In the aftermath of a drunk driving incident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you may find yourself grappling with not only physical injuries but deep emotional turmoil. The road to recovery can feel isolating, filled with uncertainty and frustration as you face mounting medical costs and income loss.
We are committed to standing by your side. Our team recognizes the immense challenges these accidents pose to your life and well-being. With a dedicated drunk driving accident attorney from our Myrtle Beach office, we’re prepared to guide you compassionately through each step of your legal journey.
Reach out to us for a free consultation today. Discover how we can assist you and your loved ones in securing the financial restitution necessary to move forward from this distressing experience.
How Our Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Approach Your Drunk Driving Case
Managing the complications of a drunk driving accident claim in Myrtle Beach requires a thorough understanding of the legal process, and having a skilled car accident attorney can be invaluable.
Here’s a detailed overview of the steps involved in settling such a case:
Initiating the Claim
When a drunk driving accident occurs, the primary step is to file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance for damages, typically including medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In cases where the incident involves a commercial entity like a bar or restaurant that served the driver alcohol, South Carolina’s dram shop laws might permit claims against these third parties as well.
These additional claims complicate the process, making the guidance of a Myrtle Beach personal injury attorney crucial for managing the claims efficiently and effectively.
Conducting a Detailed Investigation
Often, initial reports such as the police report or insurance assessments may not fully capture all aspects of the accident, potentially missing critical details about the incident. A car accident lawyer can employ an independent investigator or an accident reconstruction specialist to solidify the case against the drunk driver by highlighting their liability.
This phase also includes gathering concrete evidence, such as the results from the driver’s field sobriety tests, to substantiate claims of intoxication.
Waiting for Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
The extent of injuries suffered greatly influences the compensation process. Reaching MMI means you have recovered as fully as expected, allowing your healthcare providers and legal team to accurately estimate ongoing and future medical costs.
Settling claims before reaching MMI could result in insufficient compensation, underscoring the importance of patience in the pursuit of just restitution.
Evaluating the Claim and Drafting a Demand Letter
Upon reaching MMI, your lawyer will compile all relevant expenses, quantify lost wages, and estimate current and future pain and suffering to formulate a comprehensive demand for compensation. This demand is then formally communicated to the insurance companies through a demand letter, initiating direct negotiations.
Engaging in Negotiations
The negotiation phase involves discussions with the insurance adjuster, where initial offers are typically less than what is demanded. Your attorney will leverage gathered medical opinions, expert testimonies, and accrued evidence to negotiate a fair settlement.
However, the duration of this stage can vary greatly depending on the case’s complexity.
Filing for Litigation
Should negotiations stall or fail to produce a reasonable offer, your attorney may proceed to file a personal injury lawsuit, escalating the matter to court. This move often prompts insurance companies to reconsider their stance and propose a fair settlement to avoid the unpredictability of a trial.
However, if an agreement remains elusive, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury or judge will determine the outcome based on the evidence presented.
Throughout each stage, your Myrtle Beach car accident lawyer will advocate thoroughly on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve following a traumatic drunk driving accident.
Why You Need to Trust Our Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Accident Law Firm
Located in the heart of the US, the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm offers specialized legal services to residents of Hilton Head, Georgetown, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Columbia & Greenville. Our law firm excels in defending clients facing personal injury and criminal charges.
We handle various cases, including car, motorcycle, and trucking accidents, slip and fall incidents, workers’ compensation claims, drug and DUI charges, real estate closings, and probate matters.
Our team comprises experienced attorneys renowned for their deep legal expertise and exceptional track record in negotiations and courtroom battles. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, we prioritize our clients, dedicating time to fully understand their circumstances and goals.
We offer tailored legal advice and attentive personal service and are always ready to address any queries or concerns.
For anyone seeking assertive legal defense or strong representation in personal injury matters in Myrtle Beach, SC, our law firm stands ready to advocate energetically on your behalf. We commit fully to securing the best possible outcomes for your legal requirements.
The Statute of Limitations: Know Your Deadline to Sue a Drunk Driver in SC
Suppose you or a loved one has been injured in a DUI accident in Myrtle Beach, SC. In that case, it’s essential to understand the timeline for taking legal action to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to receive compensation.
