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    Drunk driving is reckless and illegal. Yet every day, drivers under the influence cause serious crashes, injuring innocent people. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The Columbia drunk driving accident attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers can explain your options in a clear and compassionate way. We’re committed to helping accident victims with the legal process with confidence and without unnecessary stress.

    Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is recklessly irresponsible, yet thousands of people are injured and killed in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents caused by drunk drivers every year. In fact, South Carolina has the 3rd highest fatality rate from crashes involving drunk drivers in the nation. We also hold the dubious honor of ranking 6th in the U.S. for drunk driving accidents caused by underage drinking.

    At Joye Law Firm, we know the impact a drunk driving accident can have on your life. Since 1968, our award-winning firm has secured over half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured individuals and families in Columbia and throughout South Carolina. When you’ve been hurt by an intoxicated driver, the physical injuries, emotional distress, and mounting medical bills can be overwhelming. Our team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward.

     

    How Our Columbia Personal Injury Lawyer Supports Drunk Driving Accident Victims

    We Understand What You’re Going Through

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm has represented thousands of injured clients across South Carolina, including many people in Columbia who were hurt by drunk drivers. We understand the real-life struggles you’re facing: the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial pressure from medical bills and missed work.

    We’ve seen the long-term impact of drunk driving accidents, and we know what it takes to fight for those affected. Our work is grounded in real cases and actual results. That’s how we’ve earned the trust of families across the state. These are a few of the results we’ve achieved for victims of drunk driving:

    Built on Experience and Focused on Results

    Our team brings decades of legal experience to every car accident case. We thoroughly investigate the crash, collect medical records, review the police report, and consult with medical professionals and other experts as needed. We gather witness statements and other key evidence that may help prove the other driver’s fault. We also review driving records to determine if this is a pattern of behavior and footage from bars or restaurants the at-fault driver visited prior to the crash. This thorough investigation helps build a solid case that allows you to pursue maximum compensation for your car accident claim. Whether you’re dealing with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or long-term disability, our job is to help you prepare for what’s next.

    Clear Communication Throughout Your Case

    We know how frustrating it is to be left in the dark when you’re recovering from a drunk driving collision. That’s why we prioritize transparency. You’ll receive regular updates on your case, and we’ll explain each step clearly, so you always know what’s happening.

    We deal directly with insurance companies and insurance adjusters, so you don’t have to. Many insurers try to pressure victims into accepting low offers before they even know the full impact of their injuries. We protect you from that. Our goal is to handle the legal process so you can focus on your health and your family.

    You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

    At Joye Law Firm, we’re known for our No Fee Guarantee. That means you don’t pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. This allows you to focus on getting the care you need without worrying about the cost of legal assistance.

    We’re proud to be a trusted source of support for Columbia residents facing the aftermath of a drunk driving accident. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen. We’ll walk you through your options and help you decide the next steps based on your case.

    Why Drunk Driving Accidents Are Different

    Drunk driving accidents are not like other car accident cases. When a driver under the influence causes a crash, both civil and criminal charges may result. While the criminal justice system handles penalties such as fines or jail time, it does nothing to compensate for your injuries or losses. That’s the role of personal injury claims. Filing a claim allows you to hold the at-fault driver financially responsible for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages.

    DUI cases can also involve punitive damages, awarded to punish drivers whose actions were especially reckless. This can include drivers who were far above the legal limit or whose impaired state contributed to a collision. Additionally, insurance companies often defend these cases aggressively, aiming to minimize payouts. Having a knowledgeable drunk driving accident lawyer on your side can help protect your interests.

    At Joye Law Firm, our Columbia personal injury lawyers understand the emotional toll these accidents can take. Our team is dedicated to securing fair compensation that covers all the damages involved in the accident.

    What South Carolina Law Says About Blood Alcohol Content

    Driving under the influence is a crime in South Carolina. If a law enforcement officer suspects a driver to be under the influence, they may subject the driver to a field sobriety test. Additionally, a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) can be tested by breathalyzer, blood, and/or urine testing. Exceeding the legal limit can lead to the driver being charged with a criminal offense.

    The legal limits for BAC in South Carolina are:Blood Alcohol Content Limits

    • .08 percent for those aged 21 or older operating non-commercial vehicles
    • .04 percent for operators of commercial vehicles over the age of 21
    • .02 percent for drivers under the age of 21

    Even if the driver’s BAC did not exceed the legal limit, it does not mean they can escape criminal charges or civil liability. Recovering damages in a personal injury case is easier if the at-fault driver was charged with a DUI at the time of the accident. However, it is not required. Any amount of impairment can serve as evidence that the driver was negligent and caused the accident.

    Holding All Liable Parties Responsible

    Sometimes, another’s negligent actions also contributed to the drunk driver being on the road and injuring the victim. There are several legal theories under which a third party, meaning someone other than the intoxicated driver, may be held liable for damage caused by the drunk driver.

    South Carolina’s dram shop law applies to a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol to:

    • A minor under the age of 21
    • A noticeably intoxicated adult who drove

    If the minor or intoxicated adult later caused an accident, the bar or restaurant can potentially be held liable and be required to pay damages to the victim. This is because the bar or restaurant reasonably should foresee a young or intoxicated person would consume the alcohol served to them, drive drunk, and injure someone.

    Social host liability may exist for individuals providing alcohol to minors under age 21 at parties or other events. A social host includes an individual host, club, employer, fraternity, etc.

    Under a theory of negligent entrustment, a victim may recover damages from the owner of a vehicle driven by an intoxicated person. The vehicle owner may be held liable if he or she allows someone to use the vehicle who was intoxicated, or if the vehicle owner knew that the driver was likely to become drunk.

