
Even at moderate speeds, collisions involving motorcycles can result in catastrophic outcomes such as traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, or spinal cord damage. Recovery often requires long-term medical care and rehabilitation, placing immense emotional and financial strain on victims and their families.
This incident serves as yet another reminder of the shared responsibility all drivers have to ensure safety on the roads. Driving under the influence not only endangers the driver but also innocent people who share the road with them.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Ongoing Investigation
The North Charleston Police Department continues to investigate the full circumstances of the crash. Investigators are reviewing video footage, witness statements, and evidence collected at the scene to determine whether additional charges may be filed.
Officials have emphasized that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the most preventable causes of serious injury and death in South Carolina. Campaigns such as “Sober or Slammer!” and “Drive Sober, Live Longer” have been implemented to reduce DUI-related incidents, but enforcement alone cannot eliminate the risks created by impaired drivers.
Law enforcement urges anyone who suspects a driver is impaired to report them immediately by calling 911 or the **South Carolina Highway Patrol’s STAR HP (47) hotline.
A Broader Look at DUI in South Carolina
According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, thousands of DUI arrests occur statewide every year. Despite educational programs and awareness campaigns, drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of traffic-related deaths.
In many cases, the individuals charged are repeat offenders or drivers unaware of the severe consequences of their actions. South Carolina’s DUI laws are designed to deter this behavior through strict penalties and public accountability.
Still, incidents like this North Charleston crash show that enforcement alone isn’t enough lasting change requires a cultural shift in how drivers perceive responsibility behind the wheel.
Community Reaction
News of this crash has prompted renewed calls from local residents and safety advocates for stronger DUI prevention measures and more public awareness. Community members say that increasing visibility at dangerous intersections and promoting sobriety checkpoints could make a difference.
Motorcycle safety advocates, meanwhile, are urging drivers to exercise greater caution and awareness, especially in high-traffic areas. They emphasize that motorcyclists have equal rights to the road, and impaired driving poses an even greater threat to their safety.
About Ted Law
Ted Law Firm, remains dedicated to highlighting the dangers of reckless and impaired driving across South Carolina. Each DUI-related crash represents a preventable tragedy that devastates families and communities. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. By sharing these stories, Ted Law underscores the importance of responsibility, accountability, and justice for victims of negligence.Contact us today for a free consultation.
