Being hit by a drunk driver can be a maddening experience. If this has happened to you, a Greenville car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit.
A drunk driving accident can cause devastating injuries and lasting emotional trauma. If you’ve been on the wrong end of one, you deserve to be compensated.
The legal team at Shane Smith Law has over 100 years of combined experience. If you’ve been injured in a crash with a drunk driver, a Greenville drunk driving accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Can I Sue Someone Who Hit Me While Drunk?
Yes. If a drunk driver crashes into you, you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. Any criminal case the driver faces will not compensate you directly, so a civil claim is necessary if you want to recover compensation for your damages.
A Greenville personal injury lawyer can help you put together a strong case.
For a free legal consultation with a drunk driving accident lawyer serving Greenville, call (980) 246-2656
How Can a Greenville Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Help?
If you’ve been involved in a crash with a drunk driver, an attorney can:
- Gather evidence to prove liability, such as police reports, BAC results, and witness testimony
- Calculate the full value of your claim by adding up all of your economic and non-economic damages
- Handle communication with insurance companies so adjusters don’t pressure you into accepting a low settlement
- Represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation
A drunk driving accident attorney in Greenville will give you the best chance at recovering the money you need to move forward.
Greenville Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
How Much Can I Sue for a Drunk Driving Accident?
Drunk driving accident settlements vary from case to case. Some victims recover tens of thousands of dollars, while others may receive settlements worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. The amount you’ll be able to pursue via a lawsuit will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the crash, and the insurance coverage available.
A drunk driving accident lawyer in Greenville can give you a realistic estimate of your case’s worth after reviewing the specifics of your case.
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Types of Compensation You Can Receive
Victims of drunk driving accidents may be entitled to a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: You can receive compensation for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost income: You can recover wages you would’ve earned while you were unable to work after the accident.
- Reduced earning capacity: You can be compensated if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income in the future.
- Property damage: You can be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other personal items damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: You can pursue damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: You can receive damages if your injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies or activities you once enjoyed.
- Punitive damages: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to seek additional damages designed to punish the drunk driver and discourage similar behavior in the future.
An attorney can make sure you’re compensated for all of your losses.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Drunk Driving Accident Lawsuit in South Carolina?
South Carolina law generally gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, if you miss this deadline, you’ll forfeit your ability to recover compensation. A Greenville car accident attorney can help make sure you file on time.
Who Is Liable for a Drunk Driving Accident in SC?
The drunk driver is typically held responsible if they cause a car crash. However, in some cases, these parties may share liability:
- Bars, restaurants, or clubs: Establishments that overserve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person can be held accountable under South Carolina’s dram shop laws.
- Social hosts: In some situations, individuals who knowingly provide alcohol to underage or impaired guests may share responsibility.
- Employers: If the drunk driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer could also be liable.
- Other negligent drivers: If another driver contributed to the crash, they may share responsibility for your damages.
A car accident attorney in Greenville can gather evidence to determine who’s responsible for paying for your damages.
How Does South Carolina Law Define Drunk Driving?
According to Title 56 – Chapter 5 of South Carolina law, a driver is considered legally impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, a driver can still be charged with a DUI at a lower BAC if their ability to operate a vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident
The steps you take immediately after a crash can have a significant impact on your case. You should:
- Call the police and file an accident report.
- Collect evidence at the scene, such as photos, witness contact information, and the driver’s license plate number.
- Seek medical treatment right away to protect your health and document your injuries.
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you’ve talked to a lawyer.
- Consult a drunk driving accident attorney as soon as possible to start building your case.
Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Greenville
If a drunk driver has injured you, you shouldn’t be on the hook for the medical expenses. A Greenville drunk driving accident attorney from Shane Smith Law can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
