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It only takes a moment for an ordinary day to turn into a life-altering event — especially when someone makes the reckless decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving car accidents in Charleston County can have devastating consequences, often leaving victims with serious injuries, ongoing medical costs, and car repair bills.
If you were hurt because of someone else’s choice to drive while intoxicated, it is important that you speak with an auto wreck attorney to discuss your legal options.
South Carolina law makes it clear that driving under the influence (DUI) is illegal. Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-2930, it is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in a quantity substantial enough to cause impairment. A DUI conviction can result in steep fines, jail time, and suspension of the person’s driver’s license.
However, these criminal penalties do not provide much comfort to the people harmed by a drunk driver’s actions. For impaired driving auto crash victims in Charleston County, pursuing a civil personal injury claim is often necessary to seek compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional toll of the crash.
Our attorneys could help you seek fair compensation for all your losses. Some of the most common injuries in drunk driving auto collisions in Charleston County include:
Many victims of drunk driving car crashes also face psychological effects, such as PTSD and increased anxiety related to driving.
In addition to emergency and ongoing medical expenses, drunk driving car collision victims in Charleston County often face other significant financial losses. These may include vehicle repair or replacement costs and lost wages due to time away from work. For substantial injuries involving long-term or permanent injuries, compensation for pain and suffering may also be available. If the crash resulted in a death, surviving family members may seek damages for funeral and burial expenses. While it is not common, some cases include punitive damages if the at-fault driver showed a particularly damaging disregard for their legal duties to safely operate a vehicle.
If you were injured in a car crash in Charleston County caused by a drunk driver, working with an experienced attorney could significantly improve your chances of securing full and fair compensation. A lawyer could begin by gathering key evidence, such as police reports and medical records, to analyze the details of the case and conduct any necessary follow-up investigation. They could then help establish the other driver’s negligence. An attorney could also calculate the full extent of your damages. Once fault and damages are established, they could use that information to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and offer guidance on any settlement offers you receive.
If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, an attorney could file a civil lawsuit and represent you throughout the legal process. Legal counsel could also ensure that you meet important filing deadlines and have all the necessary evidence and documentation to put forward the best possible case.
Drunk driving car accidents in Charleston County often lead to serious injuries and financial burdens. Taking legal action may be the best way to pursue the compensation you need. Call today to speak with a compassionate and dedicated attorney from The Farmer Law Firm who could review your case and help you move forward.