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 drunk 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 for your losses accountable.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer will help determine what your losses are but also who may be responsible, which may include:
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.
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.
Keep the following in mind:
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:
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.
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.
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