Despite the well-documented dangers of drinking and driving, drunk driving accidents continue to wreak havoc in Summerville and Dorchester County. Data from the state Department of Public Safety show that nine fatal DUI crashes occurred in Dorchester in one recent year, along with 610 non-fatal DUI crashes. While many drunk drivers face criminal charges after a collision, many victims turn to a Summerville drunk driving accident attorney for justice.
The Summerville car accident lawyers with Murphy Crantford Meehan understand the catastrophic toll of DUI crashes all too well. If a drunk driver injured you in a collision, our Summerville drunk driving accident lawyers can help you seek fair compensation. We can build an effective case against the drunk driver and other potentially liable parties, such as whoever served them. Our drunk driving accident attorneys in Summerville can also document all your losses from the crash to maximize your claim’s value. You don’t owe us any fees unless you recover compensation, and your initial consultation is free. Call now or complete our contact form to learn more. Hiring a car accident attorney is important to handle the complexities of car accident litigation and secure the best possible outcome. It is also crucial to involve the drunk driver’s insurance company when seeking financial recovery after a drunk driving accident.
After a drunk driving accident, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Murphy Crantford Meehan is here to make it easier for you. Our team can handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies. We gather critical evidence, including police reports, BAC test results, and witness statements, to build a strong claim.
Filing a car accident claim in South Carolina involves several steps, including filing claims against the drunk driver’s insurance company. Our expertise ensures that you are well-represented throughout the process.
Dealing with insurance companies can be stressful, especially when they try to minimize your compensation. We can handle all communication with insurers to see they treat your claim fairly. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for fair compensation.
Our attorneys also can assess the full impact of the crash on your life, including medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. We work to maximize your compensation so you can focus on your recovery instead of worrying about bills.
By hiring Murphy Crantford Meehan, you gain an advocate who simplifies the legal process and protects your rights. Let us handle the paperwork, phone calls, and legal strategies while you focus on healing.
Contact us now
(843) 376-4030
Like most states, South Carolina has strict drunk driving laws. If the police catch a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, the driver is guilty of DUI per se.
While having a BAC of 0.08 or higher is the most common cause of DUI arrests, it’s not the only cause. South Carolina law also prohibits anyone from driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol if their ability to handle a car is impaired. In other words, the police can still arrest and charge someone with a BAC lower than 0.08 percent. This law matters because any amount of alcohol can compromise someone’s ability to drive a car safely.
There are many ways that a drunk driver can cause a collision, such as:
Distracted driving is another significant factor contributing to car accidents, often compared to drunk driving due to its serious consequences and the responsibility of drivers to remain vigilant.
Tractor Trailer collision
Boating Accident
Tractor Trailer collision
Single Car Collision
Premise Liability Case (Fall from broken chair)
While a drunk driver is responsible for their decision to drink and drive, other parties sometimes contribute to a collision. For example, South Carolina law says it’s illegal for bars, restaurants, and other vendors to knowingly sell alcohol to an intoxicated person. If a vendor sold alcohol to someone who later caused a crash, the vendor could be partly liable under dram shop laws.
In addition to holding the drunk driver accountable, it is crucial to obtain information from the drunk driver’s insurance company to file a claim and recover financial compensation. This can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and other costs associated with the accident.
There are also rare circumstances where other parties contribute to a drunk driving crash. For example, a catastrophic brake failure could make it harder for a drunk driver to control their car. In circumstances like this, the car’s manufacturer or a parts maker could be partly liable for a drunk driving collision. Our attorneys can conduct a thorough crash investigation to identify everyone liable for your injuries.
Because drunk driving accidents often happen at high speeds and cause severe injuries, it’s essential to seek maximum compensation for your losses. A car accident lawsuit can help you recover various types of damages, including both economic and non-economic damages. Car accident lawsuits distinguish between economic damages, which compensate for expenses incurred due to the accident, and non-economic damages, which aim to reimburse for subjective injuries.
Our lawyers can help you seek compensation for all the harm you’ve suffered, which could include money for:
Summerville car accidents are frequent, with statistics from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety highlighting negligent driving behaviors, such as distracted and aggressive driving, as significant factors contributing to these accidents.
Here are some of the most common questions we receive about drunk driving crashes in Summerville, along with their answers:
The first thing to do after a drunk driving accident is to report the crash to the police. Once you’ve done that and sought medical treatment, follow these steps to protect your rights:
Follow your doctor’s orders and attend all your follow-up appointments
Keep your medical bills, receipts, and other proof of your accident-related expenses
Make copies of your medical records so you have proof of your injuries
Don’t discuss the crash publicly or on social media
Do not give any statements to insurance companies without talking to a lawyer first
Speak to a drunk driving accident lawyer in Summerville about your case
Per South Carolina law, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of a drunk driving crash. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your chance to recover compensation for your injuries. However, we urge you to speak to an attorney right away so they can gather and preserve essential evidence.
It’s undeniably frustrating when a drunk driver doesn’t face criminal penalties for their actions. However, the lack of criminal charges or a conviction doesn’t mean you can’t seek compensation for your injuries. A personal injury lawsuit is a civil matter, so it’s distinct from any charges the state might file after a crash.
Furthermore, the burden of proof is lower in civil cases than criminal cases. While the state must prove a defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt” in a criminal trial, that’s not the case for civil suits. To win a personal injury lawsuit, you only need to prove the defendant injured you based on “the preponderance of the evidence.” In other words, you must show that it’s more likely than not that the drunk driver caused your injuries.
You can still recover compensation for your injuries if you played a role in a drunk driving accident. Under South Carolina’s comparative negligence rules, you can still seek compensation as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less. However, your compensation would be reduced accordingly to your share of liability.
So, for example, suppose you’re 20 percent liable for a drunk driving accident. In this example, you would lose 20 percent of your overall compensation. The comparative negligence system acknowledges the complex factors in many personal injury cases and provides a partial remedy for those who contributed to their own injuries.
A drunk driving accident is a tragedy, but it doesn’t have to define your life. A personal injury claim can provide the resources you need to heal and move forward. Our Summerville drunk driving accident lawyers are fully prepared to take your case and help you find justice. Call Murphy Crantford Meehan now or reach out online for a free consultation. Our lawyers can get you the compensation you deserve.
Well-Respected
Murphy Crantford Meehan – striving to get justice for Our clients. we believe in a good and honest fight, and we will not stop at anything.
