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Greenville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

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Being struck by a drunk driver can lead to extensive and ongoing health complications. These types of preventable accidents put the lives of others at risk on a consistent basis. Yet, as a Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer, we see this occurring rather commonly. If you were struck by a driver and suffered injuries, allow our Greenville car accident attorney to work closely with you to pursue the compensation owed to you and hold those responsible accountable for your losses.

greenville drunk driving accident lawyer

How much does it cost to hire a Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer?

Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless and until we win your case. We also provide free consultations.

What should I do after being hit by a drunk driver?

Did you do the right thing after the accident? This is often a question for our accident attorneys here. Here is what you should do in the best-case scenario.

1. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance

Call 911 as soon as possible. The dispatcher will tell you what additional steps to take depending on the specific details of your scenario. In many situations, you will need to have an ambulance come to the location to check you out and ensure that you are safe. Going to the emergency room for a full physical is nearly always advisable.

2. Tell your side of the story to the responding police officer

When the police arrive, provide information about what you experienced. Be specific but do not admit any guilt. Do not apologize for the incident nor state, “I should have…” Just provide facts about what occurred. Be honest and clear. If you do not remember, that is okay, and be sure to communicate that to the police.

3. Gather evidence at the scene

If it is safe for you to do so, gather evidence at the scene. This could include speaking to witnesses and getting their contact information. It may be in your best interest to take photos and a slow video of the entire scene. Capture information about all those involved, the damage to your car, and the layout of the location. This could help you later.

4. Visit urgent care or your primary care physician

Go to the doctor. If you do not take an ambulance there, you should go to the urgent care or set up an appointment for an urgent appointment with your doctor. The key here is to make sure you are checked out not just on the day of the incident but also in the days following, as you could have hard-to-spot injuries that may not become obvious for some time.

5. Meet with a Greenville drunk driving accident attorney to understand your legal options

Meeting with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Greenville will help you to get your side of the story told. Our legal team will work to ensure that we obtain the necessary evidence to support your claims. We also work diligently to ensure your right to compensation is protected.

Drunk driving laws in South Carolina

The South Carolina Code of Laws prohibits motorists from operating vehicles with a BAC of over 0.08 percent. Depending on the availability of other evidence, a motorist can also be regarded as driving under the influence with a BAC of between 0.05 percent and 0.08 percent. Other South Carolina drunk driving laws to keep in mind include:

  • A first DUI offense results in fines of up to $400, plus imprisonment of up to 30 days and driver’s license suspension for six months.
  • A second DUI offense prompts fines of up to $5,100, along with up to one year in jail and one year of driver’s license suspension.
  • If the motorist has a third offense, fines could reach $6,300, while imprisonment could last up to three years.
  • The time period for license suspension depends on how much time passes between the second and third offenses.
  • Felony DUI can occur if impairment-prompted crash results in death or significant bodily injury.
  • Refusal to submit to BAC testing can lead to an automatic license suspension of 90 or 180 days.

Regardless of what happens in criminal court, it’s possible for the victim to seek personal injury damages. The response to a drunk driving accident could potentially encompass both civil and criminal consequences.

greenville drunk driving injury attorney

How long do I have to file a claim?

Typically, you have three years from the date of the car accident to file a claim for compensation or a lawsuit in a court of law, although for some defendants, you only have two years. However, we encourage you not to wait. Call our Greenville drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the sooner we can work to ensure all evidence is gathered and that you get the support you need.

Who’s liable for my injury?

Our Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer will help determine what your losses are but also who may be responsible, which may include:

  • The other driver
  • The company that the driver is working with
  • The vehicle manufacturer, if faulty parts occurred
  • The bar that served them alcohol, knowing they were intoxicated

How our Greenville drunk driving accident attorneys prove negligence

Our Greenville car accident lawyers are committed to working closely with you to ensure your rights remain protected throughout this legal process. Our goal is to determine who is at fault and then obtain the evidence of that so we can pursue compensation for you.

We fight the insurance company to get you the maximum compensation

Insurance companies are not on your side. They want to settle for far less than what you are owed. We fight against this by ensuring they treat you fairly and provide the compensation you are owed.

“Dos” and “don’ts” of dealing with insurance after a crash

Keep the following in mind:

  • Do call the police even if the other person seems like they are going to work with you
  • Do provide accurate and factual information about what the driver was doing prior to the accident
  • Do contact our attorney even if you have already spoken to the insurance company.
  • Do not admit that you played any role in the accident, such as stopping too fast.
  • Do not believe that the insurance company is being honest with you about paying a fair settlement.
  • Do not give up and settle too quickly just to get the money for your bills.

Drunk driving statistics in South Carolina

Drunk driving is far too common in Greenville, as evidenced by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Several alarming statistics that reveal the frequency and severity of drunk driving accidents are highlighted below:

  • In 2020, 29.6 percent of driving fatalities in South Carolina involved alcohol impairment. That year, there were a total of 315 alcohol-related traffic fatalities, a 14 percent increase despite a 7 percent decline in driving due to the pandemic
  • In 2020, 289.6 drivers out of every 100,000 licensed in South Carolina were issued DUIs
  • 1,064 people died in traffic accidents in 2020 in South Carolina. South Carolina’s mileage death rate (MDR) rose to 1.98.

Why do I need to go to the doctor after a crash?

