According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 37 people die in the United States every day due to drunk-driving crashes. That is about one person every 39 minutes.
However, what makes this situation even more devastating for the community in Columbia is that drunk driving is not only a national issue but a local issue.
The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility indicates that in South Carolina, around 285 people die every year because of drunk driving.
However, if you or a loved one suffered injuries in a drunk driving accident in Columbia, South Carolina, you may have legal options and financial remedies you can pursue.
More importantly, when you work with an experienced Columbia drunk driving lawyer from the Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, you will not have to take on this complex legal battle yourself.
- About the Legal Team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
- Common Accidents Resulting From Drunk Driving in Columbia
- The Injuries That Can Result From a Drunk Driving Accident
- Who Is Liable Following a Drunk Driving Accident in Columbia?
- What Financial Damages Can You Pursue Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident?
- The Time Period To Pursue Legal Action Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident
- Taking Action After a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident
- Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident, Reach Out to the Law Firm of Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
About the Legal Team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, our mission has always been to give victims of an accident and their loved ones the best possible representation, customer service, and settlements we can.
That is why when our legal team takes on a case, we are committed to serving our clients, fighting for their rights, and providing them the legal services they require during this difficult time.
We also strive to provide clients with a value-driven approach to each case we handle, meaning we communicate and strategize with our clients so they understand every part of the process and that their needs and goals are met.
As a result of this work and dedication to those injured, we have been able to secure millions of dollars on their behalf through settlements and jury trial verdicts.
If you endured harm in a drunk driving accident in Columbia, reach out to our legal team today to schedule a free case consultation and figure out what legal options you have and how our experienced drunk driving lawyers can help you.
Common Accidents Resulting From Drunk Driving in Columbia
Alcohol reduces the brain's functions, impairing not only thinking but muscle coordination and reasoning – all abilities necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Consequently, when individuals get behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol in Columbia, it can lead to tragic accidents, including:
- Head-on crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Rear-end accidents
- Wrong-way collisions
Regardless of what type of crash you were involved in, if it was due to a drunk driver, reach out to an experienced Columbia drunk driving attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can thoroughly review what happened, determine if you have a viable legal claim, and help you figure out the legal options you may have.
The Injuries That Can Result From a Drunk Driving Accident
Drunk driving accidents produce devastating crashes, resulting in catastrophic trauma, life-long disabilities, and extensive pain and suffering.
Yet, while your injuries will depend on the accident, some of the more common injuries that result from a Columbia drunk driving accident include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Severe disfigurement and scarring
- Facial trauma, including eye injuries
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Broken bones
- Wrongful death
In addition, these injuries can also lead to astronomical medical expenses that can forever impact a victim and their families.
That is why, if you suffered harm in a drunk driving accident in Columbia, reach out to the legal team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers as soon as you can.
Our attorneys can figure out not only the total extent of your losses and injuries but we can also help you fight for maximum compensation to make sure all your losses and damages are covered.
Who Is Liable Following a Drunk Driving Accident in Columbia?
If you suffered harm in a drunk driving accident in Columbia, you can hold various individuals and establishments accountable for the crash, including:
- The intoxicated driver
- A restaurant or bar, if certain elements are met
- Liable third parties who contributed to the accident
- Social hosts, if alcohol was served to individuals under the age of 21
However, to know which of these parties you can hold liable for a drunk driving accident, reach out to the law firm of Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers. Our experienced drunk driving accident attorneys can review what happened, figure out which parties contributed to or caused the accident, and help you hold each of these parties accountable for the harm and losses they caused you.
What Financial Damages Can You Pursue Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of the Columbia drunk driving accident, accident victims may recover financial damages, including:
Economic Damages
These damages refer to compensation for the actual costs resulting from an accident.
These costs include:
- Bills related to medical expenses following the crash due to doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescription medications, and other types of medical care
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Follow-up care or ongoing medical treatment costs
- Lost income due to missing work, reduced earning capacity, and lost bonuses
- Expenses due to replacement domestic services
Non-economic Damages
These damages are more challenging to quantify than economic damages since they include payment for the intangible losses.