    Negligence Per Se

    Violation of South Carolina’s DUI law can be considered negligence per se in a personal injury case. This means that committing a DUI is negligent as a matter of law. To recover damages, the victim only needs to prove that the driver violated the law to establish negligence. Then, as long as the harm suffered was of the sort that the statute intended to protect against, for example, a victim of a car accident caused by a drunk driver, the driver is per se negligent. The victim then must only prove that the negligence proximately caused the accident.

    Common Injuries After a Drunk Driving Accident

    Here are the common injuries victims face after a car accident involving a drunk driver:

    • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Damage to the brain can result from head strikes, violent jolts, or impact inside the skull. TBIs often require ongoing medical care and can permanently affect memory, thinking, and coordination.
    • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine can lead to nerve damage, paralysis, or reduced mobility. Many victims face long-term rehabilitation after these injuries.
    • Broken Bones and Fractures: These injuries range from simple fractures to complex breaks that may need surgical repair and extended physical therapy.
    • Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding may not be visible immediately after the crash, but can become life-threatening without fast medical attention.
    • Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress often follow serious crashes, especially when caused by a reckless drunk driver.
    • Permanent Disability: In severe cases, injuries like spinal cord damage or brain injuries can lead to lifelong disability, impacting independence and earning ability.
    • Wrongful Death: Some victims don’t survive. Families of those lost due to drunk driving collisions can pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

    Compensation You Can Recover

    Here’s a breakdown of the compensation you may be entitled to:

    • Medical Expenses: You can recover the cost of hospital visits, surgery, medication, follow-up care, and therapy related to the accident.
    • Future Medical Treatment: If your injuries require long-term or lifetime care, those future expenses can be included in your settlement or verdict.
    • Lost Wages: If you missed work due to the accident, you may be compensated for lost income during recovery.
    • Reduced Earning Capacity: If your injuries limit your ability to return to the same kind of work, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced future earnings.
    • Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress that result from the accident and its injuries, both present and future.
    • Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the trauma of the crash can also be factored into your damages.
    • Punitive Damages: In some DUI accident cases, the court may award extra damages to punish the drunk driver for reckless behavior.
    • Out-of-Pocket Costs: This may include travel to medical appointments, at-home care, or assistive equipment related to your injuries.
    • Wrongful Death Damages: If a loved one died due to the accident, eligible family members may seek damages for funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional loss.

    We evaluate every aspect of your situation to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. Our legal team works closely with doctors, financial experts, and insurers to make sure no detail is overlooked in your case.

    Steps to Take After a Drunk Driving Crash

    1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

    After a crash involving a drunk driver, the first step is to call the police. Officers will investigate the scene and prepare a formal police report, which can be used later in your personal injury claim. If the other driver shows signs of intoxication, police may perform sobriety or breathalyzer tests, helping confirm that their legal limit was exceeded.

    2. Take Photos of the Accident Scene

    If you are physically able, use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene. Focus on:

    • Vehicle damage
    • Road conditions
    • Skid marks
    • Traffic signs
    • Visible injuries

    These images help document what happened and can be helpful when pursuing your car accident claim.

    3. Collect Witness Information

    If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact details. Witnesses may be crucial in confirming that the intoxicated driver was responsible for the collision. Their statements can help strengthen your case during negotiations or in court.

    4. Seek Immediate Medical Care

    Some injuries, like internal injuries or traumatic brain injuries, may not be obvious right after the accident. Visit a hospital or clinic for evaluation, even if you feel fine. Documentation from medical professionals will support your car accident case and connect your injuries directly to the crash.

    5. Speak to a Columbia Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

    Before you speak with insurance companies or insurance adjusters, contact a trusted Columbia drunk driving accident attorney. Insurers often look for reasons to reduce or deny your claim. A lawyer from Joye Law Firm can handle communications, protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process from day one.

    FAQs About Drunk Driving Accidents in Columbia, SC

    Columbia Drunk Driving

    How long do I have to file a drunk driving accident claim in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving drunk driving accidents, is typically three years from the date of the accident. However, certain circumstances can affect this timeframe. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

    Can I pursue compensation if the drunk driver was acquitted of DUI?

    Yes. A criminal DUI conviction is not required for you to file a personal injury claim. Civil claims focus on negligence, and any level of driver impairment can potentially be used as evidence. Even if the driver avoids criminal charges, you may still pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

    What if the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured?

    If the at-fault drunk driver lacks sufficient insurance, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help cover your damages. A lawyer can help you explore this option and ensure your own insurance company treats your claim fairly.

    How long does a drunk driving accident case typically take to resolve?

    The timeframe varies depending on factors such as case complexity, injury severity, and cooperation from the insurance company. Many cases settle within a few months, but if litigation becomes necessary, it may take a year or more. A Columbia drunk driving accident attorney can provide a more personalized estimate based on your situation.

    Can I still recover damages if I was partially at fault for the accident?

    Possibly. South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, though your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. An attorney can help evaluate fault and fight for the maximum possible recovery.

    Call Joye Law Firm for a Free Consultation to Hold Drunk Drivers Accountable

    If you or a loved one were injured in a drunk driving accident in Columbia, don’t wait to get help. Joye Law Firm has been helping accident victims in South Carolina recover compensation after injuries caused by negligent drivers. Our Columbia personal injury lawyer team is ready to review your case and explain how we can help you seek justice and recovery.

    We understand how overwhelming a driving accident can be. Let our legal team handle the paperwork, negotiations, and court filings while you focus on healing. There’s no risk in calling us. Our consultations are free, and we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

    Call Joye Law Firm today at (888) 324-3100 to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after your crash.

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