Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Orangeburg
According to a study by Forbes Advisor, South Carolina ranks among the top 10 states for drunk driving in the United States. Researchers found over a third of all traffic fatalities in the Palmetto State are caused by drunk drivers. In addition, the analysis determined roughly eight intoxicated drivers per 100,000 licensed motorists in South Carolina are involved in fatal crashes — one of the highest rates nationwide. These drunk driving statistics underscore the danger impaired drivers pose to others and the importance of learning your legal options if you or a loved one is injured by someone driving under the influence.
If you suffered injuries in a DUI crash in Orangeburg, the drunk driving accident lawyers from Wilson Law Group, LLC can evaluate your case and provide guidance on your next steps. With over 40 years of combined legal experience, our team includes professionals with diverse legal backgrounds. This experience gives us insight into how insurance companies investigate and approach car accident claims, which can inform how we handle your case.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Orangeburg DUI injury lawyers.
What to Do After a Drunk Driving Accident in Orangeburg
What you do after an accident with a drunk driver in Orangeburg can affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police accident report.
- Take photos of the accident scene and any visible injuries.
- Seek medical attention immediately after the crash, even if you don’t feel injured.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment recommendations and recovery instructions.
- Obtain the medical records documenting your diagnosis, recommended treatments, and rehabilitation.
- Keep accident-related bills, invoices, receipts, and repair estimates.
- Gather your pay stubs, income statements, or tax returns if you miss time from work because of your injuries.
Finally, consult one of our knowledgeable drunk driver accident attorneys. South Carolina law allows drunk driving accident victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence causes them harm. A skilled lawyer can assess whether you have a valid legal claim and discuss your next steps to pursue compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in South Carolina?
When an intoxicated person causes a drunk driving crash in Orangeburg, accident victims may be able to seek compensation from more than just the impaired driver.
For example, an investigation of the crash might reveal that another motorist was also driving negligently and contributed to the collision. In addition, South Carolina law allows accident victims to file claims against alcohol vendors, such as bars and restaurants, in certain situations. If an establishment served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron or someone under the legal drinking age who subsequently caused a crash that injured others, the business owner could be held liable.
Compensation for Drunk Driving Injury Victims in Orangeburg
Victims of drunk driving accidents can pursue compensation for financial and personal losses related to the collision. Potential compensation in your claim could include money to cover:
- Past and current medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments, disability accommodations, and medical equipment like wheelchairs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Our Orangeburg personal injury lawyers take a comprehensive approach to calculating damages in drunk driving accident cases. When necessary, we work with financial experts and life care planners to come up with a case value that reflects the full extent of your losses and future needs.
Time Limit for Filing a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina
The statute of limitations for most injury claims in South Carolina is three years from the date of the accident. If you file a lawsuit after this deadline expires, the court might dismiss your case, and you could lose the opportunity to pursue compensation.
Some exceptions may shorten or extend the timeline for your case. Since every drunk driving accident claim comes with unique facts, it’s wise to consult an attorney to learn the deadline for your unique circumstances.
How to Strengthen Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim
Evidence is key to building a strong drunk driving injury claim. You must be able to show that the at-fault driver or other liable party’s negligence directly caused the crash and your injuries.
Common examples of evidence in drunk driving claims include:
- Police accident reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Traffic citations and criminal records
- Toxicology test results documenting a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit
- Accident scene photos
- Dashcam or traffic/surveillance camera footage
- Vehicles’ event recorder logs
- Accident reconstruction reports
- Receipts of alcohol sales made to the drunk driver
Organizing and presenting evidence effectively is important when preparing to submit a claim to the insurance company. A lawyer can gather, assess, and develop a strategy for settlement negotiations while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
How Wilson Law Group Handles Drunk Driving Accident Claims in Orangeburg
Wilson Law Group, LLC is a full-service law firm. When we take your case, we commit not only to helping you with your legal matter, but also to supporting you with other tasks to keep you on the path to recovery.
Our legal team can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation to determine liability
- Evaluate your losses to place a fair estimate on your case’s value
- Gather persuasive evidence
- Send a demand letter to the insurance company
- Represent your interests during settlement negotiations
- Take your case to trial, if necessary
Beyond the formal legal legwork, our law firm can help with the practical aspects of managing a car accident injury, such as locating medical specialists and helping you figure out transportation to and from doctors’ appointments. In addition, our system makes it simple for clients to sign documents at various stages of the legal process without traveling to the office. At all times, the focus is on providing quality legal services and compassionate care.
Speak With Our Orangeburg Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys Today
If a drunk driver hit and injured you in a traffic accident in Orangeburg, you don’t have to seek fair compensation alone. Contact Wilson Law Group, LLC today for a free initial consultation.