Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Murrells Inlet
A drunk driving accident can be a life-changing experience, often bringing about overwhelming emotions, physical pain, and financial strain. At Morris Law Firm, we understand the challenges you're facing.
Our dedicated Murrells Inlet drunk driving accident attorneys are here to guide you through this difficult time, offering compassionate legal representation and a commitment to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Murrells Inlet
- Why Choose Our Murrells Inlet Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers?
- Murrells Inlet Drunk Driving Accident Compensation
- Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Occur in Murrells Inlet?
- Types of DUI Accidents We See
- Common Injuries from Vehicle Accidents
- Fighting the Insurance Company After a DUI Accident
- What to Do After a Murrells Inlet DUI Accident
Why Choose Our Murrells Inlet Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers?
At Morris Law Firm, we have a clear focus: to provide outstanding legal representation to each of our clients without spreading ourselves too thin.
Our success stories speak volumes, with significant results achieved for past clients, including $600,000 for a rear-end collision victim with broken ribs, $220,000 for a back surgery requirement, and $300,000 for neck surgery.
These outcomes testify to our thorough approach and commitment to those we serve.
Our team, consisting of four dedicated local attorneys, takes a personalized approach to each case. We're deeply rooted in the community of Murrells Inlet, with an office located at 11054 SC-707 near St. James High School. This local presence allows us to understand our clients on a personal level, not just as case numbers.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality over quantity. Unlike high-volume firms, our selective approach means your case gets the attention it deserves. We're not just your lawyers; we're your partners in this journey, ensuring that communication is clear and your voice is heard every step of the way.
Who Do We Serve?
Our client base is as diverse as the community we serve. We represent hardworking people from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Columbia, and Aiken, SC - people just like you who have been wrongfully injured or lost loved ones due to the negligence of others.
At Morris Law Firm, you'll speak to a lawyer the same day you call, ensuring immediate attention to your case.
Murrells Inlet Drunk Driving Accident Compensation
In drunk driving accident cases, many victims rightfully want to know how much their cases are worth. The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances of the accident.
Our goal at Morris Law Firm is to ensure you receive fair compensation covering medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. We look into the specifics of your case to determine the most appropriate compensation for your unique situation.
Medical Expenses
When you're involved in a drunk driving accident, medical expenses can be a significant concern. These expenses may include emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments. To recover these costs, victims must show that they are directly related to injuries sustained in the accident.
We at Morris Law Firm assist by gathering all relevant medical records, bills, and expert testimony to prove the extent and necessity of these expenses.
Lost Wages
If your injuries have forced you to take time off work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes not only the income lost from the time missed but also any future earnings lost due to your inability to return to work or the same level of employment.
Proving lost income requires documentation such as pay stubs, employment records, and, in some cases, expert testimony regarding your earning potential.
Our lawyers are skilled in compiling and presenting this evidence to ensure you obtain fair compensation for any loss of income.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages include the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident. This type of compensation is subjective and can vary significantly from case to case.
We work closely with our clients to understand the full impact of their injuries on their daily lives. This may involve gathering medical records, personal journals, and expert opinions on the psychological impact of the accident.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or any personal belongings sustained damage because of the drunk driving accident, you can usually obtain compensation for property damage. This includes the cost of repairs or the replacement value of damaged items. Our firm helps by obtaining estimates, repair bills, and appraisals to accurately assess the extent of the damage.
Future Medical Care and Rehabilitation Costs
In cases where injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability, future medical care and rehabilitation costs become a component of your compensation. This might include ongoing therapies, future surgeries, and adaptive equipment.
Proving these future costs often requires medical expert testimony and detailed life care plans. Our firm has experience coordinating with medical professionals to project these expenses accurately and fight for a settlement covering these future needs.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life refers to the limitations and changes in your lifestyle post-accident. This might include the inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or other activities you once enjoyed. Proving this loss often involves personal statements, testimony from family and friends, and, in some cases, psychological evaluations.
Our team at Morris Law Firm is dedicated to understanding and articulating how the accident has changed your life, ensuring that this often-overlooked aspect of your suffering is recognized and compensated.
In each aspect of compensation, our firm is committed to a thorough investigation, gathering compelling evidence, and advocating relentlessly on your behalf. Our goal is to ensure that your claim addresses the full range of your losses so that you receive the full compensation you deserve for the hardships you've endured.
Where Do Drunk Driving Accidents Occur in Murrells Inlet?
Murrells Inlet sees its share of accidents, especially along major routes like Highway 17 and SC-707. Our familiarity with local roadways and traffic patterns aids us in comprehensively understanding and presenting each case.
Some of the common places where DUI accidents can occur in Murrells Inlet are:
- The MarshWalk: This popular waterfront attraction features several bars and restaurants that serve alcohol. While most visitors enjoy the scenic views and live music responsibly, some may drink too much and get behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk of a serious crash.
