Bluffton, with its postcard-worthy beaches, vibrant community, and relaxed pace, is a haven for residents and tourists alike. Cruising down Spanish Wells Road with the windows down, enjoying a leisurely bike ride along the May River, or spending a fun-filled evening at a local brewery are just some ways Blufftonians embrace the Lowcountry lifestyle.
However, the presence of drunk drivers can transform these idyllic moments into scenes of devastation.
While Bluffton fosters a strong sense of community, drunk driving incidents can leave victims feeling isolated, frustrated, and unsure of where to turn. That’s where our dedicated team of Bluffton drunk driving accident attorneys comes in.
We’re here to advocate for your rights, navigate the complexities of drunk driving claims, and ensure you receive fair compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
Why You Need a Bluffton Drunk Driving Accident Attorney After a Collision With a Negligent Driver
In 2022 alone, there were over 6,700 alcohol-related collisions in the state, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and thousands of injuries. Bluffton, with its growing tourist population and vibrant nightlife, is not immune to this national problem.
Unique Challenges of Drunk Driving Accidents in Bluffton
Bluffton’s charm lies in its blend of residential areas, bustling tourist districts, and scenic rural roads. This unique landscape presents some challenges when considering drunk driving accidents:
- Increased Traffic During Peak Seasons: Bluffton experiences a surge in visitors during peak seasons, leading to more cars on the road and a higher risk of drunk driving incidents.
- DUI Checkpoints and Increased Law Enforcement Presence: While law enforcement steps up patrols and sets up DUI checkpoints during holidays and high-traffic periods, unfortunately, these efforts don’t always prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions: Bluffton’s many scenic pathways and bike trails make it a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. However, this also increases their vulnerability to drunk drivers.
Protecting Your Rights and Your Recovery
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the devastating consequences of drunk driving accidents. Here’s how our Bluffton drunk driving accident attorneys can help:
- Free Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your legal questions, and explain your options.
- Thorough Investigation: We’ll meticulously investigate the accident scene, gather evidence, and work to establish the drunk driver’s negligence.
- Aggressive Negotiation: Our experienced Bluffton personal injury lawyers will negotiate aggressively with the drunk driver’s insurance company to secure the compensation you deserve.
- Trial-Ready Representation: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
Common Fact Patterns in Drunk Driving Car Accident Cases
Drunk driving accidents are a serious problem on our roads, causing countless injuries and fatalities every year. These accidents often follow predictable patterns, making it easier for law enforcement and personal injury attorneys to identify drunk drivers and hold them accountable for the devastation they cause.
Here, we explore some of the most common fact patterns seen in drunk driving car accident cases:
Time of Day and Day of Week
- Late Night and Early Morning: Statistics show a significant increase in drunk driving accidents during late-night hours, typically between 10 pm and 6 am. This coincides with the closing times of bars and clubs.
- Weekends and Holidays: Drunk driving accidents are more prevalent on weekends and holidays when alcohol consumption tends to be higher. Events like New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and Labor Day often see a spike in these incidents.
Driver Behavior and Location
- Erratic Driving: Swerving, speeding, failing to maintain lanes, and disregarding traffic signals are all telltale signs of drunk driving.
- Wrong-Way Driving: Entering a highway or one-way street going the wrong way is a serious red flag and a strong indicator of drunk driving.
- Single-Vehicle Accidents: While not always the case, single-vehicle accidents with no apparent cause (like hitting a stationary object or running off the road) can raise suspicion of drunk driving.
- High-Traffic Areas: Areas with bars, restaurants, and nightlife establishments see a higher frequency of drunk driving accidents. Intersections near these areas are also particularly risky.
Severity of Injuries and Property Damage
- Head-On Collisions: Drunk drivers often lack the coordination and reaction time to avoid head-on collisions, which can result in severe and fatal injuries.
- High-Speed Collisions: The impaired judgment of a drunk driver can lead to excessive speeding, increasing the severity of the impact and potential for serious injuries.
- Multiple Vehicle Pileups: Drunk drivers can cause chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles, resulting in widespread property damage and injuries.
Witness Statements and Police Reports
- Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Levels: A key piece of evidence in drunk driving cases is the driver’s BAC level, obtained through a breathalyzer or blood test. A BAC exceeding the legal limit is a strong indicator of drunk driving.
- Witness Testimony: Statements from bystanders who observed the drunk driver’s behavior before or after the accident can be crucial evidence.
- Police Observations: Police reports often detail the officer’s observations of the driver’s behavior, speech, and any signs of intoxication.
It’s important to remember that these are just common patterns, and not all drunk driving accidents will follow them exactly. However, if you’ve been involved in an accident and suspect the other driver was under the influence, being aware of these patterns can help you take the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get immediate medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident.
- Report the Accident: File a police report and document the details of the accident, including the other driver’s behavior and any visible signs of intoxication.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries you sustained.
- Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, investigate your case, and hold the drunk driver accountable for your injuries.
By understanding the common fact patterns in drunk driving car accident cases, you can be better prepared to protect yourself and your rights in the event of such an unfortunate incident.
