Spanish 
Are you wondering what to do if you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Florence, SC? If you were the victim of a drunk driving crash, you are probably feeling confused and overwhelmed. Being injured in an accident is already traumatic, but when that accident was caused by someone who was intoxicated, it may be harder to move past the event.
Victims often have to deal with physical injuries that need to be addressed with medical care and time off from work, financial losses, and the emotional toll of feeling like fate was against them. There are some essential steps you can take following a drunk driver accident that can help you build a legal claim and protect your rights. Knowing your options can help you make the right decisions with less stress in the aftermath of the accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The most pressing task after being hit by a drunk driver is to get medical attention. Some injuries that seem minor at first may become worse over time. Emergency medical personnel can assess your condition, treat you for injuries you might not be aware of, and document the injuries right after the accident for any claim you choose to file later.
This documentation can help prove the connection between the accident and the injury and protect you from a defendant making claims that you are faking or exaggerating the nature and extent of your injuries. Timely treatment not only supports your recovery but also strengthens your case by showing you took prompt action for your health.
Document the Scene of the Accident
Gather as much information as you can in the moments following the accident, including photographs of the damage to both vehicles, other passengers’ injuries, and the scene as a whole. Skid marks, traffic lights, weather conditions, and road or lane conditions may help investigators or insurance companies better understand the facts.
Get contact information from the driver of the other vehicle, but do not discuss fault or make any statements that could be used against you. If there are witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information and request their testimony regarding the accident. Those accounts can provide critical support for your claim.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
When there is a drunk driver, you need to call law enforcement right away. Police can write up an official report about the event that includes details about who was at fault, any signs of impairment, and their initial findings. The police record might also include notes about the driver’s behavior, such as slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol, which can be very important evidence to prove the driver was impaired at the time of the accident.
An officer may also do a sobriety or breathalyzer test on the driver, which could further support your claim if the driver is found to be intoxicated. When submitting claims to insurance companies or seeking compensation, this report becomes an important tool.
Notify Your Insurance Company and Consider Legal Action
After reporting the incident to law enforcement, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and provide them with the information needed, but do not admit fault.
Do not give statements to the insurance adjuster for the other party, as they may offer you a settlement that is significantly less than your claim may be worth.
If you are seriously injured or if the drunk driver’s insurance does not cover damages, you may have no choice but to resort to legal action. South Carolina gives victims of drunk drivers the option to secure punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
FAQs
Should You Call 911 After Being Hit by a Suspected Drunk Driver?
Yes, calling 911 to report being hit by a suspected drunk driver is appropriate, especially if you have severe injuries or property damage or the driver poses an immediate danger to others. If the driver does not stop, be prepared to provide details about the car’s appearance, location, and driver behavior. Law enforcement can respond quickly to potential threats on the road, helping to keep everyone safe.
How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident Involving a Drunk Driver in SC?
In South Carolina, accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported immediately to law enforcement, especially in the case of suspected drunk driving. If police do not respond to the scene, you have 15 days to file a report with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. Prompt reporting is essential for insurance and legal purposes, as well as the safety of others.
Can You Be Compensated if You Are Injured by a Drunk Driver in South Carolina?
Yes, if you’re injured by a drunk driver in South Carolina, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In cases involving gross negligence, you may also pursue punitive damages to hold the driver accountable further. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation.
Can a Bar or Restaurant Be Held Liable for Serving a Drunk Driver in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina’s dram shop laws allow a bar or restaurant to be held responsible if an intoxicated person who was served at their establishment causes an accident that results in another person’s injury or death. Dram shop laws can be a means for victims’ recovery of damages against the establishment that served the driver; however, proving liability in dram shop cases can be challenging.
Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured by a drunk driver in Florence, SC, Axelrod & Associates, P.A. is here to help. We are dedicated to guiding you, ensuring your rights are protected, and helping you seek justice following your accident. Our goal is to secure fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses. We can handle all communications, negotiations, and any necessary litigation, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery and well-being.
If you suffered serious injuries, contact us for a consultation. We can listen to your story, evaluate your case, discuss legal options, and review your next steps toward justice and the compensation you deserve.
