Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Driving in Charleston can be dangerous in several ways, from speeding drivers on local highways like I-26 to the crowded downtown area. While most accidents happen because of negligence, it is also possible for crashes to result from illegal misconduct like drinking and driving. If you have been hurt in such an accident, you need to consult a Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

Representing Injured Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Charleston, SC

The personal injury attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., have more than 100 combined years of experience representing injured clients in Charleston and the surrounding communities of South Carolina. Any accident can cause life-changing injuries and raise complex legal questions, but drunk driving accidents are often especially challenging to resolve.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 12,429 fatalities from vehicle accidents caused by drunk driving throughout the United States. On average, about 34 people in the United States die every day because of drunk driving, and every one of these deaths is entirely preventable.

While the state will prosecute a driver for causing an accident and driving under the influence (DUI), you need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you recover compensation for your damages. The right attorney can help you determine your optimal recovery options, gather evidence to support your case, and guide you through the legal proceedings ahead of you.

Recovering From a Drunk Driving Accident in Charleston

All vehicle accidents in South Carolina are resolved based on fault. This means that you need to prove fault for your accident before you will be able to recover compensation for your damages. You must also be prepared to prove that your claimed damages solely resulted from the defendant’s actions and did not occur due to any other cause. This may sound straightforward enough, but your case may be more complex than it appears at first.

The police will arrest a drunk driver at the scene of the accident they caused or conduct the arrest after the drunk driver receives necessary medical attention. It’s important to understand that while the criminal case against the drunk driver seeks to punish them for breaking the law, this criminal case does not seek compensation for the injured victim. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to help you pursue compensation for the damages you suffered.

All drivers in South Carolina are required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements, and filing an auto insurance claim is likely to be your first option for recovering from your accident. Your drunk driving accident lawyer in Charleston can assist you with filing your claim, and if the insurance company sees that you have legal counsel, they will be less inclined to attempt any unfair pushback against you.

You may need to file a personal injury case to recover from your accident, and in this situation, it will be crucial to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer with proven experience handling cases like yours. Success with a personal injury case in South Carolina requires proving that the defendant is directly responsible for causing your claimed damages, and you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses.

Since drunk driving is illegal, defendants in drunk driving accident cases are often required to pay punitive damages to those they have injured, alongside the other damages they must repay. Your Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer can explain what you can expect in terms of your recovery, and you’re more likely to increase your compensation with their help. Reach out to Axelrod & Associates, P.A., to learn how our firm can assist you with your case.

FAQs About Charleston, SC Drunk Driving Accident Laws

What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, penalties for drunk driving can include suspension of the driver’s license, heavy fines, and even jail time. Penalties for drunk driving increase when a driver has a record of prior DUIs and/or if they cause an accident resulting in serious injury or death. The defendant will also face civil liability for the damages they cause to others.

What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?

If you were partially at fault for your accident, you still have the right to claim compensation for your damages, but you will likely lose a percentage of the final case award to account for your shared liability. South Carolina upholds a modified comparative fault rule, so as long as the plaintiff is found less at fault than the defendant, they can still recover compensation. Your attorney can explain what to expect if this is a factor in your case.

How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Drunk Driving Accident?

The recompense you can claim for a drunk driving accident depends on the scope and severity of the injuries you suffered. The defendant who injured you is liable for the cost of any medical care you need to recover, income you are unable to earn due to your injuries, vehicle repair costs, and other property losses, and for the pain and suffering you experienced because of the accident.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to ensure the greatest possible chance of success with your case. Even if liability for the accident seems clear to you, the reality is that you could face a wide range of unexpected complications as your case unfolds, and it will be crucial to hire an experienced Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer to ensure a better chance of success with your case.

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has years of experience helping injured Charleston clients navigate the aftermath of their accidents, and our goal in every case is maximum client recovery. If you are struggling with the effects of a drunk driving accident, contact our firm today to schedule a free consultation with a Charleston drunk driving accident lawyer so we can begin building your case.