Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer in Orangeburg, SC

Alcohol & Drug Related Accidents

Attorney Harrison Saunders
Drunk Driving Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Support for Victims of Drunk Driving Accidents

If you’ve been affected by a drunk driving accident, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to face this journey without support. With a compassionate and dedicated approach, our firm guides clients through the legal process, helping to clarify rights and pursue the compensation deserved. Drawing on extensive experience with drunk driving accident cases, our focus remains on easing your burdens and working tirelessly to secure justice.

Why Choose Us as Your Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer?

Choosing the right legal team after a traumatic accident is essential. Our commitment to you goes beyond legal representation; we offer compassionate, personalized service for each of our clients. We know how overwhelming it is to handle the aftermath of a drunk driving accident, so we focus on providing comprehensive legal support that you can rely on.

  • Extensive Experience: While each case is unique, our firm has handled numerous drunk driving cases, working diligently to pursue fair compensation for clients affected by these incidents.
  • Compassionate, Client-Focused Approach: We genuinely care about your recovery and well-being, taking the time to understand your unique needs and goals.
  • Results-Driven Representation: From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Drunk Driving Accidents and Your Rights

Drunk driving accidents are tragic and often avoidable. Intoxicated drivers pose a serious risk to everyone on the road. If you or a loved one was injured by a drunk driver, you have the right to pursue compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.

Knowing your rights and options is the first step toward recovery, and we’re here to guide you through each one. We’ll walk you through a few things you should know.

Common Injuries from Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving accidents frequently result in severe, life-altering injuries. We understand the impact these injuries have on your daily life and future. For an accident victim, its not uncommon to see these types of injuries:

Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be life-changing, often resulting in partial or complete paralysis and requiring extensive, ongoing medical care. Individuals with these injuries may need assistive devices, physical therapy, and adaptive home modifications, significantly impacting both their independence and quality of life.

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can lead to lasting cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges. These injuries often affect memory, attention, mood regulation, and motor skills, impacting a person’s ability to work, engage in daily activities, and maintain relationships. Long-term rehabilitation and specialized care are frequently needed to support recovery and quality of life.
  • Broken Bones & Fractures: Severe fractures may require multiple surgeries, immobilization, and extensive rehabilitation to regain mobility and strength. Complications like infections or improper healing can extend recovery time, limiting physical activities and, in some cases, leading to chronic pain or disability.
  • Internal Injuries: Internal injuries, such as damage to organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys, can be life-threatening and require immediate, intensive medical care. These injuries often lead to prolonged hospital stays, surgeries, and a long-term treatment plan to manage any resulting health complications.

These injuries affect not only your physical health but also your emotional and financial stability. After a drunk driving accident, we’re here to help you pursue the resources you need for a complete recovery.

The Legal Process for Drunk Driving Accident Cases

We aim to make the legal process as smooth as possible for you. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect when working with us:

  1. Free Consultation*: In your initial consultation, we’ll discuss the details of your accident, answer your questions, and explain your options.
  2. Evidence Collection: We gather crucial evidence to support your case, such as police reports, witness statements, and any available records regarding the intoxicated driver’s BAC level.
  3. Filing a Personal Injury Claim: We handle submitting claims to the responsible driver’s insurance company, ensuring accuracy and thorough documentation.
  4. Negotiation: Our team negotiates with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
  5. Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we’re prepared to take your case to trial, advocating for justice and the compensation you deserve.

Compensation Available for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

We’re committed to helping you seek fair compensation for the full extent of your losses. Here are the types of damages you may be entitled to:

  • Medical Expenses: This includes all your medical bills, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to your inability to work and any future income loss.
  • Pain and Suffering: Recognizing the emotional and physical distress you’ve endured.
  • Property Damage: Coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the accident.
  • Wrongful Death Claims: If you lost a loved one in a drunk driving accident, we can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, loss of income, and loss of companionship.

We work diligently to ensure that the compensation covers both your immediate needs and any ongoing care and support.

Image showing blurred view of what a drunk driver might see while driving and causing an accident where victims would need a drunk driving accident lawyer

Proving Fault in Drunk Driving Accidents

Establishing fault is crucial in drunk driving cases, and our team is skilled at gathering the evidence needed to prove the driver’s liability. Here’s how we work to build a solid case:

  • BAC Level Evidence: Evidence of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is critical in proving intoxication. By analyzing police reports, breathalyzer results, and medical records, we establish the driver’s BAC at the time of the accident. This concrete evidence demonstrates the level of impairment, helping to strengthen your case and proving the driver’s negligence.
  • Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses provide valuable context and support for your account of the accident. We carefully gather statements from bystanders, other drivers, and anyone present at the scene to confirm details of the driver’s behavior, the impact, and other critical factors that reinforce your case.
  • Expert Testimony: For complex cases, we may consult accident reconstruction experts to analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, and patterns of impact. These specialists can clarify the sequence of events and corroborate your claims, providing a detailed, professional perspective that can be compelling evidence in court.

With our experienced legal team by your side, you can rest assured that we’ll present a compelling case for maximum compensation and hold the drunk driver accountable.

The Challenges of Drunk Driving Accident Cases

Drunk driving cases can be challenging due to complex insurance negotiations and the need for compelling evidence. Our team is prepared to tackle these challenges head-on:

  • Insurance Company Tactics: Insurance companies for drunk drivers often employ tactics to reduce their payouts, such as questioning the extent of your injuries, suggesting pre-existing conditions, or offering quick, low-ball settlements. They may also attempt to place partial blame on you to limit their responsibility. Having experienced representation means you have someone advocating for the full value of your claim, countering these tactics, and negotiating for fair compensation based on the true impact of the accident on your life.
  • Criminal vs. Civil Cases: A DUI accident can involve both criminal charges against the impaired driver and a civil claim you can file for personal compensation. The criminal case focuses on penalizing the drunk driver for breaking the law, while your civil claim aims to secure financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We help you navigate the distinctions between these cases, ensuring you understand how each affects your pursuit of justice and compensation.
  • Long-Term Impact: Car accident injuries often have lasting effects, including ongoing medical expenses, rehabilitation, loss of earning potential, and emotional distress. We work to calculate not only your current damages but also the future costs of care, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments needed for a full recovery. By addressing these long-term needs, we aim to secure a settlement that fairly reflects the full scope of the accident’s impact on your life, allowing you to focus on rebuilding.

Our approach is designed to overcome these obstacles, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Why Hire a Drunk Driving Lawyer

Having the right lawyer can make all the difference in a drunk driving accident case. Here’s why choosing an experienced attorney is so important:

  • Legal Knowledge: Our attorneys understand personal injury law and how to navigate the complexities of drunk driving cases.
  • Negotiation Skills: We know how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters to secure a fair settlement.
  • Courtroom Experience: If your case requires a trial, we’re prepared to represent you and fight for justice.
  • Empathy and Support: Our team provides compassionate support, ensuring you never feel alone during this difficult time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drunk Driving Accidents

How much does a drunk driving accident lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis*, which means you only pay if we secure compensation for you.

What compensation can I expect from a DUI accident?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

How long does a DUI accident case take?

The length of time varies based on case complexity, but we keep you informed every step of the way.

What should I do after a DUI accident?

Seek medical attention, contact the police, gather evidence, and consult an attorney as soon as possible.

Free Consultation* for Drunk Driving Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, reach out to us for a no-obligation, free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you explore your legal options. You don’t have to face this alone—let us provide the support and representation you need.

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