Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

In South Carolina, drunk driving contributes to about 30% of fatal accidents, leading to approximately 300 deaths each year. Additionally, DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) is a factor in over 5,000 non-fatal collisions annually.

These tragic deaths and collisions are entirely preventable. The pain and suffering experienced by victims and their families are magnified by the knowledge that the accidents could have been avoided if the impaired driver had not chosen to drive.

Driving under the influence is a severe crime in Charleston, categorized as either a misdemeanor or a felony based on the driver’s history and other circumstances. While the state pursues criminal charges, which can result in jail time, fines, and license suspension, victims or their representatives in fatal cases may also seek justice through a personal injury lawsuit.

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are dedicated to representing victims of drunk driving accidents, aiming to secure the compensation they deserve.

How Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Support You

Selecting the right legal representation after a drunk driving incident is crucial. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we are committed to providing effective legal solutions tailored to your needs.

We understand the challenges you face, from dealing with insurance claims to navigating the legal process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. The CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is not just a law firm – we’re your dedicated partners in seeking justice.

What sets the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm apart after a drunk driving accident in Charleston? It’s our persistent dedication to our clients.

Our experienced team of drunk driving attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling such cases, and we bring that expertise to every client we serve. From thorough investigations to strategic legal representation, we prioritize your well-being and work passionately to secure the compensation you deserve.

When you choose us, you choose a legal team to fight for your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Our Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm for Your Case?

Drunk driving accidents often result in severe injuries, primarily due to the high speeds involved. If a drunk driver has injured you, it’s important to have a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team fighting for your rights and interests.

Why the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm?

• Experienced Advocacy: Our team is dedicated to aggressively defending your rights, whether in settlement negotiations or, if necessary, through litigation.
• Personalized Attention: Our smaller size and limited caseload ensure that your case receives the focused attention it deserves.
• Client Testimonials: Hear from our satisfied clients by clicking here.

With several sites throughout the state, we are prepared to assist you. Let us assist you in getting the reimbursement that you are due for the injuries you suffered in your drunk driving accident in Charleston.

What Sets Drunk Driving Cases Apart from Other Car Accident Cases?

Drunk driving accident cases differ significantly from other car accident cases in several ways. Firstly, because the drunk driver engaged in reckless behavior and violated the law by driving under the influence, there is a higher likelihood that punitive damages could be awarded.

Unlike compensatory damages, which are meant to cover economic and non-economic losses and help make the victim “whole” again, punitive damages aim to punish drunk drivers for their reckless actions and to discourage such behavior in the future.

Secondly, liability in drunk driving accidents may extend beyond the driver to include the establishment that served the alcohol. If a bar or another establishment continued to serve alcohol to a visibly impaired person, knowing or reasonably expected to know that the person was intoxicated, they could also be held accountable for damages.

This means that not only the drunk driver but also the provider of the alcohol may share responsibility for the accident.

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident in South Carolina

Ensure Safety and Assess the Situation

• If you’re injured, quickly assess the severity to determine if you can move. Check for bleeding or any condition requiring immediate care.
• If it’s safe, exit your vehicle and help others do the same. Remaining in your vehicle can be dangerous due to the risk of secondary collisions.

Call 911 Immediately

• As soon as everyone is safe from further harm, call 911. Prompt medical assistance is crucial for seriously injured individuals.
• The police must be notified to investigate the accident, manage traffic, and prevent additional accidents. They will also assess whether the at-fault driver was intoxicated.

Observe and Document Signs of Intoxication

• Pay attention to the other driver’s behavior. Look for signs such as stumbling, the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, or attempts to hide evidence, such as discarding alcohol containers.
• If safe, use your smartphone to take pictures or videos of any signs of intoxication or evidence at the scene.

Contact an Experienced DUI Accident Lawyer

• Contact a lawyer with extensive experience handling DUI accident cases in South Carolina. They will protect your rights and help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
• A skilled attorney can guide you through the complexities of criminal and civil proceedings to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Locations for Charleston Drunk Driving Accidents

In Charleston, South Carolina, drunk driving accidents occur frequently across various locations, leading to injuries and fatalities. These incidents can occur on highways, city streets, and popular gathering spots.

Highways and Interstates

One common location for drunk driving accidents in Charleston is along major highways and interstates, such as Interstate 26 and Interstate 526. These roads experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours and weekends, making them prone to drunk driving incidents.

The combination of high speeds and alcohol impairment can result in severe collisions, often causing significant injuries or fatalities.

City Streets and Intersections

City streets and intersections are also frequent sites for drunk driving accidents. Busy intersections like King Street, Calhoun Street, Meeting Street, and Market Street become dangerous when drivers disregard traffic signals or drive recklessly under the influence.

Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable in these areas, facing heightened risks from impaired drivers.

