Our South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Help Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents Recover Maximum Compensation
When a drunk driver changes your life in an instant, the physical and emotional toll can feel crushing. Beyond the immediate trauma and injuries, you may face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about your future. At this difficult time, you shouldn't have to navigate the legal system alone.
Our South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers understand the devastating impact these crashes have on victims and their families. We're here to help you seek justice and fair compensation while holding irresponsible drivers accountable for their actions.
Understanding South Carolina Drunk Driving Accident Claims
When someone chooses to drive under the influence, they put everyone on the road at risk. South Carolina law allows victims to pursue compensation through multiple avenues.
Personal Injury Claims Against the Drunk Driver
These claims seek compensation from the at-fault driver's insurance company. We work to prove the driver's negligence through:
- Blood alcohol content test results
- Field sobriety test performance
- Officer observations and testimony
- Physical evidence from the crash scene
- Expert accident reconstruction when needed
- Medical documentation of injuries
- Witness statements about the driver's behavior before the crash
Dram Shop Liability Claims
South Carolina law holds bars, restaurants, and other alcohol-serving establishments accountable when they serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated persons who later cause crashes. We investigate whether:
- The establishment served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person
- Staff ignored clear signs of intoxication
- Proper serving procedures were followed
- The establishment had a history of overserving patrons
- Security cameras captured the driver's condition
- Staff members noticed but failed to intervene
- The establishment properly trained employees on alcohol service
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the drunk driver lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage, we can help you pursue compensation through your own insurance policy's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protection can provide crucial financial support when:
- The at-fault driver has no insurance
- The driver's coverage limits are too low
- The crash involved a hit-and-run situation
- Multiple victims exhaust available insurance coverage
Types of Compensation Available to Drunk Driving Accident Victims
Our South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyers pursue every type of compensation available under state law. We understand that the financial impact of a drunk driving crash extends far beyond immediate medical bills, and we work diligently to ensure our clients receive full and fair compensation for all their losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages address the direct financial costs resulting from your accident. These include your current and future medical treatment expenses, from emergency room visits to ongoing rehabilitation. We work with medical experts to project the full cost of your future care needs, ensuring your settlement accounts for long-term treatment.
Economic damages also cover lost wages if you're unable to work, reduced earning capacity if you can't return to your previous job, and property damage to your vehicle. Additional expenses like home modifications for disabilities, in-home care services, medical equipment, prescription medications, and transportation to medical appointments can also be included if appropriate.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages acknowledge the profound personal impact of drunk driving accidents beyond monetary losses. These damages compensate you for physical pain and emotional suffering endured during and after the accident. They also address the mental anguish and emotional distress that often follows traumatic crashes, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Spouses can also claim damages for loss of consortium when injuries affect marital relationships.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages that compensate victims for specific losses, punitive damages serve to punish drunk drivers and deter others from similar behavior. Punitive damages acknowledge the driver's conscious decision to endanger others by driving while intoxicated.
South Carolina allows higher punitive damages in drunk driving cases compared to other personal injury claims—reflecting the state's strong stance against impaired driving. When we pursue punitive damages, we send a clear message that our communities won't tolerate this reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk.
How Our South Carolina Legal Team Protects Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Crash
After a drunk driving accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement. Don't fall for this tactic. Our experienced attorneys will:
- Document all damages. We thoroughly assess current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic losses like pain and suffering. This includes consulting with medical experts to project future care needs.
- Investigate liability. Our team gathers police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to build a strong case. We work with accident reconstruction specialists when necessary.
- Handle insurance companies. We manage all communication with insurers so you can focus on recovery without worrying about saying something that could harm your claim. This includes negotiating for fair settlement offers.
- Identify all responsible parties. Beyond the drunk driver, we investigate potential claims against establishments that overserved alcohol or social hosts who provided alcohol to clearly intoxicated guests.