Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but intoxicated driving is a common cause of accidents in the Columbia area each year. Crashes might happen on highways like I-26 or in busy downtown areas, such as near the University of South Carolina. If you have been hurt in such an accident, you need to speak with a Columbia, SC, drunk driving accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

Representing Drunk Driving Accident Victims in Columbia, SC

The personal injury attorneys at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can provide comprehensive legal representation for the aftermath of your drunk driving accident in Columbia. With more than 100 combined years of experience fighting on behalf of injured clients, we are confident we can help you establish liability for your damages and will pursue maximum compensation for those damages. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2023, there were 12,429 deaths from drunk driving accidents nationwide, which means about 34 people die in the United States every day from this entirely preventable cause. Each state has different laws for prosecuting driving under the influence (DUI), but while the state will handle the criminal case against a drunk driver, the injured victim will need an attorney’s help to seek compensation.

Our firm can help you determine your most viable options for legal recourse after a drunk driver has injured you or a loved one in Columbia. Your case may appear straightforward at first, but it’s possible that you could encounter a variety of unexpected complications that you may not be able to resolve on your own. Working with an experienced Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer offers the greatest chance of maximizing your recovery.

How to Recover Compensation for a Drunk Driving Accident in Columbia

In Columbia, SC, all vehicle accident cases are resolved based on fault. This means that whoever causes an accident is liable for the resulting damages. Proving fault for a drunk driving accident may be relatively straightforward, as the drunk driver is likely to be arrested at the scene of the crash or after they receive medical treatment for their injuries. However, you must still prove they are responsible for causing your damages.

All South Carolina drivers are required to have auto insurance that meets minimum coverage requirements. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance policy can pay for the resulting damages up to the coverage limits of their policy. However, most insurance companies will try to deny or devalue claims for compensation whenever possible. Do not wait for this to happen to you to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer.

Your Columbia, SC, drunk driving accident lawyer at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., can help you file your insurance claim, and our team will be ready to fight for you if the insurance company disputes your claim or attempts to offer a lowball settlement. We have resolved many auto insurance claims on behalf of past clients and will do everything we can to increase your settlement.

If you must file a personal injury case to recover your losses, you may be able to secure compensation for the economic and non-economic damages the defendant caused, and they may also be compelled to pay punitive damages as well. Your attorney can explain any such variables present in your case and help you resolve your personal injury case efficiently.

Ultimately, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be frustrating, confusing, and traumatic in several ways. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer you trust to have a better chance of success with the recovery efforts you attempt, and the team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., is confident we can deliver positive results. Reach out to us today to learn how we can assist you with your case.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Drunk Driving Accident Laws

Will the Drunk Driver Who Caused My Accident Go to Jail?

It’s likely that the drunk driver who caused your accident will go to jail as well as face additional penalties based on the specific details of the accident. Penalties for drunk driving in South Carolina usually include a fine, driver’s license suspension, and jail time, and penalties can increase significantly when the defendant has caused an accident resulting in injury or death.

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

The recompense you can claim for a drunk driving accident depends on the severity of the damages you suffered. If you can prove that the defendant directly caused your damages, it is possible for you to recover economic losses like your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and lost wages if you cannot work after the accident. Additionally, you may also claim compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced.

Can I Claim Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault for My Accident?

Yes, it is possible for you to claim compensation if you were partially at fault for your accident under South Carolina’s modified comparative fault rule. As long as the plaintiff is less at fault than the defendant, their fault percentage is deducted from their case award, and they keep the remainder. Since drunk driving is illegal, even if you were speeding or otherwise negligent, it is highly likely that the drunk driver will be deemed more at fault for causing your accident.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer to have a greater chance of success with your recovery efforts following your accident. Even if the fault for the accident seems clear to you, many unexpected complications can arise with your auto insurance claim and/or personal injury case against the drunk driver. When you have a Columbia, SC, drunk driving accident lawyer representing you, you are better prepared to face such challenges.

The team at Axelrod & Associates, P.A., has more than 100 combined years of experience handling accident cases for clients in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. We are confident we can guide you through your recovery efforts efficiently and help you maximize your compensation. If you are ready to learn how a Columbia, SC, drunk driving accident lawyer can help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.