Injured In a Drunk Driver Car Wreck in Mount Pleasant, SC: Now What?

South Carolina has its share of drunk driving accidents. Although efforts have been put into place to reduce the number of these occurrences, being hit by a drunk driver is still a problem that affects many victims. Many people are left wondering, “I’ve been injured in a drunk driver car wreck in Mount Pleasant, SC: Now What?”

Things to Know After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver in Mount Pleasant

In every state, it is illegal to drive while drunk. Even a small amount of alcohol can make it impossible to drive, but the chance of an accident goes up dramatically when a driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .08 or higher, which is the legal limit in most states. In the event that a drunk driver has caused you harm, the following information is helpful for your next steps:

• If someone hits you and hurts you, you may seek damages from them in civil court for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
• It is against the law to drive while impaired (DUI). You have the right to ask for victim restitution if the driver who hurt you is found guilty of DUI.
• You can take steps to protect yourself immediately following an alcohol-related accident, such as filing a car insurance claim or a personal injury claim.
• An accident isn’t always the fault of a driver who was drinking. You will have to prove that the driver’s impairment caused or made the accident more likely to happen.
• After an accident caused by drunk driving, a lawyer can help you decide if you should accept a settlement or go to court.

What to Do After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

Your life can change in mere moments if you get hit by a drunk driver. You could be severely hurt and have to deal with law enforcement, medical professionals, insurance adjusters, and attorneys.

You’ll probably feel disoriented and perplexed right after an accident caused by drunk driving. Take the steps below to protect yourself and get ready for a possible car accident claim or case. Try to stay as calm as possible.

• Call 911. The health of your body and mind is the most important thing. Please call 911 immediately if you or anyone else is hurt in the accident. You will get the medical care you need, as well as have proof of your injuries and the costs of your care.A police officer will talk to everyone who is involved and write up a report. If you think a drunk driver hit you, you need to call the police right away. The driver can be asked to do field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer or blood alcohol test by a police officer.
• Trade your insurance and contact information. Request assistance from the police in exchanging contact and insurance details with the other driver. Obtain the driver’s full name, license plate number, driver’s license number, and information about their auto insurance.
• Write down what happened. Following an accident, it is suggested to get the contact information of people who saw what happened. Along with all of the cars involved in the collision, street signs, traffic signals, and lighting conditions should all be captured in photos of the scene.Important pieces of evidence that you and your lawyer can use against the driver in civil court are the officer’s observations made at the scene and the results of the driver’s BAC test.

  However, be cautious not to impede the police inquiry. Accidents involving drunk driving could be the scene of a serious crime. When a DUI causes harm or death, the crime is usually considered a felony, and the punishment can be months or years in prison. An investigating officer will get information that you can use in your own insurance claim or dispute.

• Talk to a lawyer. Much of the time, DUI accidents are disastrous and have several legal and criminal effects. If you were hurt by a drunk driver, you may think that your civil case is simple and that you don’t need a lawyer. However, a lawyer can assist you in determining the amount of compensation to which you are entitled and obtaining it.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Hit by a Drunk Driver?

If you have been hit by a drunk driver if at all possible, relocate to a secure area to ensure the safety of both you and your passengers. Report the collision and, if necessary, ask for medical assistance by calling 911. Hold off on confronting the inebriated driver and let the police handle the situation.

How Can I Prove That the Other Driver Was Drunk in a Drunk Driving Accident?

You can prove the other driver was drunk in a drunk driving accident by accessing the police report, which will typically include whether the driver was suspected of being under the influence, results of field sobriety tests, or breathalyzer results. Witness statements and any observed behavior can also support this claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover in a Drunk Driving Accident Claim?

In a drunk driving car accident claim, you can recover a few different types of compensation. These include economic damages, which are actual costs associated with the accident such as medical bills and lost wages. You can also recover non-economic damages, which are not as easily quantifiable as economic damages but can still be recovered, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.

Is a Drunk Driver Automatically at Fault for a Car Accident?

A drunk driver is not always at fault for an accident. To prove fault, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the driver owed a duty of care, breached it, and caused harm. Drunk driving violates this duty, but if intoxication did not cause the accident (such as you rear-ended them), they may not be held liable for damages.

Contact Axelrod & Associates, P.A.

If you have been injured in a car accident due to a drunk driver hitting you, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. An attorney at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help you receive the justice you deserve. Contact us today for more information.