DUI Laws and Civil Claims After a Drunk Driving Accident in Bluffton
The idyllic charm of Bluffton, South Carolina, can be shattered in a moment by a collision caused by a negligent drunk driver. Facing injuries and navigating the legal aftermath can be overwhelming.
Here, let’s explore South Carolina’s DUI laws and the civil lawsuit process in Bluffton, which will empower you with knowledge specific to the state.
Understanding South Carolina’s DUI Laws
South Carolina has a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving. For drivers 21 and over, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%.
Exceeding this limit or driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense.
Here’s a breakdown of the consequences of a DUI conviction in South Carolina:
- First Offense:
- License suspension: Up to 6 months
- Jail time: Up to 30 days
- Fines: Up to $400
- Second Offense:
- License suspension: Up to one year (minimum)
- Jail time: Up to one year
- Fines: Up to $2,100
- Third Offense:
- License suspension: Up to three years (minimum)
- Jail time: Up to five years
- Fines: Up to $5,100
DUI and the Criminal Justice System
A DUI arrest triggers a criminal justice process involving:
- Arrest: Law enforcement officers can arrest drivers suspected of DUI based on observations, field sobriety tests, or breathalyzer results.
- Arraignment: This is the first court appearance where formal charges are presented, and the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Trial: If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial is held to determine guilt or innocence.
DUI Penalties in South Carolina Other than the Criminal Charges
A DUI conviction in South Carolina carries a range of criminal penalties, including:
- License Suspension: First-time offenders face a minimum of six months’ license suspension, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
- Fines: DUI convictions typically involve fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Jail Time: Depending on the severity of the offense and whether anyone was injured, jail time can be imposed.
- Community Service: Court-ordered community service is often part of a DUI sentence.
Drunk Driving Accidents and Civil Lawsuits in Bluffton
A criminal DUI charge addresses the state’s interest in punishing drunk drivers. However, it doesn’t directly compensate victims for their injuries. This is where civil lawsuits come into play.
When Can You File a Civil Lawsuit After a Drunk Driving Accident in Bluffton?
If you’re injured in a collision caused by a drunk driver in Bluffton, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault party. To win your case, you’ll need to prove the drunk driver’s negligence caused your accident and injuries.
Recoverable Damages in a Drunk Driving Lawsuit
A successful civil lawsuit can help you recover compensation for various damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills associated with treating your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or limit your earning capacity, you can recover compensation for lost wages and benefits.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain caused by the accident can be significant. You can seek compensation for this intangible suffering.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged property can be included in your claim.
Bluffton Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm FAQs
We’ve compiled a unique FAQ to address some of the specific concerns you might have under Bluffton law and South Carolina DUI statutes, empowering you to make informed decisions:
I was injured by a drunk driver on a golf cart in a Bluffton retirement community. Can I still file a lawsuit?
Being injured by a drunk driver on a golf cart in a Bluffton retirement community can be a confusing situation. The key question: Can you still file a lawsuit?
It depends. South Carolina law treats golf carts differently depending on where they’re operated:
- Public Roads: If the accident occurred on a road with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and within four miles of the cart’s registered address, then standard DUI laws likely apply, and you may have grounds for a lawsuit.
- Private Property: Many retirement communities have designated golf cart paths that are considered private property. In these cases, DUI laws might not directly apply.
What if the drunk driver was a rideshare driver who picked me up in Bluffton?
Ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have specific insurance policies that might cover accidents involving drunk drivers. However, navigating these policies and claims can be complex. A Bluffton drunk driving accident attorney can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve from the rideshare company and the drunk driver.
I witnessed a suspected drunk driver leaving a Bluffton bar. Can I report it anonymously?
South Carolina allows anonymous reporting of suspected DUIs by calling HP (Highway Patrol) or your local law enforcement agency. You can also report online through SCDPS (South Carolina Department of Public Safety).
My teen was a passenger in a car driven by a friend who was arrested for DUI in Bluffton. Can we recover compensation for my teen’s injuries?
South Carolina follows a “contributory negligence” law, meaning the amount of compensation you receive in a personal injury case might be reduced if you’re found partially at fault. In this scenario, your teen wouldn’t be considered negligent, and you could still pursue a claim against the drunk driver.
The drunk driver who hit me fled the scene. Do I still have a case?
Hit-and-run accidents involving drunk drivers can be challenging. However, South Carolina has an uninsured motorist (UM) coverage option that can provide compensation in such situations. An experienced Bluffton drunk driving accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of a hit-and-run case and explore all potential avenues for compensation.
Contact CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm Today
The physical, emotional, and financial burden of a drunk driving accident can be devastating. At CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we understand the challenges Bluffton residents face after a drunk driving collision.
Ali Awad, the CEO Lawyer, boasts a 99.5% success rate, leading a team of compassionate attorneys dedicated to holding drunk drivers accountable and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve to heal and move forward.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your specific questions. Contact us today at (864) 664-3865 or visit our website.
Remember, taking timely action is crucial for a successful outcome in your drunk driving accident case.
