A driver whose passengers were severely injured in a 3 a.m. crash won a defense verdict while laying $12 million in damages at the feet of the drunken driver who hit his car.

Michelett Auguste picked up his wife from her job as a dishwasher at the Miami Beach restaurant Prime 112 early May 16, 2010. He agreed to give rides to her coworkers, Kedlen Joachim, 24, and Vilbrun Simeon, 38.