Do not put off getting the medical care you need. Doing so may mean that you did not need that care, or it may lead the insurance company to suspect that your injuries are less severe than they are. Your doctor can help document your care while also ensuring you are okay.

Why you can trust Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law

There’s no room for complacency after a drunk driving accident. As you deal with not only severe physical injuries but also financial struggles and a whirlwind of emotions, it’s important to seek justice.

You can’t necessarily count on the criminal system to deliver the justice you desire, but you can at least seek damages while working with a drunk driving accident lawyer.

Your attorney can help you demonstrate the role of alcohol in your crash — and how you’ve suffered as a result. With strong legal support, you may be able to recover damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and more.

Our Greenville drunk driving accident lawyers are here to help

On the hunt for a Greenville drunk driving accident attorney? Look no further than Smith Jordan Attorneys at Law. Our trusted team of lawyers can help you secure compensation for your suffering. We’ll guide you through the entire process.

Our goal is to keep your stress to a minimum while getting the damages you deserve. You’ll never regret working with an experienced South Carolina drunk driving accident lawyer. Contact us online or call (864) 343-2222 to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common are drunk driving car accidents?

Drunk driving car accidents remain a grim reality in the United States. One report estimated that over 10,000 individuals died in the U.S. due to drunk driving-related crashes during 2018, or nearly 30 deaths every day of the year. In addition to these fatalities, drunk driving-related crashes also accounted for an annual economic cost of around $44 billion – a costly reminder of the devastating effect of this type of accident. Despite increased national awareness and awareness campaigns like ‘Drive sober or get pulled over’, many people still make the irresponsible choice to drink and drive. It is essential that drivers take personal responsibility to keep our roads safe and avoid causing such preventable tragedies.

What compensation is available to those who have been victims of drunk driving accidents?

Victims of drunk driving accidents often face significant financial burdens due to medical expenses, lost of wages, and psychological trauma. Fortunately, there are several forms of compensation available to someone who has been a victim of such an accident. Depending on the specifics of the case and the laws in their state, they may be eligible for compensation from a variety of sources including personal injury compensation, damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages. Additionally, survivors may be able to make a claim from any insurance policies held by the responsible driver or other parties involved in the incident. It is also possible that state-funded victim compensation is an option for those struggling with unexpected hardship stemming from their ordeal. Each situation is unique however, so it’s important to reach out to an experienced attorney or government agency representative if you have experienced a drunk driving accident or know somebody who has.

Do victims of drunk driving accidents need an attorney?

When the unthinkable happens and a victim suffers an injury or loss of life due to a drunk driving accident, it can be an overwhelming experience to face alone. Many victims try to seek justice by themselves but encounter complications. That is why it is highly recommended that victims consider working with an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of drunk driving cases. With the right lawyer, victims may receive primary legal advice as well as guidance through negotiations and any related court proceedings. An attorney can make sure all aspects of the case are thoroughly handled so that victims feel they have compensated for their losses they endured after such a traumatic event.

Is the drunk driver automatically responsible for all my damages in every car accident in South Carolina?

In the state of South Carolina, a drunk driver is generally presumed to be responsible for all damages caused by the accident, however there may be contributory negligence at play. Contributory negligence occurs when a non-drinking driver has done something careless or negligent that could have contributed to the accident. In South Carolina, this could mean that in some cases a drunk driver’s insurance company may only be liable for part, rather than all, of the damages caused by an accident they caused while intoxicated. The court will examine both drivers’ actions to determine what percentage of fault belongs to each party and these percentages will then be used to calculate each party’s liability in terms of damages as well as cost of repair.

How long do I have to file a claim from my drunk driving car accident in South Carolina?

If you or someone close to you has been in a drunk driving car accident in South Carolina, it is important to know your rights with regards to filing a claim. While it is best to do this as soon as possible and not delay taking action, individuals who have experienced personal injury or losses will likely have three years from the date of the accident in order to file a claim for damages. If the plaintiff does not take any legal steps within that time limit, they may be prevented from filing a claim altogether. It is advisable to contact an experienced lawyer to get an accurate assessment of all individual timelines and the claim process. Doing so can help ensure that all necessary legal documents are filed before the deadline passes.

What should I do if I am injured in a drunk driving accident?

If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident, then the first thing to do is seek medical attention. Ensure that you seek out a qualified physician or health care provider and follow their instructions closely. Additionally, document your injuries, including any financial losses due to the accident. It is also important to contact the police so they can formally investigate and record any potential actions taken by the driver who caused the accident. Finally, consider talking to a lawyer if there are criminal charges or civil damages involved in your case. An experienced lawyer can help ensure that all of your rights are protected and hold the other party accountable for their actions.

Who can be held responsible for drunk driving accidents?

Drunk driving accidents are a serious and preventable problem. Those who drink alcohol irresponsibly and get behind the wheel know that taking this risk endangers their own lives as well as the lives of those around them, yet many still make this choice. In addition to the driver, several parties can be held accountable for drunk driving incidents; social hosts who have provided alcohol to an underage or visibly intoxicated individual may be held responsible if an accident occurs, as well as anyone knowingly providing a vehicle for a drunk driver. All drivers must understand that their actions impact more than just themselves and, when it comes to drinking and driving, take all precautions necessary to ensure personal safety and prevent potential fatal consequences.

Do you have a legal question? Not sure what your next step is?

Let us help you! Call Us: 864.343.2222

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