Non-economic damages generally include:
- Physical pain and suffering as a result of the injuries
- Mental suffering and emotional distress
- Reputation damage
- Loss of companionship
- Inconvenience because of injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
You may seek punitive damages following a Columbia drunk driving accident if you can prove through clear and convincing evidence that the wrongful party's reckless or willful acts harmed you.
Consequently, following a drunk driving accident, discuss your accident with our experienced Columbia drunk driving lawyers. Our legal professionals can not only examine your losses and review the facts of the crash, but we can also determine what financial remedies you can pursue and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Time Period To Pursue Legal Action Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident
According to the statute of limitations in South Carolina, drunk driving accident victims will only have three years from the crash to bring a lawsuit. If they fail to file their case before the deadline, they can lose their ability to pursue the compensation they deserve. In addition, exceptions may apply to these laws.
Before you run out of time to file your case, discuss your accident with a skilled Columbia drunk driving accident attorney as soon as you can.
At Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers, our legal team can not only review the applicable statutes and determine how much time you have to bring your legal suit, but we can also help you prepare and submit the necessary motions and files before time runs out.
Taking Action After a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident
Following a drunk driving accident, your safety and your health should be your number one priority. However, taking other steps after this crash can also help you with your legal case and going after the money you deserve.
That is why, following after a Columbia drunk driving accident:
Call 911 After the Crash
Immediately after the drunk driving accident, you or someone at the scene needs to call 911. Reaching out to the authorities right after the accident can help ensure you get the medical care you require and get the police to the scene. Once the officers investigate the accident, they can write their findings in their police report. A drunk driving accident lawyer can use this report to gather further information about the crash and use the details to help you fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Get to a Doctor and Get Examined
No matter how minor the injuries may appear after a drunk driving accident, it is critical you get to a healthcare professional after the accident.
It is not uncommon for many accident victims not to know the extent of their injuries until days or weeks after an accident. However, the longer they wait for the medical treatment they require, the more deadly the condition can become.
After you get evaluated, the doctor can also write down their findings in their medical report, which a skilled drunk driving accident attorney can use to show the extent of your injuries and use as proof of a connection between the harm sustained and the drunk driving collision.
Let Our Experienced Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Help You
Following a Colombia drunk driving accident, the last thing you should worry about is gathering evidence following the crash. Your priority should be resting and getting better, not looking for witnesses or taking pictures of the collision.
When you retain our experienced Columbia drunk driving accident attorneys, you will not have to take on this investigation yourself.
Instead, our lawyers can promptly get to work looking for evidence that can help your legal case, such as securing photos and videos of the:
- Drunk driving accident scene
- The vehicles involved
- Visible injuries
- Vehicle placement on the road
- Traffic signs near the scene of the crash
- Skid marks
- The weather and traffic at the time of the accident
- Any other evidence that can help show that the other driver was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, such as their conduct or beer bottles in the car.
These lawyers can also talk to individuals who saw the accident and get their information. These witnesses are incredibly helpful after an accident because they can help provide the attorney with further details regarding what happened and offer testimony that can be used to help validate your case.
Hold on to Receipts and Reports
Hold on to all the bills, receipts, and reports associated with the crash. Your lawyer can use these documents to help them prepare the strongest legal case on your behalf and go after the maximum financial damages you deserve.
Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer - FAQ
Q1: What should I do after a drunk driving accident in Columbia, South Carolina?
After a drunk driving accident, prioritize your safety by seeking immediate medical attention. Contact the police to report the accident, gather evidence at the scene (if possible), and get the drunk driver’s insurance information. It's crucial to consult an experienced Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Q2: Who can be held liable in a drunk driving accident case?
In a drunk driving accident case, the intoxicated driver is typically held liable. However, under South Carolina's dram shop liability laws, a bar, restaurant, or social host may also be liable if they served alcohol to the drunk driver before the accident. An experienced drunk driving accident attorney can investigate your case and determine all liable parties.
