Florence experiences dozens of drunk driving accidents each year. Some happen at high speeds along Route 76 or Route 52, while others take place in parking lots or on side streets. Alcohol has many well-known side effects that make driving dangerous. Increased fatigue and reduced coordination are some of the most common.

Contact Hart Law to obtain aggressive legal representation to hold an intoxicated motorist accountable. Drunk driving is a crime, but it’s also a civil wrong that warrants compensation. Our legal team understands the evidence our clients must prove to bring a successful claim, and we can explain more in a free consultation.

Long-Term Impacts on Drunk Driving Victims

Intoxicated motorists drive dangerously. Some cannot appreciate the speed at which they are going, while others engage in intentionally risky behavior. An innocent motorist caught in the way can suffer serious bodily injuries, including fractures and whiplash. Traumatic brain injuries are also common.

These injuries are expensive, and few people can pay the medical costs associated with a collision. Injuries also lead to immobility, depression, and lost income. The impaired driver should pay compensation to anyone hurt because of their dangerous driving. Although drunk driving is a crime, the victim deserves monetary damages regardless of how the criminal case plays out.

Evidence for a Drunk Driving Accident

South Carolina criminalizes driving on a public road with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. Motorists are also impaired if they have any amount of alcohol or drugs in their system, which impairs their normal faculties.

In a civil case, we use evidence to prove the driver was impaired and therefore responsible for your injuries. Some evidence includes:

• Witness observations of the driver, including your own impressions of whether they acted high or drunk immediately after a crash.
• Any chemical test results, including breathalyzers, urine tests, or blood tests. We can ask the state for access to the results.
• Dash cam or body camera footage. The responding officer could have recorded the driver, or another motorist could have a dash cam. The footage might show the driver stumbling around or slurring their words.
• Admissions. The driver could have admitted to leaving a bar or tavern.

Hart Law also helps our clients document their injuries. An injured victim must present evidence of their damages, including their medical bills and injuries. Contact our office as soon as you can.

How to Win a Settlement after a Florence DUI Accident

Hart Law is focused on obtaining fair compensation for our injured clients. We might demand compensation from:

• The intoxicated motorist is for getting behind the wheel while drunk or high. They are liable if they crash into your car because of their intoxication.
• A bar, tavern, or other business that served the driver. South Carolina Code § 61-4-580 imposes liability on anyone with an alcohol license for selling to someone underage or to an intoxicated person.

Before we negotiate, we build up an evidentiary foundation for your case. We find evidence of intoxication and your injuries. Then we present the defendant with our demand for compensation.

We usually can settle cases without the need for a trial. We seek the full range of damages most people suffer:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages or income
• Property damage (car damage and more)
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish

FAQs for a Florence DUI Accident

Q. Can I receive punitive damages for my accident?

Possibly. Courts can award punitive damages to punish the defendant for grossly negligent behavior. (S.C. Code § 15-32-520(D).) Driving while drunk qualifies, and we can discuss if this is an option. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages for medical bills, pain, and job loss.

Q. Is there a time limit to submitting a claim?

Yes. South Carolina’s statute of limitations applies to drunk driving cases. Typically, you must file a claim within three years of the accident; you can lose the ability to sue. (S.C. Code § 15-3-530.)

Q. What is the first step I should take after an accident?

You should call the police to report the accident. South Carolina law requires that you report any accident that results in bodily injuries to the nearest police station. An officer can help with documenting the crash and can investigate if the driver is intoxicated. Even if the driver flees, you should still call the police and report the accident. Share whatever information you have about the driver.

Contact Hart Law to Speak with a Florence DUI Accident Lawyer

Our founder, Chris Hart, cut his teeth on personal injury cases and believes that injured victims deserve fair treatment in addition to compensation. Call our office at (803) 771-7701 to schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your accident.