Drunk Driving Victims
Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Charleston, SC
In the United States, Drivers and Pedestrians Suffer:
- 300,000 drunk or drugged driving incidents per day
- 10,265 deaths per year
- 290,000 injuries per year
Experienced drunk driving lawyers holding drunk drivers and parties involved accountable.
South Carolina Law allows families who have lost a loved one and personal injury victims to bring lawsuits against restaurants and bars that may be responsible for letting a drunk driver loose on our roads. Hiring an experienced drunk driving lawyer, such as those at Yelverton Litigators, as soon as possible after an accident is a critical step in holding the drunk driver and the restaurant or bar who got the driver drunk responsible. If you or someone you love has been a victim of a drumk driving accident in Charleston, contact us today or call 828-222-4878 to get legal help.
What Should I Do if a Drunk Driver Hits Me in Charleston?
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being hit by a drunk driver in Charleston, the first step is to prioritize safety. Ensure that everyone involved is out of harm's way and seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to the police, providing them with all necessary details. Remember, your well-being is most important. Once the immediate concerns are addressed, consider reaching out to Yelverton Litigators, your trusted legal allies in Charleston. Our experienced legal team specializes in handling cases involving drunk driving accidents, providing the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident can be overwhelming, but it's essential to protect your rights and seek fair compensation. Yelverton Litigators is well-versed in navigating the complexities of cases involving drunk driving accidents. We understand the local laws and can help you build a solid case. If you've been a victim, our team is here to advocate for you. Whether you're wondering about insurance claims, medical bills, or the legal process, choosing Yelverton Litigators means choosing a dedicated team that will fight for your rights and guide you through the legal maze.
Will The Court Award Punitive Damages in a Charleston Drunk Driving Accident Case?
In Charleston, drunk driving accident cases can be particularly challenging, and one question that often arises is whether the court will award punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their reckless behavior. It's crucial to understand that each case is unique, and the court considers various factors when deciding on punitive damages. Yelverton Litigators can provide the expertise needed to navigate this legal landscape. Our team of drunk driving lawyers will assess your case, explain your options, and work diligently to secure the compensation you may deserve.
When faced with the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, choosing the right legal representation is pivital. Yelverton Litigators stands out as a reliable choice, offering a personalized approach to your case. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate the circumstances surrounding your accident and determine the viability of seeking punitive damages. We understand the intricacies of the legal system in Charleston, ensuring that your case is handled with expertise and care. Trust Yelverton Litigators to be your advocates, fighting to secure the compensation you need to move forward after a drunk driving accident. Contact us today or call 828-222-4878 to get started.
Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers In Charleston, SC
Injuries caused by drunk drivers in Charleston are unfortunately common and can result in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Victims may experience a range of injuries, including but not limited to:
- Whiplash
- Broken Bones
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Contusions and Bruises
- Lacerations and Abrasions
- Emotional Distress, Anxiety, and PTSD
Drunk Driving Victim FAQs:
I got hit by a drunk driver, what am I entitled to?
If you've been hit by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potentially punitive damages, depending on the laws in your jurisdiction and the specifics of your case. It's advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and pursue appropriate legal action.
Can you get compensation if the accident was your fault in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, if you're found to be partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation under the state's comparative negligence law. However, the amount of compensation you receive could be reduced based on your percentage of fault. It's essential to consult with a legal expert familiar with South Carolina law to understand how this applies to your specific situation.
How do I report a drunk driver in Charleston, SC?
To report a drunk driver in South Carolina, you should immediately call 911 or the local police department. Provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including the vehicle's make, model, color, license plate number (if possible), location, and direction of travel. Provide a description of the driver's behavior, such as swerving or erratic driving, to assist law enforcement in locating the vehicle.
How is fault determined in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, fault in a car accident is determined based on the principles of comparative negligence. This means that fault is assigned to each party involved in the accident based on their degree of responsibility. A thorough investigation by insurance companies, law enforcement, and sometimes through legal proceedings, helps determine the percentage of fault for each party involved.
Why Choose Yelverton Litigators as Your Drunk Driving Lawyer in Charleston, SC?
Choosing the right legal representation after a drunk driving accident is crucial, and Yelverton Litigators is here to make that decision easier for you. Our commitment to providing effective legal solutions sets us apart. We understand the challenges you face, from dealing with insurance claims to navigating the legal process, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. Yelverton Litigators is not just a law firm; we're your dedicated partners in seeking justice.
What makes Yelverton Litigators the go-to choice after a drunk driving accident in Charleston? It's our dedication to our clients. Our experienced team of drunk driving attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling drunk driving accident cases, and we bring that expertise to every client we serve. From thorough investigations to strategic legal representation, we prioritize your well-being and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you may deserve. When you choose Yelverton Litigators, you're choosing a legal team that will fight for your rights and provide the support you need during this challenging time. Call us or fill out the form for a free consultation.
Bars and Clubs May Be Liable
The burden of proof generally falls upon the plaintiff to prove that at the time the alcohol was provided to the drunk driver, that the individual was intoxicated. Additionally, the plaintiff must prove that the over serving of alcohol was a cause of the damages complained of by the plaintiff. Early investigation by an experienced dram shop lawyer who knows the liquor liability laws in South Carolina is an essential step in protecting the victim's rights.
South Carolina laws and court holdings lay out the rules that restaurants, bars, nightclubs, social clubs, liquor stores, convenience stores, and even individual people (social hosts) must follow when they serve alcohol. South Carolina has statutes or rules that restaurants and bars must follow when they choose to profit off of the sale of alcohol.
Some of the Rules for Bars and Clubs Are:
- "No holder of a permit authorizing the sale of beer or wine or a servant, agent, or employee of the permittee may knowingly commit any of the following acts upon the licensed premises covered by the holder's permit: (1) sell beer or wine to a person under twenty-one years of age; (2) sell beer or wine to an intoxicated person..." S.C. Code Ann. § 61-4-580.
- "A person or establishment licensed to sell alcoholic liquors or liquor by the drink pursuant to this article may not sell these beverages to persons in an intoxicated condition." S.C. Code Ann. § 61-6-2220.
- "It is unlawful for a person to sell beer, ale, porter, wine, or similar malt or fermented beverage to a person under twenty-one years of age." S.C. Code. Ann. § 61-5-50.
- "It is unlawful for a person to transfer or give to a person under the age of twenty-one years for the purpose of consumption of beer or wine in the State...." S. C. Code. Ann. § 61-4-90.
- "It is unlawful for a person to transfer or give to a person under the age of twenty-one years for the purpose of consumption of alcoholic liquors in the State...." S. C. Code. Ann. § 61-6-4070.
These laws, along with decades of court cases, put restaurants and bars on notice that they will be held accountable if they are irresponsible when selling alcohol.
Importance of Early Investigation
It is very important that a dram shop attorney be hired as soon as possible after the drunk driving accident so that a full investigation can be conducted immediately. There are statues of limitations on cases against the restaurant, bar or club and it is important that the attorney for the family started an investigation as soon as practical after the accident. Eyewitnesses that can testify to the drunk driver's level of intoxication at the restaurant or bar must be identified. Video evidence must be preserved. Sales receipts and records must be obtained.
Our law firm is experienced in handling cases against bars and clubs who have over served a customer who then injured or killed others while driving drunk. When you or a loved one have been injured in a drunk driving accident involving serious injuries or the loss of a family member, often the drunk driver doesn't have enough liability insurance to cover the damages. The ability to bring a restaurant, bar or club to court to answer for their responsibility in over serving the drunk driver is sometimes the only civil justice available in many serious injury or wrongful death accidents.