Columbia DUI Accident Attorney
As much as 38 percent of all car accident deaths in South Carolina are related to drunk driving, and more than 1,900 people have died over the last five years as a result of DUI accidents. DUI is an umbrella term that covers the act or crime of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. When you experience being the victim of a DUI accident, call our Columbia DUI accident attorney right away.
The menace that driving under the influence causes to victims may extend over the duration of their lifetime. From minor accidents to severe ones and even wrongful death, the effect of a DUI accident is often tragic. To keep the driveway safe in Columbia, SC, drunk or drugged drivers have to be held liable for their actions – not only in the criminal justice system but also in a civil court.
Victims of DUI accidents in South Carolina deserve all the comfort they can get. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a DUI driver in Columbia, our team at Marc Brown Law Firm will be your legal stronghold and make sure that justice is served.
DUI accident claims in South Carolina
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 44% of all traffic fatalities in South Carolina in one recent year were caused by alcohol-impaired driving.
A driver will be considered to be ‘under the influence’ in South Carolina if the blood alcohol content (BAC) is “0.08 percent” or higher. Generally, a driver impaired or under the influence of drugs will also be considered incapable of driving.
A drunk driver will be held responsible for any accident resulting from DUI. This is regardless of whether or not the driver is above the legal limit.
Depending on the nature of the accident and how skilled your DUI accident lawyer is, other persons may also be held responsible for your injuries. These persons include:
- The social hosts. This is for instances where a host served alcohol to minors.
- Businesses that serve alcohol. The liability of certain businesses that serve alcohol is a known principle from the popular ‘dramshop’ laws.
Recovering compensation in a DUI accident
Victim or loved ones of a DUI accident are entitled to financial compensation from the intoxicated or impaired driver. If it is proved that the actions of the drunk driver were the direct cause of your injuries, you’re entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical bills resulting from the accident, including future treatments.
- The ‘pain and suffering’ as a result of the accident.
- Payment of lost wages. This also includes consideration for future loss of income as a result of reduced capacity to work.
In a lot of cases too, the liable drunk driver will be required to pay you additional ‘punitive damages’ to prevent future wrongdoing and punish the defendant. This ‘damages’ may be given to you if the actions of the driver were found to be egregiously reckless and likely to cause serious harm. Though usually awarded by the court, your DUI accident lawyer can factor this in when negotiating your compensation with the liable parties.
Get in touch with an experienced Columbia DUI Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one gets injured in a DUI accident in Columbia, you are entitled to maximum financial compensation. Only an experienced Columbia DUI accident victim lawyer can get you this. Our legal team at Marc Brown Law Firm is ready to get you or your loved one the due compensation you deserve.
