Thomas Davis and Abby Davis Die in Lake Greenwood Boat Crash

FATAL BOATING UNDER INFLUENCE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the Yamaha boat involved in the fatal crash on Lake Greenwood was operating without proper navigation lights at the time of the incident. In contrast, the Alumacraft boat it struck from behind had fully functioning navigation lights.

Boating under the influence (BUI) remains a leading cause of fatal boating accidents in the U.S., with alcohol contributing to an estimated 18% of boating deaths, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

As criminal charges move forward against Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III—who was found to be under the influence and is now facing two felony BUI counts—legal experts say an independent investigation is also critical. This could include examining the results of blood-alcohol content testing and other potential contributing factors.

“Separate from criminal charges, a victim’s family may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Candice Bond, Managing Partner of Bond Legal and a national analyst for The Legal Advocate.

“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” Bond explained. “Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide grieving families during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions.”

WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIMS

Pending the results of the ongoing investigation, the families of Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims. Such claims can help cover funeral and medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and the profound loss of love and companionship.

“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person's death,” said Candice Bond, Of Counsel with Bond Legal. “When accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”

Legal experts emphasize that, alongside any criminal charges, a civil case can provide families with both accountability and the resources needed to begin healing.

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.

(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).