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 is 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 case evaluation.

Drunk Driving Is a Leading Cause of Serious Car Accidents

Car accidents caused by drunk drivers are a leading cause of serious injuries and deaths in Florence, SC, and across South Carolina. Unlike other car accidents, drunk driving crashes often happen at higher speeds or in reckless ways that make injuries worse. Victims are often completely innocent and have no way to avoid the crash.

Many accident victims are left dealing with physical pain, financial stress, and emotional trauma long after the crash. Medical bills, missed work, and ongoing care add up fast. The at-fault party should be held responsible for all of it.

Our law firm has extensive experience handling car accident cases and DUI cases throughout Florence, SC, and the surrounding areas, including Horry County. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, you have legal rights and legal options worth exploring with a Florence personal injury attorney.

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 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.

Serious injuries from car accidents can affect every part of a person’s life. Doctor visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care all cost money. The full extent of those costs may not be clear right away, which is why working with a Florence personal injury lawyer who understands how to calculate long-term damages is so important.

How Drunk Driving Accidents Differ from Other Car Accident Cases

DUI cases are different from standard car accidents in several ways. The drunk driver may face criminal charges in addition to a civil lawsuit. A DUI conviction can be used as evidence in your personal injury case. But even without a conviction, you can still seek compensation through the civil legal system.

South Carolina law treats impaired driving seriously, and the civil legal process reflects that. In some DUI cases, courts may award punitive damages on top of regular compensation. This is not common in most other car accident cases, but it is available when a driver acted with gross negligence, which drunk driving often qualifies as.

Criminal defense is handled separately from your civil claim. The criminal charges are brought by the state, while your personal injury lawsuit is filed by you. Both can move forward at the same time. A Florence personal injury attorney handles the civil side while the legal system handles the criminal side.

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 person must present evidence of their damages, including their medical bills and injuries. Contact our office as soon as you can.

The Importance of a Thorough Investigation

A thorough investigation is one of the most important steps in any personal injury case. Collecting evidence early can make or break your claim. Police reports, witness statements, medical records, and footage from the accident scene all play a role in building a strong case.

Our law firm conducts a thorough investigation into every case we take. We visit the accident scene, request police reports, review medical records, and gather evidence that supports your claim. We look at everything the negligent party did before and during the crash.

Collecting evidence quickly matters because things change. Footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and accident scene conditions change. The sooner you contact a Florence personal injury lawyer, the better your chances of building a complete and accurate picture of what happened.

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. Insurance companies often push back, but our law firm is prepared to counter their tactics and secure fair compensation on your behalf.

We usually can settle cases without the need for a trial. Cases settle most often when the evidence is strong and the demand is well-supported. 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
  • Non economic damages such as emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Florence DUI Accident?

Injury victims in Florence, SC, can recover a wide range of damages after a drunk driving crash. Medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and medical expenses for ongoing care are all part of what you can claim. Non-economic damages like emotional distress and pain are also included.

The full extent of your damages may not be clear in the first days or weeks after the crash. That is why it is important not to settle too quickly. Insurance companies often offer low amounts early on, before the true cost of your injuries is known. Our law firm waits until we understand the complete picture before agreeing to any settlement.

Potential compensation in DUI cases can also include punitive damages, which are meant to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior. Not every case qualifies, but our Florence personal injury attorney will evaluate whether this applies to your situation and seek compensation for the full extent of your losses.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible, even when an injured person clearly deserves more. They may question your medical records, dispute how the crash happened, or pressure you into a quick and low settlement.

Having a Florence personal injury lawyer on your side changes the dynamic. Our law firm handles all communication with insurance companies and pushes back when they act in bad faith. We know what substantial settlements look like in Florence, SC, DUI and car accident cases, and we do not accept anything less than what our clients deserve.

Strong advocacy from an experienced personal injury attorney tells insurance companies that you are serious. Our proven track record in personal injury cases across Florence, SC, and Horry County speaks for itself.

Other Types of Cases Our Law Firm Handles

Our law firm not only handles drunk driving car accidents. We also represent injury victims in truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other car accident cases throughout Florence, SC, and beyond. Any time someone is hurt due to someone else’s negligence, we are ready to help.

Wrongful death cases are also part of our practice. When a drunk driving crash or other accident kills a family member, South Carolina law gives certain survivors the right to seek compensation for their loss. These cases have special rules and deadlines, so contacting a Florence personal injury attorney quickly is important.

We also handle cases where a government agency may share responsibility for an accident. These cases have special rules and shorter deadlines, making it even more important to seek compensation with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer who knows the legal process inside and out.

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. A Florence personal injury attorney can tell you whether your case qualifies after reviewing the facts.

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, or you can lose the ability to sue. (S.C. Code § 15-3-530.) Do not wait. Contact our law firm as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.

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. Seek medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries do not show up until hours or days later, and documenting your condition early helps your car accident claim.

Q. What should I do if the other driver flees the scene?

Stay at the accident scene and call the police right away. Share whatever information you have about the other driver and the vehicle. Take photos if it is safe to do so. Even without catching the other driver, you may still have legal options through your own insurance policy or other sources. A Florence personal injury lawyer can help you understand how to seek compensation in hit-and-run situations.

Q. Do I need a lawyer if the DUI case seems straightforward?

Even in personal injury cases that seem simple, having a car accident lawyer is a smart move. Insurance companies still look for ways to pay less than you deserve. Complex medical records, disputes about the accident scene, or questions about the at-fault party’s coverage can all complicate things. An experienced personal injury lawyer protects your interests throughout the entire legal process.

Q. Can a family member file a claim if the victim cannot?

Yes. If an injured person is incapacitated or has passed away due to the crash, a family member may be able to file on their behalf. Wrongful death claims allow certain survivors to seek compensation for their losses. South Carolina law also allows a guardian or representative to bring personal injury claims for those who cannot do so themselves. Our law firm can walk you through how these legal options work.

Q. How long do personal injury cases take to resolve?

It depends on the case. Many cases settle within several months when the at-fault party is clearly liable, and the injuries are well-documented. More complex cases involving civil litigation, disputes over medical records, or insurance companies fighting back can take longer. Our law firm works efficiently while making sure your rightful compensation is not rushed or shortchanged.

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 injury victims deserve fair compensation and legal services that actually make a difference. Our law firm brings extensive experience, strong advocacy, and a proven track record to every case we handle in Florence, SC, Horry County, and throughout South Carolina.

We offer an initial consultation and free case evaluation so you can understand your legal rights and potential compensation before making any decisions. You can call our office at (803) 771-7701 or reach us through our online contact form to schedule your initial consultation. Representing clients across Florence, SC, and beyond, Hart Law is ready to help you secure compensation and hold the negligent party accountable for what they have done.