Fentanyl And Motor Vehicles Are A Deadly Combination

To many in South Carolina, or anywhere in the United States for that matter, “fentanyl” is one of the scariest words in the English language.  Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug 50 times as strong as morphine, which means that it is about twice as strong as heroin, the world’s scariest drug of a generation ago.  More fatal drug overdoses in the United States involve fentanyl than any other drug.  Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means that, despite being in the highest risk category for abuse, it still has legally accepted medical uses.  For example, anesthesiologists sometimes administer fentanyl as one of a combination of drugs during surgery.  It can also be prescribed on an outpatient basis for pain relief, usually in the form of transdermal patches; this application of fentanyl is most often indicated for patients with cancer.  In combat and other situations where injured people are far from hospitals, first responders give patients fentanyl lollipops for temporary pain relief until the patient can reach a doctor.  Fentanyl is prevalent in the illegal drug supply because of its low price relative to its potency.  If you have been injured in an accident where the driver was under the influence of fentanyl, contact a Columbia car accident lawyer.

Young Man Who Drove Under the Influence of Fentanyl Gets 10 Years in Prison After Causing Fatal Accident

In September 2023, Jeffery Chase Miller, who was 18 years old at the time, was driving on Paraham Road in York County, when he crossed the center lane into oncoming traffic and struck the car of an elderly couple head on as it approached.  Jose Guzman was injured but survived, but his wife Reyna Guzman died of her injuries.  She was 66 years old.  In addition to her husband, she was survived by her children, her grandchildren, and many friends in her church community.

Miller was arrested at the scene of the accident, and a blood test showed that he was under the influence of fentanyl.  He did not have a prior criminal record.  He was charged with one count of DUI resulting in death and another count of DUI resulting in great bodily injury.  If he had been convicted of both counts and received the maximum sentence, he could have spent 40 years in prison.

Instead, his lawyers negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors, where the maximum sentence the judge could impose if Miller pleaded guilty was 15 years.  Miller entered a guilty plea, and in November 2024, the criminal court sentenced him to ten years in prison.

If the Guzman family files a civil lawsuit in relation to the accident, Miller’s guilty plea in the criminal case will count in their favor.  Victims of drugged driving accidents have the right to file civil lawsuits even if the driver does not receive criminal charges or is acquitted.

Let Us Help You Today

The personal injury lawyers at the Stanley Law Group can help you pursue a complaint related to a drugged driving accident.  Contact The Stanley Law Group in Columbia, South Carolina or call (803)799-4700 for a free initial consultation.

Source:

heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article295796474.html