In Myrtle Beach, SC, the deadline, or statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit following a DUI incident is typically three years from the accident date. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to sue and potentially forfeiting any compensation for your injuries and damages.
However, there are important exceptions to be aware of. For instance, if the at-fault party was a government employee performing their duties when the accident occurred, the timeframe to file a claim could be significantly shorter.
Additionally, the legal process may be paused if the responsible party faces criminal charges related to the incident. In such cases, it might be beneficial to wait until the conclusion of the criminal trial, as the findings could provide crucial evidence beneficial to your civil case.
Following these rules can be complicated, so it is essential to consult with a seasoned car accident attorney promptly after your accident. Our attorneys specialize in DUI accident cases at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm.
They are supportive of instructing you through the legal process, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps necessary to secure justice for your injuries.
Typical Injuries Resulting From Drunk-Driving Crashes
Accidents involving impaired driving can lead to severe and diverse injuries. Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, the potential for harm is significant.
Typical injuries from such incidents include:
- Injuries to the head, neck, and back, such as broken bones, whiplash, or spinal damage.
- Injuries to the brain and spinal column, like concussions, various forms of traumatic brain injury, or irreversible harm to the spinal cord.
- Fractures that might necessitate surgical intervention and potentially lead to chronic pain and impaired mobility.
- Soft tissue damage includes injuries to nerves, compression injuries, burns, sprains, and other muscular or ligament strains.
- Psychological impacts, including post-traumatic stress disorder, which, while not visible, can long-term affect one’s well-being and require professional mental health treatment.
What You Must Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Myrtle Beach?
After a drunk driving accident in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, it’s essential to know the immediate steps to take to safeguard your legal rights and support your case.
Here’s a guide to help you manage the consequences:
- Strive Medical Lookout: Prioritize your health by seeking immediate medical care. This step is vital not only for your well-being but also for documenting your injuries as directly related to the accident.
- Document the Location: If your condition allows, take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved. These images can serve as crucial evidence in your case.
- Gather Facts: Safely exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. If the other driver is uncooperative or aggressive, stay safe and wait for law enforcement to arrive and handle the exchange.
- Consult an Attorney: Consider contacting a lawyer for a free consultation to review your case. Legal experts can provide crucial advice and help you understand your rights and options.
- Stick to Medical Advice: Follow all your providers’ medical instructions and treatments. Adherence is important not only for your recovery but also essential in demonstrating your commitment to healing, which insurance companies might otherwise challenge.
- Avoid Documented Statements: Do not agree to provide any recorded statements to the insurance companies without legal advice. These statements can be used to undermine your case.
Exploring Your Compensation Options for DUI Accidents in Myrtle Beach
If you’re involved in a drunk driving accident, securing the services of the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can be a crucial first step in pursuing compensation. Our team is dedicated to comprehensively assessing the accident’s impact on your health, life, and finances to ensure you receive full settlement.
Here’s an overview of potential compensations that may be available to you:
- Medical Fees: Compensation should cover all immediate and long—term medical expenses. This can include costs from emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, hospital stays, surgical procedures, medications, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevented you from working, compensation may include lost wages from missed work, including salaries and other earnings.
- Reduced Earning Capacity: If the injuries impact your ability to work as before, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced earning capacity, adjusting for changes in your job role or working hours.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may also address the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: If the accident has altered your physical appearance, you may pursue damages for scarring and disfigurement.
- Emotional Distress: Experiencing a traumatic event like a drunk driving accident can lead to emotional repercussions such as PTSD, for which you can claim compensation.
- Wrongful Death: If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, you might be eligible to claim damages for medical and funeral expenses, loss of earnings to the family, and other related expenses.
Let Our Myrtle Beach Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers Take the Lead Against Insurance Companies!
Our law firm understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize settlements for DUI accident victims. The challenges increase with issues like uninsured motorists, escalating medical expenses, brain injuries, and disfigurement.
No one should suffer a diminished quality of life due to a drunk driver’s actions.
Our determined team will fiercely pursue the full compensation you are entitled to. We proudly serve clients across South Carolina, including in North Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Lexington.
If you’re ready to take action against a negligent driver, contact us today to schedule your complimentary case review. Contact us today at (864) 664-3865 or complete our form to arrange a free and confidential consultation with our experts.
