Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

Drivers in Columbia face many risks on the road, including speeding drivers on I-26 and I-77 and distracted drivers at busy downtown intersections. Unfortunately, another risk factor that leads to many injuries and deaths in the area each year is an entirely preventable one. Drunk driving is a pervasive problem throughout the US, and a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer can help if you have been hurt in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver.

Representing Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents in Columbia, SC

The Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III offers compassionate, responsive, and results-driven legal counsel for all types of vehicle accident cases in Columbia, including those resulting from drunk driving. It is illegal for anyone to operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol in South Carolina, but while the state may prosecute a drunk driver for breaking the law, this criminal case does not aim to compensate the victims of their illegal actions.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 145,761 total vehicle accidents statewide in 2023. Of these accidents, 4,814 were attributed to intoxicated drivers. Drunk driving accidents caused 262 deaths, 304 serious injuries, and 2,742 other injuries in South Carolina during 2023. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that every day in the US, about 34 people die in drunk driving-related accidents.

Our firm will work closely with you to build an effective civil case against the drunk driver who caused your accident. We have years of proven experience resolving difficult personal injury cases, and you can trust our team to work closely with you through every stage of your proceedings until we recover the compensation you deserve. You have limited time to build your case, so it’s important to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer at your first opportunity.

Building Your Case for a Drunk Driving Accident in Columbia, SC

South Carolina law requires that you prove fault for a recent accident if you intend to claim compensation from another driver. Fault for a drunk driving accident may seem clear to you, but the reality is that there is a formal legal process of establishing fault for any vehicle accident. You need to hire a drunk driving accident lawyer who can secure the evidence needed to show that the defendant caused your accident and that they are responsible for your claimed damages.

The state will handle prosecuting the drunk driver for breaking the law, but you will need a skilled attorney’s help to build your personal injury case and recover compensation for your damages. Every driver in South Carolina is required to have auto insurance, and if the at-fault driver is covered, your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf with their insurance carrier. Don’t wait for an insurance company to deny your claim to talk to a lawyer.

You may need to file a personal injury case to recover your damages. If so, you could potentially recover compensation for the economic and non-economic losses you suffered because of the defendant’s illegal misconduct. Additionally, you could also be awarded punitive damages at the court’s discretion to reflect the illegal nature of their actions. Your attorney can explain what to expect in your specific case.

Ultimately, the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be traumatic and frustrating. You have limited time to pursue your recovery, and it is crucial to have legal counsel you can trust advising you. The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III is ready to provide the legal support you need in this difficult situation. We’re confident we can help you reach a positive outcome, so reach out to us as soon as possible to learn more about our legal services.

FAQs About Columbia, SC Drunk Driving Accident Laws

How Can I Prove Fault in a Drunk Driving Accident Case?

To prove fault in a drunk driving accident case, you must identify the drunk driver who hit you, prove that they were intoxicated, and that this caused your accident. Next, you will need to show that their actions caused actual harm, meaning you suffered measurable losses because of their illegal misconduct. Your Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer can gather the foundational evidence needed for your case.

What Are the Penalties for Drunk Driving in Columbia?

The penalties for drunk driving in Columbia vary based on several factors. Generally, penalties include driver’s license suspension, fines, and jail time, but additional penalties, such as mandatory substance abuse treatment, could be ordered. Additionally, penalties increase significantly if a driver has a record of prior drunk driving convictions and/or they caused an accident resulting in serious bodily harm or death.

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

The amount of compensation you can claim for a drunk driving accident depends on the severity of your injuries. You have the right to claim compensation for your vehicle repair costs, medical treatment, and for any income you cannot earn during recovery. If you are filing a personal injury case, you could also claim pain and suffering compensation, and you may receive punitive damages in addition to your claimed losses at the court’s discretion.

Why Should I Hire a Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Columbia?

You should hire a drunk driving accident lawyer in Columbia to maximize your chances of success with the recovery efforts you attempt. Fault for the accident may seem obvious to you, but you could face numerous unexpected challenges as the case unfolds. It’s crucial to have legal counsel you can trust on your side to not only help you file your case correctly, but also to pursue maximum compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.

The team at the Law Office of Charles T. Brooks III can help you make sense of your legal situation after a drunk driver has injured you or a family member in Columbia. We have years of experience handling all types of difficult personal injury cases and will leverage our experience on your behalf. Contact us today and schedule a free consultation with a Columbia drunk driving accident lawyer so we can start building your case.