Drunk driving is dangerous driving. Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime that remains far too common. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that there were nearly 30,000 DUI crashes over a five-year period in the state. At West Law Firm, we help DUI accident victims and their families get justice. Here, our Moncks Corner car accident attorney highlights the next steps that you should take if you were struck by a drunk driver in South Carolina.
Injured By a Drunk Driver? Five Steps to Take
Step #1: Stop Your Vehicle and Report the Collision
Your health and well-being are the top priority after a DUI accident in South Carolina. If you were hit by a drunk driver in South Carolina, you should stop your vehicle as safely as possible. You should immediately report the crash to local or state law enforcement, such as the Moncks Corner Police Department or the South Carolina Highway Patrol. Never assume that another person has already made the call unless you have rock-solid confirmation. Drunk driving is a crime. You need to report the crash, and the police need to investigate promptly to gather evidence. Reporting a suspected DUI accident is the first step toward justice. Police may or may not make an arrest at the scene.
Tip: While all car accidents in South Carolina should be reported to law enforcement, it is especially important to report a suspected drunk driving wreck.
Step #2: Seek Immediate Medical Care from a Doctor
Hurt in a crash with a drunk driver or a drugged driver? You need to get yourself to a licensed doctor for a comprehensive evaluation and the proper care right away. Your adrenaline can run high at the scene of an accident. It is likely that you are more badly injured than you realize. Further, many of the most common DUI accident injuries in South Carolina arise with a gradual onset. Play it safe: get yourself checked out by a qualified doctor.
DUI Accident Claims Tip: Although seeing a doctor is a must for your health and safety, it is also a required step in a legal claim. If you do not have medical records, you will not be in a position to get financial compensation through the personal injury claim process.
Step #3: Notify Your Insurer of the Crash
Your auto insurance coverage likely contains a policy provision that requires you to report any accidents in a timely manner. With that in mind, you should be sure that you notify your own insurance carrier that you were hit by a drunk driver. While the drunk driver’s insurer may ultimately bear responsibility, your own policy may offer immediate support through medical payments or uninsured motorist coverage.
Step #4: Avoid Giving a Recorded Statement
Insurance companies are not on your side after a DUI accident. If you were hit by a drunk driver, you should avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company (even if your own) unless you have an experienced attorney on your side. You may receive a call from the drunk driver’s insurance company asking for a recorded statement. It is a very common insurance defense tactic. Do not agree to provide one. The goal of the insurance company is not to help you; it is to protect their bottom line. You are not legally required to provide a recorded statement without legal representation. Politely decline and explain that your attorney will be in touch. The aftermath of a DUI crash is stressful enough. You have the right to take the time to recover physically, emotionally, and mentally. Let your lawyer do the talking.
Step #5: Speak to a Moncks Corner DUI Accident Lawyer
Navigating a drunk driving accident injury claim is challenging. It is not something that you need to figure out entirely on your own. Professional legal representation can make all the difference in a complicated case. The sooner you consult with a Moncks Corner, SC DUI crash lawyer, the better. Be proactive: Schedule a free consultation with a top attorney right away. Our DUI accident team is ready to review your case, investigate the crash, answer your questions, and develop a personalized strategy focused on getting you justice and the maximum possible financial compensation.
What to Know About Compensation for DUI Accident Victims in South Carolina
Were you hit by a drunk driver in Moncks Corner or elsewhere in South Carolina? You have the right to seek compensation for the full scope of your damages, including your non-economic losses. How much you can actually expect to recover through a claim will depend on a wide range of case-specific factors. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to compensation:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement
- Ambulance transportation
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital bills
- Other health care costs
- Loss of current and future wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death
A Note on Punitive Damages: You may be eligible to get compensation for punitive damages after a DUI crash. Punitive damages may be awarded in South Carolina DUI crash claims when the defendant’s conduct demonstrates willful, wanton, or reckless disregard for the safety of others. Under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 15-32-520), punitive damages are intended to punish egregious misconduct and deter similar future behavior. Driving under the influence (DUI) is often viewed as meeting this threshold, particularly if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was significantly elevated or if the crash resulted in serious harm. Plaintiffs seeking punitive damages must present clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was willful, wanton, or in reckless disregard of the safety of others.
Why Rely On Our Moncks Corner, SC Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
DUI accident claims are complicated. You may be feeling stressed, frustrated, violated, overwhelmed, and in a lot of pain after being hit by a drunk driver. It is imperative that you have strong and experienced advocacy on your side. At the West Law Firm, we are proud to be on the side of victims and families. With a proven record of case results, we hold intoxicated drivers and big insurance companies accountable in civil claims. Your initial consultation with our South Carolina DUI accident lawyer is free, confidential, and carries zero obligations.
Contact Our Moncks Corner DUI Accident Lawyer Today
At the West Law Firm, our Moncks Corner DUI accident attorney puts victims and families first. If you or your loved one was the victim of a DUI wreck, we are standing by, ready to fight for your rights. Call us now or contact us online to set up your free, no-obligation initial appointment. We handle DUI accident cases in Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and Charleston County.