Q3: What types of compensation can I seek after a drunk driving accident?
You can seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases of severe injury, you may also be entitled to punitive damages if the intoxicated driver’s behavior was particularly reckless. A Columbia car accident attorney can help you pursue full and fair compensation for all your losses.
Q4: How can a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer help me?
An experienced drunk driving accident lawyer in Columbia can handle the legal complexities of your case, negotiate with the drunk driver’s insurance company, gather evidence, and represent you in court if necessary. Your lawyer will work to secure compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and future medical care.
Q5: What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers 21 and older. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, it's 0.02%. If an intoxicated driver exceeds these limits and causes a car crash, they can face both civil and criminal charges.
Q6: What should I do if the drunk driver is uninsured or underinsured?
If the drunk driver responsible for the accident lacks sufficient insurance coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. A Columbia car accident lawyer can help you navigate your insurance policy and explore all options for compensation.
Q7: What are the common injuries in drunk driving accidents?
Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries, including neck injuries, head trauma, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries. These injuries can lead to long-term medical expenses, lost income, and a reduced quality of life. An experienced car accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for both immediate and future medical expenses.
Q8: What is the process for filing a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident?
Filing a personal injury claim involves gathering evidence, proving the intoxicated driver’s negligence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurance companies. A Columbia personal injury lawyer will handle every step of the process, ensuring that your claim is filed on time and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Q9: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault in the accident?
South Carolina follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can help minimize any fault attributed to you.
Q10: How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury case, including drunk driving accidents, is three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing your right to seek compensation. It’s essential to consult a drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Q11: What is dram shop liability in South Carolina?
Dram shop liability holds bars, restaurants, or other establishments accountable if they serve alcohol to an intoxicated person who later causes an accident. If a business in Columbia served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated driver, they may share responsibility for the drunk driving accident. A car accident lawyer can investigate and determine if dram shop liability applies to your case.
Q12: What damages are common in drunk driving accident claims?
Drunk driving accident victims often seek damages for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. In some cases, future medical expenses and compensation for permanent disabilities or long-term care may also be recovered. An experienced car accident attorney will help you pursue full and fair compensation.
Q13: Can I file a claim on behalf of a loved one who died in a drunk driving accident?
Yes, in South Carolina, family members of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death claim. This claim can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one. A Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer can guide you through the process.
Q14: How much does it cost to hire a drunk driving accident attorney in Columbia?
Many personal injury attorneys, including drunk driving accident lawyers, work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. A free consultation is often available, so you can discuss your case with an experienced lawyer and learn more about your legal options.
Q15: How can I schedule a free consultation with a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer?
Most Columbia car accident attorneys offer free consultations. You can contact a law office directly by phone or through their website to schedule a meeting. During the consultation, the attorney will review your case and explain how they can help you pursue compensation.
By consulting a qualified Columbia drunk driving accident attorney, you can ensure your rights are protected and work toward securing compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Following a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident, Reach Out to the Law Firm of Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered harm in a Columbia drunk driving accident, reach out to Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers today.
When our attorneys are retained to take on your legal fight, we can quickly get to work, reviewing the crash, determining whether you have a viable case, and figuring out what legal actions you should take next. Reach out to a Columbia personal injury lawyer.
From there, we can:
- Investigate the collision and secure evidence that can help show what happened, who was at fault, and the extent of the damages.
- Hire experts to help substantiate your case, including doctors, financial experts, and accident reconstructionist specialists.
- Make sure that documents are filed before time runs out.
- Take on the insurance company and their representatives, and fight for a fair settlement offer.
- Determine if we should take your case to trial and pursue maximum compensation, especially if the other side does not provide you with the just amount you need.
Do not wait any longer to get the help you need following a Columbia drunk driving accident. Instead, contact the legal team at Morris Law Accident Injury Lawyers at (843) 466-4444, and find out your legal options and how our team can provide you with the legal help you need.
