Helping Victims of DUI-Related Accidents Recover From Tragedy

South Carolina is one of the worst states for drunk driving fatalities – as much as 38% of all car accident deaths in the state are a result of DUI crashes. DUI (driving under the influence) is an umbrella term that covers the act or crime of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and it is against the law in Columbia and across the country.

In the United States, a driver is deemed to be legally impaired by alcohol if their blood-alcohol content (BAC) reaches or exceeds 0.08 percent. Even if a driver's BAC falls below the legal limit, if they are impaired by alcohol or drugs, they will still be held accountable for any accidents resulting from driving under the influence.

An intoxicated driver can be held responsible for a number of things.

If a DUI accident victim or a close relative of someone who was killed or injured can prove a drunk driver was to blame, the intoxicated driver who caused the accident may be held responsible for:

• Medical expenses such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgery, aftercare, lab testing, medications and more.

• Estimated future medical treatment costs when a DUI-related accident results in a severe injury requiring extensive recovery or permanent disability necessitating ongoing care.

• Lost wages for missing work because of DUI-related accident injuries, hospitalizations, and rehabilitation.

• Physical and/or emotional pain and suffering.

Intoxicated drivers may, in certain cases, be subject to paying extra penalties known as punitive damages. These damages are only applicable in the most blatant cases and are intended as a form of punishment to dissuade drivers from repeating such behavior in the future.

How do I recover compensation if the intoxicated driver does not have insurance?

There are also some instances when other drivers do not have any insurance – or do not have enough insurance – to cover the total losses that arise from a DUI-related accident crash they caused. In these situations, those who have been injured or lost a loved one may have other options for recovering compensation, such as:

• Making an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim with your own insurance company if the driver has insufficient coverage or no insurance at all.

• Filing a dram shop liability claim. Dram shop laws allow establishments that serve alcohol to intoxicated customers to be held responsible for DUI-related accident losses.

Demonstrating that the other driver was drunk or under the influence of drugs and that this impaired their driving ability is a key part of a DUI case. Our attorneys are experienced in navigating South Carolina DUI car accidents. Having an HHP Law Group attorney by your side to handle the legal aspects of a claim allows you to focus on your recovery and rehabilitation. You shouldn't be responsible for losses caused by a negligent driver.

If you or a family member is a DUI accident victim, you deserve compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.