- Waccamaw Drive: This road runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean and connects Murrells Inlet to Garden City and Surfside Beach. It is often crowded with tourists and locals who want to access the beach or the fishing pier. DUI accidents can happen when alcohol or drug-impaired drivers fail to follow the traffic rules or pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Vestry Drive: This road intersects with Highway 707 and leads to several residential and commercial areas. It is also close to the Waccamaw Community Hospital, where emergency responders take many DUI accident victims for treatment. Vestry Drive can be a dangerous place for DUI accidents when drivers are speeding, running red lights, or swerving across lanes under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
These are just some examples of where DUI accidents can happen in Murrells Inlet. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an accident a drunk driver caused, you need a skilled and experienced lawyer who can get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation. We can fight for your rights and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Types of DUI Accidents We See
At our law firm, we recognize the unique challenges and impacts of each type of vehicle accident. Each kind of accident can result in different types of injuries:
Head-on Collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of vehicle accidents, often occurring when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions crash into each other. These accidents can result from various situations, such as a driver veering into oncoming traffic. The impact of head-on collisions is significant due to the combined speed of both vehicles, frequently leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Rear-end Accidents
Rear-end accidents typically happen when one vehicle collides with the back of another. These are common at traffic stops or lights and can be caused by distracted driving or sudden braking.
Common injuries from rear-end accidents include whiplash, where the sudden jolt causes neck strain, and spinal injuries due to the force exerted on the spine.
T-bone Accidents
T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, often occur at intersections. These accidents happen when the front of one vehicle crashes into the side of another.
The vehicle's occupants that the other driver hit on the side are especially vulnerable as the side offers less protection than the front or rear of a vehicle. Injuries from T-bone accidents can be particularly severe, including broken bones and internal injuries.
Common Injuries from Vehicle Accidents
Each type of vehicle accident can result in a range of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on the victims. Here are some of the common injuries we see:
Broken Bones
The force of a vehicle collision can easily result in broken bones. The severity can vary greatly, from simple fractures that may heal with a cast to more complex breaks requiring surgery.
Head and Brain Injuries
Head and brain injuries are some of the most serious consequences of vehicle accidents. They can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have lasting effects on cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can occur, particularly in high-impact collisions like head-on and T-bone accidents. These injuries can lead to varying degrees of paralysis and long-term disability.
Emotional Trauma
The impact of a vehicle accident isn't just physical. Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are common after experiencing such an event.
Fighting the Insurance Company After a DUI Accident
If you've been in a car accident, you know how stressful dealing with the insurance company can be. They often try to reduce or deny your claim. At Morris Law Firm, we know how to handle these tricks and fight for your rights.
One thing they might do is doubt how serious your injuries are. They might say that you were not hurt as much as you claim or that you had those injuries before the accident.
We don't let them get away with that. We collect and show them strong medical evidence, such as detailed reports, expert opinions, and treatment records, to prove the severity of your injuries and the fact that your accident caused them.
Another thing they might do is question the need for certain medical treatments or procedures. They might say that you did not need some of the care you received or that it was too costly.
We don't let them do that either. We work with medical professionals to explain why every part of your treatment was necessary and reasonable and ensure that your medical needs are fully recognized and valued.
The insurer might also try to delay the claims process, hoping that you will get tired and accept a low settlement. We know how hard this can be for you financially and emotionally, and we are ready to push the insurance company to speed up the process. Our team keeps in touch with the insurers, making them answer and act promptly.
The insurance company might offer you a quick settlement that is much lower than what your claim is worth. This often happens before you know how bad your injuries are and how they will affect you in the long run. We don't let them take advantage of you like that. We carefully evaluate the accident's full impact- now and in the future - to ensure that any settlement offer covers all your damages, including future medical costs and lost income.
Another common tactic the insurance company might use is scrutinizing the accident details, looking for any chance to blame you for some of the fault, which can lower your claim’s value.
We don’t let them do that either.
Our team carefully reviews all the accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence to build a clear, factual picture of what happened and to protect your claim from being unfairly reduced.
At Morris Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping you deal with the insurance companies. Our deep knowledge of insurance companies and our legal skills ensure the insurance company respects your rights and that you get the full compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Murrells Inlet DUI Accident
After seeking medical attention, follow your treatment plans, keep all receipts and documentation, and obtain a copy of the police report. Writing in a journal about your daily struggles and recovery can also provide valuable insights into the accident's impact on your life. Bringing this information to Morris Law Firm will help us build a stronger case on your behalf, ensuring we account for every detail in our pursuit of justice.
At Morris Law Firm, we're with you in this journey, offering a partnership that goes beyond the courtroom. Contact our personal injury lawyers in Murrells Inlet today or call (843) 466-4444 to discuss your case and take the first step towards recovery and justice.