Drunk drivers are a menace to public safety. Alcohol has well-known side effects, which make driving dangerous: loss of coordination, blurred vision, and impaired decision-making are the most prominent. All of these problems can lead to collisions, which injure innocent victims in a car accident.

Hart Law opened our doors to help people like you after accidents with drunk drivers. We bring civil claims against the driver and other defendants for fair compensation. Any accident can end up costing you thousands of dollars in medical care and lost income. Let us negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Call to schedule a free consultation with a Sumter DUI accident attorney today.

South Carolina’s Law on Drunk Driving

A motorist commits DUI whenever they are driving on a public road, and their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher under South Carolina law. For some motorists, only one or two beers will be sufficient to put them over the legal limit. A driver can also be convicted if their ability to drive safely is impaired by any amount of drugs or alcohol.

Someone convicted of DUI can face time in jail and fines. However, they are also liable civilly to those people hurt in a crash. Personal injury law requires that drunk drivers pay compensation to injured victims to cover a variety of damages. That’s where Hart Law comes in as a law firm serving clients across South Carolina, including Sumter, SC.

Distracted driving is also a major cause of serious car accidents in South Carolina. Like drunk driving, it puts everyone on the road at risk. Our law firm handles both types of cases and fights for accident victims, no matter the cause.

What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident

Many motorists are badly shaken after a crash. Nonetheless, try to do as many of the following steps as you can after a car accident or other auto accidents:

1. Report the accident to the police. An officer can visit the scene, determine if there was a drunk driver, and gather relevant evidence. For example, the officer might ask the other driver to take a field sobriety test or give a breath sample. We can use that evidence in your case.
2. Note anything unusual about the driver. Is he stumbling around? Does his breath smell of alcohol? Note these factors.
3. Talk with any witnesses to the crash. Ask them what they saw and then request their name and method of contact to gather witness statements. We can follow up with them. They might testify they spoke to the driver, whose eyes were bloodshot and whose breath reeked of alcohol.
4. Photograph the accident scene if you can. Photographs will show how the cars collided and can help prove negligent behavior.
5. Visit the hospital after you finish at the crash scene. Early medical treatment will aid in recovery and document the severity of your bodily injuries. Keep records of your medical bills from medical providers.

After a crash in Sumter, SC, the days and weeks that follow can feel overwhelming. You may be dealing with injuries, missed work, and calls from an insurance company. Our legal team is here to take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

Compensation for a DUI

Many of our clients are hurt when a drunk driver runs a red light or causes serious motor vehicle collisions. The injuries caused can be life-changing for injury victims.

We can seek financial compensation for:

• The cost of your medical care. Collisions leave many motorists with concussions, whiplash, broken bones, and more. You might need surgery or time in the intensive care unit. Let us seek fair compensation to cover the cost of your medical care.
• Any lost income or wages. Injuries often keep people at home for several weeks, possibly longer. Our clients can’t work because of the pain and bodily limitations. We can seek compensation for all lost income, even if you are self-employed.
• Property damage, including damage to your car. The at-fault driver should pay to fix or replace damaged property.
• Non-economic or general damages. These damages cover pain, mental anguish, depression, disfigurement, and other hard-to-define losses. Do not overlook the value of general damages in a drunk driving case.

Medical bills after a serious car accident can pile up fast. Between hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and follow-up visits with medical providers, the costs are often far more than people expect. We work to make sure those costs are covered. We work to help you pursue compensation and reach a fair settlement or full compensation based on your losses. Our legal team handles personal injury cases involving auto accidents, commercial trucks, and even fall accidents.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Working with a Sumter car accident lawyer can make a difference when dealing with an insurance company. These companies often try to reduce payouts or deny a personal injury claim.

A skilled car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer can:

• Handle communication with the insurance company
• Investigate responsible parties, including commercial drivers
• Prove fault against the at-fault party
• Manage complex legal issues and legal proceedings

Having a personal injury attorney by your side means you do not have to take on the insurance company alone. We know how to document your losses, build your car accident claim, and push back when insurers try to lowball you.

We provide legal representation on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs. This helps clients focus on recovery while we handle their legal matters.

Our practice areas go beyond just drunk driving. As a law firm serving South Carolina, we handle all kinds of auto accidents, including distracted driving crashes, commercial truck collisions, and more. No matter what caused your car accident, a Sumter car accident attorney from Hart Law is ready to help.

When you work with our firm, you get top-tier legal representation from a team that cares about your outcome. We understand the legal burden that comes with a serious personal injury case, and we are committed to making the process as smooth as possible for you and your family.

Sumter DUI Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

What are punitive damages?

These are damages focused on punishing the defendant for reckless or wanton conduct. (S.C. Code § 15-32-520(D).) We can often request punitive damages in a drunk driving accident, since getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is reckless conduct. Let our office review whether to request punitive damages.

Can I bring a claim if the driver’s BAC was under 0.08%

Possibly. The key in a civil claim is proving the driver was negligent, meaning the driver did not exercise reasonable care. The driver could have been impaired even if their BAC was below 0.08%. We can also seek compensation if the driver wasn’t drunk but was otherwise impaired by drugs, like cocaine or marijuana.

Are there deadlines for a drunk driving case?

Yes. You should move quickly to contact our office. S.C. Code § 15-3-530 gives you three years to file a lawsuit in an appropriate court.

What should I do after a car accident caused by a drunk driver?

After a car accident, call the police, seek medical treatment, and gather evidence. Contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights and begin your personal injury claim.

What damages can I recover after a DUI accident?

You may recover potential compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and even permanent disability. In some cases, punitive damages may also apply.

Do I need a lawyer for a car accident claim?

While not required, hiring an accident lawyer or car accident attorney can improve your chances of receiving full compensation and reduce your legal burden.

Schedule a Meeting with a Sumter DUI Accident Lawyer

Hart Law has negotiated favorable settlements for many clients. Let’s get together and talk about the accident, including how you are recovering from your injuries. During your initial consultation, we will go over the details of your case, explain your options, and give you honest advice about next steps. There is no obligation and no upfront costs. You can schedule a free consultation today by calling (803) 771-7701.

A Sumter car accident lawyer from Hart Law can review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand what your claim may be worth. Do not wait too long. The clock starts running the moment your accident happens. Reach out to a Sumter car accident lawyer today to get started.