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 are committed to understanding each client’s individual needs and concerns, ensuring a client-centered approach to every case.

We step in to help you gather evidence like police officer reports, medical records, and witness statements to build a strong case against the at-fault driver. We file claims on your behalf and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts to injured victims. Before providing a statement to an insurance adjuster, it is important to consult with an attorney to protect your rights and interests. Our goal at Hart Law is to secure the full financial compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured. You focus on healing. We focus on holding the drunk driver responsible.

Throughout the entire process, we keep our clients updated on their case progress and any important developments.

Causes of DUI Accidents in Columbia

DUI accidents in Columbia, SC are most often caused by drivers who make the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs. These reckless actions can lead to devastating injuries, immense pain, and, in the worst cases, loss of life. Holding these drivers responsible is important not only for your own recovery but to help prevent future tragedies. Our law firm has handled thousands of DUI accident cases and is fully prepared to take legal action on your behalf. We work tirelessly to gather crucial evidence, build a compelling case, and ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Drunk driving is not the only risk. Distracted driving and reckless behavior often make a car accident involving alcohol even more dangerous for victims.

The Impact of DUI Accidents on Victims in Columbia

Surviving a drunk driving accident 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 expenses and lost wages make it hard to cover your family’s basic needs. Some victims may never fully return to their previous level of function or employment after such a serious accident. We understand how overwhelming this can feel. Our law firm listens to and addresses your concerns throughout the recovery process. 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

AAlcohol or drug impairment reduces a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, increasing the risk of serious injuries.

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.

Even minor car accidents involving alcohol can result in significant harm and long-term consequences.

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 personal injury 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. A driver is considered legally impaired under South Carolina law if their blood alcohol content is 0.08% or higher, or if they are impaired by drugs to the extent that their ability to drive is affected. This is known as the legal limit. Criminal charges may punish the wrongdoer, but they don’t put money in your pocket. As a victim, you have the right to a civil personal injury 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. As an experienced lawyer focused on these cases, we are dedicated to representing DUI accident victims and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

Dealing with Drunk Drivers After an Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, it’s smart to contact a Columbia DUI accident attorney as soon as possible. Our team is here to discuss your specific circumstances and provide clear, compassionate guidance on the best steps forward. We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. Our skilled attorney is ready to provide the legal representation you need during this difficult time.

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.

Before giving any statements to insurance companies or accepting settlements, speak with an attorney to ensure your rights are protected.

Following these steps protects your health and preserves the evidence we’ll use to demand fair compensation. Hiring an experienced lawyer can help you go through the legal process and improve your chances of a successful outcome.

The Importance of Acting Quickly After a DUI Accident

Time is important after a DUI accident. Acting quickly can make all the difference in achieving the best possible outcome for your case. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to collect vital evidence and build a strong claim. Our law firm will be by your side every step of the way, managing all interactions with the insurance company and the prosecutor so you can focus on your recovery. Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to financial compensation for your losses. Don’t delay. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and start the legal process with confidence.

Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Claims in Columbia, South Carolina

When a DUI accident costs a loved one, surviving grieving families 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

Families may also have the opportunity to participate in court proceedings or speak at sentencing, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the process.

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 claim 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.

For instance, a bar that continues to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who later causes an accident may be held liable under dram shop laws.

We investigate every possible angle to maximize your recovery. However, liability or damages may be limited by specific legal or insurance restrictions.

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.

It is expected that insurance companies will attempt to minimize payouts, so legal assistance may be necessary to secure full compensation. Courts can also be expected to hold liable parties accountable for your losses.

We calculate your losses carefully to demand every dollar you deserve and reduce your financial burden.

FAQs: Columbia DUI Accident Attorney

Q. Who can be held responsible in a drunk driving accident?

In a drunk driving accident, the other driver, usually the intoxicated driver, is the primary person held responsible, but other parties may also face liability. For example, if a bar or restaurant continued serving alcohol to a visibly impaired customer who later caused a crash, they may share responsibility under dram shop laws. In some cases, even social hosts can be held liable if they provided alcohol to an underage driver. Determining fault often requires a detailed investigation, including police officer reports, toxicology results, and witness testimony. Holding all responsible parties accountable can increase the chances of securing fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced lawyer or skilled attorney will carefully examine every angle of the case to ensure that no potential source of accountability is overlooked.

Q. What compensation can victims of a drunk driving accident recover?

Victims of a drunk driving accident may be entitled to several forms of compensation depending on their injuries and losses. This can include reimbursement for medical bills, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and reduced earning capacity if the injuries prevent returning to work. Victims may also recover damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and the overall impact the crash has on their quality of life. In certain cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Every case is unique, and the type and amount of compensation available will depend on the facts of the accident and the strength of the evidence. A Columbia DUI accident attorney can evaluate the claim, gather the necessary proof, and negotiate with insurers to pursue the maximum recovery possible.

Q. What steps should I take after being injured in a drunk driving accident?

After a drunk driving accident, safety and medical care should come first. If possible, move to a safe location, call 911, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries do not seem serious, as some symptoms may appear later. Document everything at the scene, including photographs of the vehicles, roadway conditions, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and obtain a copy of the police officer report once available. Avoid speaking with insurance representatives before consulting with an attorney, as insurers may pressure victims into quick settlements that do not cover the full extent of damages. Contacting a Columbia DUI accident attorney early ensures that critical evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. The law firm you choose can manage communication with insurers, investigate the crash, and help you go through the legal process for the compensation 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 provide strong legal services and legal representation tailored to your needs. We also offer a free evaluation at the very beginning of your case.

Our clients are often extremely satisfied with the results we achieve. 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 consultation with a Columbia DUI accident attorney. Let us turn your pain into the full justice you deserve.