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DUI Car Accidents

DUI Accident Victim Lawyers Help Recover Damages for Medical Bills, Lost Income, Pain and Suffering

At Hart Law, our Columbia DUI car accident lawyers can help you get maximum compensation for your injuries from those responsible, helping you to move forward with your life. Our firm has a proven track record of obtaining substantial damages for victims.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, call us for a free case review at 803-771-7701

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.

Common Injuries from Columbia DUI Car Accidents

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. Car accidents can cause the following injuries:

  • Neck injuries and whiplash
  • Broken bones
  • Concussions
  • Internal bleeding
  • Burns
  • Back Injuries
  • Brain and spinal cord injuries
  • Paralysis

Legal Assistance for DUI Victims in Columbia, South Carolina

An intoxicated driver’s actions can have disastrous consequences. Many victims feel like they are unable to recover from the losses they have suffered. Fortunately, there are laws that protect DUI victims in South Carolina, and experienced attorneys can assist in navigating them.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal in South Carolina. Impaired drivers who cause accidents can face jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, and mandatory interlock devices.

What to Do if You Are Involved in a Columbia DUI Car Accident

After a DUI car accident, here are the steps you should take:

1. Call the Police and Stay at the Scene

An accident case involving DUI requires a police report. Even if no one is severely injured, a law enforcement officer can document the scene and measure the BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of the person who hit you.

2. Get the Other Driver’s Information

Get details about the driver such as their license plate, name, address, and insurance information. You should obtain this information as soon as possible in case they attempt to flee before law enforcement arrives.

3. Collect Evidence and Witness Statements 

Photograph the accident scene as much as you can. Ask witnesses for either written or video-recorded statements. It is important to do this as soon as possible because memories become less reliable as time passes.

4. Visit a Medical Professional

You should seek medical attention as soon as you can leave the scene. In order to file an insurance claim, you must document your injuries. If you do not have any visible injuries, a doctor can determine if a dormant injury exists.

5. Get in Touch with a DUI Car Accident Attorney  

When you are involved in a DUI car accident, a dedicated lawyer can help you obtain maximum compensation. At Hart Law, we can help you build a strong case and negotiate with the insurance company. Our DUI car accident attorneys can provide you with guidance throughout the claim process that will help you improve your settlement offer.

Drunk Driving Wrongful Death

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drunk driving collisions result in approximately 10,000 deaths each year. Intoxicated drivers can cause fatalities to the passengers of the car they are driving and/or pedestrians and occupants of other vehicles.

The family of a deceased victim of a drunk driving accident can file what is known as a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, as well as pain and suffering.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for DUI Injuries and Deaths?

Negligent drivers are the most obvious perpetrators of the accident, damage, and injuries, and will face criminal charges. The drunk driver is usually liable for your injuries, damages, and losses when such an incident occurs.

Getting financial restitution for victims requires taking action against every party responsible. Those responsible aren’t limited to the drunk driver. There are several cases in which other parties may be held accountable for DUI accidents involving injury or death, including:

Restaurants and Bars 

The establishment that served (or continued to serve) the driver alcohol while he or she was obviously intoxicated may be held responsible for the accident.

Passengers 

It is possible for passengers to be held responsible if they participate in or encourage the driver’s alcohol consumption, or if they invite another passenger into the vehicle while knowing the driver is impaired.

Hosts and Homeowners

If a minor was served alcohol at a party, event, or other gathering, the host could be held responsible for the crash.

Other parties may also be responsible. If you were involved in a drunk driving accident, your lawyer can help you find the evidence that you need to pursue compensation from every liable party and decide whether you need to file a lawsuit.

Damages Our Columbia DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help You Obtain

Usually, the value or worth of your claim will be determined by the nature and extent of the injuries, losses, and damages you sustained, and the degree of negligence by the other parties. South Carolina DUI accident victims may seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to:

Medical expenses: including emergency transportation, medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, medical equipment, etc.

Rehabilitation costs: including the cost of rehabilitative treatments such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.

Lost income: injured victims are entitled to receive wages as well as any benefits they lose during their recovery process.

Lost future income: catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities may also entitle victims to compensation for lost income in the future.

Pain and suffering: referring to the mental and physical suffering caused by the event.

Loss of consortium: damages suffered by the spouse or partner of the injured or deceased victim.

Our Columbia DUI Accident Lawyers Can Help

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, 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.