Mount Pleasant Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a DUI wreck, you may be entitled to compensation.

According to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, 232 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related collisions in 2018. While drunk driving is a crime, this does not deter some motorists from driving under the influence of alcohol.  

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation. With the help of a Mount Pleasant drunk driving accident attorney, you may be able to recover the cost of various expenses as they relate to your accident and injuries. 

At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we have over 40 years of legal experience and have resolved over 40,000 personal injury cases. When you call our team today, we can discuss your legal options at no cost to you. 

Recoverable Damages After a Drunk Driving Accident

South Carolina is a comparative negligence state, per S.C. Code of Laws § 15-38-15. This means that, following the collision, a percentage of fault may be assigned to both parties. 

If the other driver was drunk at the time of the accident, their percentage of fault may exceed that of the injured party’s. This would make them ineligible to pursue compensation for their damages since they were found to be mostly at fault for the collision. 

If you are able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit, S.C. Code of Laws § 15-32-210 outlines the damages you can claim. These include: 

Economic Damages

Economic damages account for your losses that have a predetermined monetary value. Your lawyer can use receipts, invoices, and billing statements to determine the cost of these items. They include: 

• Medical care 
• Rehabilitative services 
• Loss of wages and earning capacity
• Property damage 

You may be eligible to recover damages other than those we have listed here. 

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages account for your accident-related losses that do not have a monetary value. Depending on your situation, the insurance company may use a certain formula to determine the cost of these expenses. 

Examples of noneconomic damages include:  

• Physical pain, suffering, and inconvenience
• Disability 
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of parental guidance and household benefits 

Again, you may be eligible to recover losses not included here. 

Mount Pleasant Drunk Driving Accidents Lawyer Near Me(888) 612-7001

Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Accident

You will want to take certain measures shortly after your collision to safeguard your legal interests. The things you say and the actions you take could dictate the outcome of your personal injury case. 

When you work with a drunk driving accident lawyer in Mount Pleasant, they can explain what you should and should not do in the days and weeks following the accident. You should consider: 

Getting Medical Attention

Meeting with your health care team works not only to promote your physical recovery but also to provide evidence that can support your case. 

Some pieces of evidence that you may accumulate while seeking medical treatment for your injuries include:

• Your lab test results
• The results of imaging scans, such as X-rays
• Statements from your doctor
• Follow-up appointment dates 
• The names of prescribed medications and treatments
• The names of any assistive devices that you may need to use
• The names of your doctor and their health care staff 

These pieces of information can be used to demonstrate the nature and severity of your injuries. 

Letting Your Lawyer Handle the Insurance Company

At the end of the day, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to promote their bottom line. Sometimes, this means underpaying or denying claims. 

Your lawyer can deal with the insurance company of the liable party and present them with evidence and work to achieve a fair settlement on your behalf. They can also protect you against any unfair insurance practices that can derail your personal injury case. 

The insurance company may offer you a settlement shortly after the collision. You are not required to accept any offers that you do not deem satisfactory. If you accept any amount of money from the insurance company, you will be unable to ask for more funds later. 

Consider Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer

A Mount Pleasant drunk driving accident attorney can work to protect your legal rights and interests during this challenging time. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping injured claimants recover compensation for their accident-related losses. We can begin working on your case today.

The Complexities of a Drunk Driving Accident Case

There are several circumstances that can complicate your personal injury case. While you recover from your injuries, care for a loved one, or grieve a loss, your lawyer can address your case’s challenges. Some of these challenges may include: 

Issues With Underinsured or Uninsured Drivers

If the driver that caused the accident was uninsured or underinsured, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation. However, if your damages exceed your policy limits, you may need to file a lawsuit to get the money you need. We can handle your case’s obligations if it goes to trial. 

Shared Liability

More than one party can be at fault for a drunk driving accident. For example, if a bar, restaurant, or tavern knowingly supplied alcohol to a severely intoxicated person, and that person caused an accident, the venue can be held partially responsible for your damages. 

If this was a factor in your situation, your lawyer can describe what bearing this has on your personal injury case. 

Just Focus on Getting Better and Leave the Rest to Us

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a drunk driving accident, there are legal avenues you can take to hold the at-fault motorist accountable for their actions. A Mount Pleasant drunk driving accident lawyer from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can handle the obligations involved with filing a claim or lawsuit. 

You can learn more about your options in a free, no-obligation case review by calling us or filling out our online contact form.