When individuals choose to get behind the wheel of a car or truck after having too much to drink, the results can be devastating and sometimes deadly. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident, you can hold the drunk driver in their insurance company accountable.
The experienced Charleston drunk driving accident lawyers at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can determine your legal options and take the necessary steps to secure the compensation you deserve.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with our experienced Charleston drunk driving accident attorneys, contact our firm directly today.
Charleston Pedestrian Accident Guide
- Why Choose Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers for Your Case?
- How Much Is a Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth in Charleston?
- Common Locations for Charleston Drunk Driving Accidents
- Types of Charleston Drunk Driving Accidents
- Common Injuries in a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a Drunk Driving Accident
- Important Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Charleston
- Speak With Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Why Choose Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers for Your Case?
Drunk driving accidents frequently lead to devastating injuries, usually because they occur at high speeds. If you sustained injuries because of a drunk driver, you need a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team advocating for your rights and interests.
At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, our team will aggressively fight for your rights during settlement negotiations or, if necessary, pursue litigation in the court system. Our small size and limited caseload allow us to give you and your case the attention they deserve.
Some of our most recent client testimonials can be found by clicking here.
Our office currently has locations across the state to best serve you. Let us help you recover the compensation you need for the injuries you suffered in your Charleston drunk driving accident.
How Much Is a Drunk Driving Accident Case Worth in Charleston?
Determining the worth of a drunk driving car accident case in Charleston, South Carolina, involves considering various factors, including the extent of damages incurred and the applicable laws in the state. Victims of such accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation to help them recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
In South Carolina, compensation for drunk driving accidents typically covers economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. Medical expenses encompass the costs of hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical care related to the accident. Lost income damages compensate victims for the income they lost due to the inability to work following the accident, including both past and future earnings. Property damage compensation addresses the repair or replacement of damaged vehicles and other property.
In addition, accident victims may pursue non-economic damages. These include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering damages aim to address the physical and emotional pain the victim experienced as a result of the accident. Emotional distress compensation accounts for the psychological repercussions of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the diminished quality of life the victim experienced due to their accident-related injuries.
In cases of extreme negligence or intentional wrongdoing, the accident victim may pursue punitive damages. Punitive damages seek to punish the at-fault party and deter similar conduct in the future. However, South Carolina law imposes limits on punitive damages, capping them at three times the amount of compensatory damages awarded – or $500,000 – whichever is greater.
To determine the worth of a drunk driving car accident case, it’s essential to consider the unique circumstances of each situation. Our legal team can estimate the likely settlement or verdict value of your case and take appropriate steps to pursue the compensation you need.
Common Locations for Charleston Drunk Driving Accidents
In Charleston, South Carolina, drunk driving accidents often occur in various locations throughout the city, leading to injuries and sometimes even fatalities. These accidents can happen on highways, city streets, and other popular areas where people gather.
One common location for drunk driving accidents in Charleston is along major highways and interstates, such as Interstate 26 and Interstate 526. These roads see heavy traffic, especially during peak hours and weekends, making them susceptible to drunk driving accidents. High speeds on highways combined with the effects of alcohol can lead to devastating collisions, resulting in severe injuries or death.
City streets and intersections are also frequent sites for drunk driving accidents in Charleston. Busy intersections like King Street and Calhoun Street or Meeting Street and Market Street can become dangerous when drivers fail to obey traffic signals or drive recklessly under the influence of alcohol. Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in these areas, facing the risk of being struck by impaired drivers.
Another common location for drunk driving accidents is near popular nightlife spots and entertainment districts, such as King Street and East Bay Street. Bars, restaurants, and clubs in these areas attract large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. Unfortunately, some patrons choose to drive home after consuming alcohol, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident.
Residential neighborhoods and suburban areas are not immune to drunk driving accidents either. Drivers under the influence may mistakenly believe that these quieter areas are safer to navigate while impaired. However, residential streets can pose significant dangers, especially for pedestrians, children playing outside, and other motorists.
Types of Charleston Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving can lead to a variety of accidents, each with its own potential for causing serious injuries or even fatalities:
- One of the most common types of accidents involving drunk drivers is the head-on collision. In these crashes, the intoxicated driver veers into oncoming traffic, often at high speeds, resulting in a direct impact between two vehicles. Head-on collisions can be particularly devastating because they increase the risk of severe injuries or death for both drivers and passengers involved.
- Another frequent outcome of drunk driving is the rear-end collision. Intoxicated drivers may fail to maintain a safe following distance or fail to react in time to slow for stopped vehicles in front of them, leading to rear-end accidents. These crashes can cause whiplash injuries, back injuries, and other types of trauma, especially if the impact occurs at high speeds.
