Trusted Columbia, South Carolina DUI Accident Lawyers Fighting for Your Rights
Despite the well-known dangers of drunk driving, thousands of people continue to get behind the wheel while impaired each year in the United States, causing serious injuries and even death. Injuries caused by someone’s negligence or illegal behavior can drastically change your life. Disabilities may render you physically incapable of working or taking care of yourself and your family. On top of your regular monthly expenses, medical bills can quickly pile up. You might need ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.
At Hart Law, our Columbia DUI accident attorneys are dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for DUI accident victims. We understand that these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, ongoing medical costs, and overwhelming financial burdens. Our firm has a history of securing substantial damages for our clients, providing the resources they need to rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a drunk driver, contact Hart Law at (803) 771-7701 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.
The Impact of DUI Accidents on Victims in Columbia
Despite strict DUI laws, drunk driving remains a serious problem across the United States, endangering thousands of lives each year. The impact of a DUI accident can be severe, resulting in:
Debilitating injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones are common in DUI accidents.
Life-altering disabilities: Some victims face permanent disabilities, making it impossible to work or care for their families.
Emotional trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often struggle with anxiety, PTSD, and depression after an accident.
The aftermath of a DUI accident often requires extensive medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation. At Hart Law, our team is here to help secure the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Common Injuries from DUI Auto Accidents in Columbia, SC
Drunk drivers cause a significant number of traffic accidents. The depressant properties of alcohol interfere with the functioning of the central nervous system, impairing many different aspects of a person’s driving ability. If you suffer an injury because of the actions of a drunk driver, seek medical attention as soon as possible. DUI-related motor vehicle accidents can cause the following injuries and more:
Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures can result in cognitive and physical impairments.
Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal fractures are common in high-impact collisions.
Broken Bones and Fractures: Limbs, ribs, and other bones can be broken or shattered, leading to long recovery times.
Internal Injuries: Organ damage, internal bleeding, and other critical injuries may not be visible initially but can be life-threatening.
Burns and Lacerations: Severe cuts, bruising, and burns are frequent in serious collisions.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often follow DUI accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a DUI accident, seeking prompt medical treatment and documenting your injuries is crucial. Contacting a DUI accident attorney at Hart Law can help secure evidence and ensure your injuries are properly documented for a strong claim.
Understanding South Carolina DUI Laws and Your Rights as a Victim
South Carolina has strict DUI laws that make it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Penalties for DUI can include jail time, heavy fines, mandatory license suspension, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. However, criminal charges alone don’t provide victims with compensation. Victims of DUI accidents are entitled to pursue civil claims to recover damages for their losses. This is where Hart Law can make a difference, building a case to hold the drunk driver fully accountable.
What to Do After a DUI Accident in Columbia
If you’ve been involved in a DUI accident, following the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim. Here’s what to do:
Call the Police and Stay at the Scene
Call 911 immediately to report the accident. The police will document the scene, administer sobriety tests, and file an official report that will be crucial to your case.
Gather Driver and Vehicle Information
Obtain the driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number. If possible, get photos of the vehicle and the driver.
Collect Evidence and Witness Statements
Document the accident scene with photos and videos. Gather witness statements to support your account of the events. Eyewitnesses can be valuable assets in proving fault.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Getting a full medical evaluation ensures that any injuries are identified, treated, and documented, which is essential for a successful claim.
Consult Our Columbia DUI Accident Attorney
Contact Hart Law to discuss your legal options and begin building a strong claim. Our attorneys are experienced in handling DUI cases and can negotiate with insurers or represent you in court if necessary.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident, contact Hart Law today at (803) 771-7701 for a free consultation.
Drunk Driving Wrongful Death Claims in Columbia, South Carolina
Tragically, many DUI accidents result in fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 10,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to drunk driving. When someone dies in a DUI accident, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation for:
Medical Expenses: Covering costs incurred before the victim’s passing.
Funeral and Burial Costs: Including the cost of services, burial, or cremation.
Lost Financial Support: Compensation for income the victim would have provided to the family.
Loss of Companionship: Acknowledging the emotional loss suffered by the family.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the anguish endured by the victim and their family.
If your family has suffered a loss due to a drunk driver, contact our compassionate attorneys at (803) 771-7701 to discuss your rights and options.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Columbia DUI Car Accident?
While the intoxicated driver is typically the primary liable party in a DUI accident, other parties may also share responsibility, including:
Bars and Restaurants: In some cases, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated patrons can be held accountable under South Carolina’s dram shop laws.
Passengers: If a passenger encouraged the driver to drink or allowed them to drive while impaired, they could be partially liable.
Hosts and Homeowners: Social hosts who serve alcohol to minors or intoxicated guests can also be held responsible if those individuals later cause an accident.
Types of Compensation for DUI Accident Victims in Columbia
Victims of DUI accidents may be entitled to several types of compensation based on the extent of their injuries and losses:
Medical Expenses: Coverage for immediate and ongoing medical care, including surgery, therapy, and medications.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Compensation for time missed from work, as well as reduced earning capacity if injuries prevent future employment.
Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Consortium: For spouses or partners affected by the victim’s injuries or death.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as DUI, courts may award punitive damages to deter future misconduct.
To explore your potential compensation options, contact Hart Law at (803) 771-7701 or through our contact page.
Why Choose Hart Law for Your Columbia DUI Accident Case
At Hart Law, we specialize in DUI accident cases in Columbia and have a track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients. Our attorneys have the experience to navigate complex DUI cases, investigate thoroughly, and stand up to insurance companies that may try to minimize your claim. We prioritize open communication, keeping you informed throughout the process so you can make the best decisions for your future.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This approach allows you to focus on healing, knowing that we’re fully committed to fighting for your rights.
Our Columbia DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help. Call Hart Law Today for a Free Consultation
DUI convictions in South Carolina can result in jail time, heavy fines, license suspensions or revocations, probation, and the requirement to drive with an ignition interlock device. While criminal penalties are important to enforce, drunk driving accident victims need to realize that these are not the only remedies available. DUI victims and their families are entitled to seek compensation for their losses from the at-fault party.
In the event of an accident with a drunk driver, our experienced lawyers can help. Our attorneys will meet with you to discuss your injury and damages and guide you through the legal process of recovering from a car accident. To schedule a free consultation at the Columbia office of Hart Law, contact us at (803) 771-7701.