Helping Victims Injured By Drunk Drivers

When a drunk driver injures you or a loved one, the physical, emotional, and financial fallout can be devastating. We step in to help you gather evidence—police reports, medical records, witness statements—to build a strong case against the at-fault motorist. We file claims on your behalf and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts to injured victims. Our goal at Hart Law is to secure the full compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. You focus on healing. We focus on holding the drunk driver responsible.

The Impact of DUI Accidents on Victims in Columbia

Surviving a DUI collision can leave you with life-changing injuries: traumatic brain damage, spinal cord trauma, or broken bones that may never fully heal. Beyond the physical harm, many victims struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. Mounting medical bills and lost wages make it hard to cover your family’s basic needs. We understand how overwhelming this can feel. That’s why we fight to recover compensation for every aspect of your loss—today and into the future.

Common Injuries from DUI Auto Accidents in Columbia, SC

Drunk drivers often crash at high speeds or veer unpredictably, causing injuries such as:

  • Head and Brain Trauma: Concussions, skull fractures, and lasting cognitive deficits.
  • Neck and Spinal Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, or paralysis.
  • Broken Bones: Shattered limbs and ribs that require surgery and lengthy rehab.
  • Internal Damage: Organ lacerations or unnoticed internal bleeding.
  • Emotional Harm: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD that follow the crash.

If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver, prompt medical care and thorough documentation are critical. We’ll coordinate with your doctors and experts to make sure every injury is fully documented for your claim.

Understanding South Carolina DUI Laws and Your Rights as a Victim

South Carolina law makes it a crime to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. Criminal penalties may punish the wrongdoer, but they don’t put money in your pocket. As a victim, you have the right to a civil claim against the drunk driver and any other liable parties. We know the statutes and case law that protect your interests. We use that knowledge to hold negligent drivers—and anyone who enabled them—fully accountable.

What to Do After a DUI Accident in Columbia

  1. Call 911 and Stay at the Scene: You need a police report to prove fault.
  2. Document Everything: Take photos of damages, road conditions, and injuries.
  3. Gather Witness Information: Names and contacts for anyone who saw the crash.
  4. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Some injuries take days to manifest.
  5. Contact Us Right Away: The sooner we’re on your side, the stronger your case will be.
    Following these steps protects your health and preserves the evidence we’ll use to demand fair compensation.

Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Claims in Columbia, South Carolina

When a DUI crash costs a life, surviving family members deserve justice and financial security. We help families pursue wrongful death claims for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical costs before passing
  • Lost financial support and future earnings
  • Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
    We handle every detail so you can focus on grieving and healing.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Columbia DUI Car Accident?

  • The Intoxicated Driver: Always the primary target of a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
  • Bars and Restaurants: Under dram shop laws, establishments that overserve may share responsibility.
  • Social Hosts: Homeowners who allow excessively intoxicated guests to drive can be on the hook.
  • Vehicle Owners: Anyone who let an impaired driver use their car may also face liability.
    We investigate every possible angle to maximize your recovery.

Types of Compensation for DUI Accident Victims in Columbia

Victims may recover damages for:

  • Medical Expenses: Past treatments and future rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for missed work and long-term income loss.
  • Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
  • Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress.
  • Loss of Consortium: For spouses and partners.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, courts can award extra damages to punish the wrongdoer.
    We calculate your losses carefully to demand every dollar you deserve.

Why Choose Hart Law for Your Columbia DUI Accident Case

At Hart Law, we focus exclusively on helping injured victims—not defending those who cause harm. We’re relentless in our investigations, skilled in complex litigation, and fearless when insurance companies push back. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Our commitment is to you and your recovery.

Call Hart Law today at (803) 771-7701 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us turn your pain into the full justice you deserve.