- Side-impact collisions, also called T-bone accidents, are another common consequence of drunk driving. These accidents typically occur at intersections when an impaired driver fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light, resulting in a broadside impact with another vehicle. Side-impact collisions can cause serious injuries, particularly to occupants on the side of the vehicle that the impaired driver’s vehicle strikes.
- Drunk drivers are also prone to causing accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. Intoxicated drivers may fail to observe pedestrians in crosswalks or cyclists sharing the road, leading to collisions with vulnerable road users. Pedestrians and cyclists are at high risk of sustaining severe injuries in these accidents due to their lack of protection compared to occupants of motor vehicles.
- Single-vehicle accidents are another common outcome of drunk driving. Intoxicated drivers may lose control of their vehicles, veer off the road, or collide with fixed objects such as trees, guardrails, or utility poles. These accidents can result in serious injuries or fatalities for the impaired driver and any passengers who are onboard.
Common Injuries in a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident
In Charleston, South Carolina, drunk driving accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor to life-threatening. Understanding the most common injuries that may occur in these accidents can help accident victims seek appropriate medical treatment and pursue compensation for their damages.
- One of the most common injuries in drunk driving accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are forcefully jerked backward and then forward, causing strain to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck. Symptoms of whiplash may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also prevalent in drunk driving accidents. A TBI occurs when the brain sustains damage from a sudden blow or jolt to the head. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, leading to long-term cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological deficits.
- Fractures and broken bones frequently occur in drunk driving accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. Victims may suffer fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, pelvis, or skull, depending on the force of the impact and the manner of the collision. Fractures can cause significant pain, swelling, and limited mobility, requiring surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
- Internal injuries are another common consequence of drunk driving accidents. Blunt force trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause damage to internal organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal injuries may not always be immediately apparent but can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
- Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most serious injuries in drunk driving accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and sensation below the site of the injury. SCIs often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care.
- Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are also prevalent in drunk driving accidents. These injuries may seem minor compared to fractures or TBIs but can still cause significant pain and discomfort, requiring medical attention and time to heal.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a drunk driving accident, our legal team can handle the legal components of your personal injury case while you focus on making a full recovery.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Drunk Driving Accident
After suffering injuries in a Charleston drunk driving accident, fighting the insurance company may be necessary to obtain fair compensation for your damages. Initially, you may receive a settlement offer from the insurance company, but it is essential to carefully evaluate whether it adequately covers your medical expenses, lost income, and other losses.
If the initial settlement offer is insufficient, you have the option to negotiate with the insurance company or pursue litigation in court. Negotiating with the insurance company involves presenting evidence of your injuries, medical bills, and other expenses to support your claim for additional compensation. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can help you navigate this process and aggressively advocate for your rights.
If negotiations fail to reach a satisfactory resolution, you may choose to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurance company. Litigation involves presenting your case before a judge and jury, who will determine the appropriate compensation for your injuries. During the litigation process, we will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and argue your case in court.
Litigation typically involves various challenges, including court appearances, legal proceedings, and the potential for a lengthy process. However, pursuing litigation may be necessary to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Our team can provide invaluable guidance and representation as you seek justice following your Charleston drunk driving accident.
Important Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in Charleston
After being involved in a drunk driving accident in Charleston, South Carolina, it is crucial to take several important steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Ongoing Medical Attention — First, seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. You should also follow through with all recommended medical care.
- Gather Documentation — Next, gather as much documentation as possible related to the accident. This includes obtaining a copy of the police report, documenting the scene of the accident with photographs or videos, and collecting contact information from any witnesses. In addition, keep records of all medical treatment received, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions.
- Preserve Evidence — Preserving evidence is also essential in building a strong personal injury claim. Do not repair or dispose of damaged property, such as your vehicle, until it has been thoroughly documented by your insurance company or legal representative. Keep any physical evidence, such as clothing or personal belongings that may support your case.
- Consult with an Attorney — Finally, contact a personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable in drunk driving accidents. At Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers, we can provide aggressive representation throughout the claims process, advocating for your rights and pursuing maximum compensation for your losses. Time is of the essence in these cases, so do not delay in seeking legal assistance to ensure that your rights are protected.
Speak With Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
If you suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident that took place in Charleston, the experienced legal team at Morris Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can handle every aspect of your case. Our lawyers will aggressively fight for your interests and work to secure the financial recovery you need.
For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced Charleston personal injury attorney, please contact us today at (843) 466-4444.