Nightlife Spots and Entertainment Districts

Another common location for drunk driving accidents is near popular nightlife spots and entertainment districts, such as King Street and East Bay Street. Bars, restaurants, and clubs in these areas attract large crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.

Unfortunately, some patrons choose to drive home after consuming alcohol, increasing the likelihood of drunk driving accidents.

Residential Neighborhoods and Suburban Areas

Residential neighborhoods and suburban areas are not immune to drunk driving accidents. Impaired drivers may mistakenly believe these quieter areas are safer to navigate.

However, residential streets pose significant dangers, especially to pedestrians, children playing outside, and other motorists.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, contact the team of Charleston personal injury attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm for expert legal assistance.

What Are South Carolina’s DUI Laws?

South Carolina enforces stringent DUI laws to deter drunk driving and enhance road safety. Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal, with penalties including fines, imprisonment, and license revocation.

Additionally, drivers with a BAC between .05% and .08% may still face DUI charges. For minors and adults under 21, any detectable alcohol in their system can lead to charges.

Commercial drivers with a CDL face severe consequences if found with a BAC of .04% or higher.

Our knowledgeable attorneys can help identify all parties responsible for the accident, including the driver, social hosts who supplied alcohol to a minor or visibly intoxicated person, or individuals who knowingly provided a vehicle to a drunk driver. Understanding the possibilities of South Carolina DUI laws is essential for building a solid case and ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

What Damages Can You Expect from a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident?

“Damages” refer to the compensation awarded in personal injury cases. The types of damages in your Charleston drunk driving case may differ from those in other similar incidents.

However, after a thorough investigation and review of your accident, a lawyer may pursue the following types of damages:

• Emergency Medical Costs: Medical expenses are typically a primary source of damages in drunk driving accident cases. You may recover damages for emergency medical expenses, including EMS transport and immediate emergency treatment fees.
• Long-Term Medical Costs: Drunk driving accidents often result in serious injuries that require long-term rehabilitation, medications, and more. Compensation can cover these ongoing medical expenses.
• Loss of Pay and Future Earnings: Injuries from the accident may prevent you from returning to work, temporarily or permanently, leading to substantial lost income. Damages can include compensation for both current and future lost earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: The overall impact of the accident on your quality of life is also considered. This includes physical pain and emotional suffering resulting from the accident.

Your lawyer can explain the damages you can claim in your Charleston drunk driving accident case. While a specific amount of compensation is never guaranteed and can be difficult to predict, if you suffered serious harm due to the careless actions of a Charleston drunk driver, you might be entitled to substantial compensation.

Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers in Charleston

Drunk driving significantly impairs a driver’s ability to safely control their vehicle, often leading to severe accidents. These accidents tend to be more serious compared to those involving sober drivers who can take measures to reduce the crash’s impact.

Common injuries resulting from drunk driving accidents include:

• Head and Brain Injuries: Collisions with steering wheels or windows can cause concussions or severe brain injuries, impairing cognitive functions. These injuries often lead to long-term impairments and the need for continuous therapy.
• Broken Bones: The force of a collision frequently results in fractured arms, legs, or ribs, especially in high-speed impacts typical of drunk driving crashes. These injuries may necessitate surgeries and extended rehabilitation periods.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Drunk driving accidents can result in serious spinal injuries, potentially causing permanent paralysis due to sudden and violent impacts. These life-altering injuries often require lifelong care.
• Internal Injuries: The violent jolts in a crash can lead to internal bleeding or organ damage, common in high-speed collisions caused by impaired drivers. These injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency medical intervention.
• Emotional Trauma: Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression due to the traumatic nature of drunk driving incidents. The psychological impact can affect relationships, employment, and overall well-being, necessitating professional mental health support.

Let Our Charleston Drunk Driver Accident Lawyers Help You Out!

At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our team, led by Ali Awad, is committed to using every available resource to fully investigate your claim. We collaborate with accident reconstructionists, private investigators, dram shop liability expert witnesses, and medical experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Working on a contingency fee basis, we cover all upfront costs for prosecuting your claim. You will not owe us any fees unless we recover a monetary award from the at-fault parties or their insurance companies.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to pursuing your claims to the fullest extent of the law to secure fair compensation for the injuries you suffered due to a drunk driving accident.

Contact us today at (864) 664-3865 for a free consultation to review your case and determine if retaining a Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer is right for you.

FAQs

1. How long do I have to file a claim after a drunk driving accident in Charleston?

In Charleston, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is typically three years from the accident date. However, consulting with our lawyer promptly is essential to ensure all deadlines are met.

1. What evidence is important in a drunk driving accident case?

Critical evidence includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage. Our lawyer will help collect and preserve this evidence to build a strong case.

1. What compensation can I receive in a drunk driving accident case?

You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and, in some cases, punitive damages designed to punish the drunk driver for their reckless behavior.